2 Years Gone

Posted on June 21, 2014 by liguriansun

“Do not cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.”-Dr. Seuss

Yesterday, I walked out of the building for the last time as a teacher. Saying goodbyes to colleagues I wouldn’t see this summer, I eventually choked up on my way out the door, overwhelmed that I was leaving my favorite job, my favorite apartment, and my beautiful home in Europe, walking distance to the sea.

This was a dream I had for many, many years – probably since I took my first trip to Europe in 1997: Paris, the Riviera and Rome. The tour also included Florence and Assisi — and I realized I loved Europe, loved the way I felt in Europe, and wanted more. I studied abroad in England in 2001. I backpacked alone for the first time that summer. I came back the following summer for more. I kept coming back. I remember telling a close friend,”When I close my eyes, I see Europe. It’s all I want.” I dreamed, and schemed, and then in January 2012 I accepted my job, in a story as told here when I celebrated 6 months in Europe. I almost chickened out, but I knew in my gut it was the right step, a necessary check on my timeline. And when it was time to decide whether to stay in this beautiful, peaceful, comfortable life or move on to my next adventures, I waffled and struggled, but for many reasons, I knew that it was time for NY. Maybe not forever, maybe just for a year or two, but for some reason, it’s time to be in NY. When confronted with the easy path or the hard one, I know I will grow from the challenging path. As weird as it sounds, the challenge at this point is to move home. I have enjoyed every moment of my time here, and rather than stay and resent certain things or wonder what if, I am leaving at my peak of enjoyment, preserving the memory. But before I tie the bow on this experience, I have a Grand European Farewell Tour!

I remember my New York Grand Farewell Tour. From February until my August departure, I savored every moment of my life in New York, visiting things like a tourist, going out with my friends as much as possible, and realizing how great things were at home. With this new trajectory, I scraped off my barnacles and felt revitalized and full of energy. Of course, none of this was easy. The emotions of leaving my job, friends, family, car and familiarity; the bureaucratic paperwork that took until just days before I hopped onto my plane–my friends wondering if I’d even be able to go when I was at my farewell party; packing my apartment for storage and shipping some belongings overseas; completing the days of paperwork and office visits upon arrival; figuring out how to get a cell phone and internet, how to ask for things at the grocery store, how to call a taxi, where to find tacos, where to buy cheddar (not in Italy!), where to get deodorant with antiperspirant; cooking daily; purchasing and riding a scooter; retrieving contacts stuck in customs; changing that strange fluorescent light bulb; getting the guy to get the geckos out of your water heater; getting stuck places because of delays or train strikes; dealing with Italy in general. But it was all worth it, and it was all possible thanks to the kindness of my colleagues and the patience of my friends and family who listened to my homesick gripes as they faded. Genoa became my home.

They say you can’t go home again, so I know I’ll have to reacclimatize to New York City, finding my more relaxed Mediterranean ways might not suit me well in the frenzied city. Yet I will have friends, family, and all the things I’ve been missing. I am setting new goals, treating my time back in NY as possibly temporary, so I need to enjoy it while I can. I want a nice apartment (no downgrades since I love what I have now); I have my leased car and I’m going to get a scooter there as well! I’m going to try out more adventure activities (rock climbing, kayaking, whatever comes my way). I’m going to do more US travel on the weekend. Friends in Cali and Chicago, I’ve never been to Colorado, Skiing in Vermont — so much to see! I’m going out in the city as much as possible mixed with many chill dinners at home with my closest friends. I’m also looking forward to my cats; I’ve been known to Skype them.

The job search from abroad was certainly tricky. I had resigned from the NY City public schools, so I wasn’t guaranteed a job in the system. I had to apply to even be considered as a candidate. Then I had to find the right fit. All through email or skype and with a time difference. Yet it worked out!

I absolutely love where I work now. I’m happy to say that my new school is also an excellent match for me: internationally minded,with coworkers who have worked abroad and/or traveled extensively like me, IB-inspired, semi-selective and serving a community of students who want a rigorous curriculum despite their incoming scores (except for the honors classes–which are selected). I will only be teaching 11th grade plus one elective (currently I teach 8,9,10,11,12). I enjoyed the variety of 5 grades, although it will be nice to just have one preparation so I can focus. I really liked what I saw when I flew in last month for both the school visit and a wedding, Just before I received the official job offer, my boss told me that my job opened up again here. I had agonized over the decision, spent a long time preparing for my job search, and ended up with something special and rare. I knew I couldn’t second guess. I just had to go, so I accepted the offer and am on my way.

But first:

A few days here to enjoy the gorgeous weather of June in Genoa. Days at beach, nights at beachside bars, perhaps dancing. Riding my scooter all around. Then next week, I fly to Belgium to visit my friends in Ghent and enjoy a charming canal view hotel room in Bruges. Upon my return, I have some time in Genoa again before Krakow with a friend for 4th of July weekend. I fly back, then that evening, two great friends from NY will be staying with me to explore the region. After they leave, I have a day to pack for my big adventure and pack up my apartment for the big move. I head to Interlaken, Switzerland in the Alps for a charming 2 nights on Lake Brienz, one of my favorite spots in the world. Peaceful reflection, hiking, biking, swimming. . . ahh! Next, I take a train to Constance, Germany where I meet up with my father. We will visit spas, museums, and explore with a car. Next, we take a train to Merano in the Dolomites, for hiking and fresh air, followed by Trieste where we meet a family friend, then a drive to Lake Bled, Slovenia (new country for me!), then to Rimini for a night, a quick peek at San Marino, then finally a couple of nights in the Cinque Terre before my shippers come. Dad and I enjoy a couple of days in Genoa, he leaves, then I have a few final days before back to the USA. It’s been great, and there are great things ahead.

My 10th grade students were so sad I was leaving. They wrote a sweet card, thanking me for “Being the Best English Teacher We Ever Had” and gave me this gorgeous Murano Glass Heart necklace. So touched!

I was wearing the perfect outfit for this sweet gift. That evening, I went to Milan for the evening to meet up with my brother and his girlfriend who just arrived from NY. This is in my hotel room there. I spent a lot of time in Milan hotel rooms coming and going somewhere special or meeting with friends and family.

For our last Italian class, we walked down to the sea for aperitivo and Italian conversation. Our colleague/teacher gave us these wonderful gifts so we can take a bit of Genoa with us!

I’m enjoying every moment. Right now, I’m enjoying a lazy day in bed, the door open to my terrace as the sunshine spills in, birds singing sweet melodies that are the soundtrack to my life here along with the occasional scooter. I have the peace and time to reflect. Content. Filled with gratitude. I have been truly blessed.

U.C. Sampdoria vs. Fiorentina — Football game in Genoa

Posted on March 30, 2014 by liguriansun

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a colleague explaining that Sampdoria has invited us to the stadium for free. They needed some teachers to chaperone, and I said I’d be interested. There are two major football clubs in Genoa: Genoa and Sampdoria. Both play in the same stadium, a 15 minute scooter ride from my apartment. I always felt I’d be a Genoa fan because, well it has the name! And a bunch of my friends and colleagues support Genoa. I guess Genoa is like the Yankees of NY. The others support Sampdoria. (The Mets of Genoa?). I can’t compare to US soccer teams because I don’t follow them, and NY doesn’t have two. Anyways, fans are fiercely supportive of their club and the rivalry, so when Dave announced the tickets were for Sampdoria during a group assembly, some cheered, and about half the crowd booed: Genoa fans. With all my weekend travel, I never made it to a Genoa game, although I gladly accepted this opportunity and rooted for Sampdoria.

I looked up their colors, Blue, White, Black and Red — fusing the colors when they combined two clubs into one team at some point in the past. Since a lot of my friends were Genoa fans, they said they’d root for Fiorentina, so I didn’t wear colors for either team — trying to be neutral. Silly decision, ultimately. So, 170 people total lined up near Gate 7: parents, students, and teachers to enjoy a game on this warm, sunny Sunday. As we walked in to our seats, they handed us some Sampdoria swag, including a flag to wave, a clapper to make some noise, and even a snack! (Good marketing, Sampdoria!). We sat together in our neatly formed groups, a few players jumped over from the warmup to pose for a picture with all of us, then jumped back to complete their warm up.

I love soccer. I really do. Why don’t I ever watch games live or on TV? I say this every time the World Cup rolls around. “This is the year I’ll get into Soccer!” I always declare, after many evenings cheering along side friends (usually during European travels). I watched in Switzerland in 2002; I randomly ended up in Cologne for Day 1 of the 2006 World Cup then later cheered along in the city square of Dubrovnik as Croatia played; and in 2010 I was living in Norway and rooted for Spain along with my Spanish friends in outdoor viewing areas, all the way to victory where fans jumped into a fountain in their underwear! So much fun.

So, as the team ran out onto the field, and my hormones raged a bit — I wonder where they hang out!— I got emotional. Why? I can’t exactly say. Missing Yankee games? Memories of watching live soccer games with friends in high school, in Belgium, and the many years of playing Ultimate Frisbee. For my time in Genoa, sports really aren’t part of my life, and I guess I just missed that — and was happy to be a part of it for a bit.

With a big smile on my face, the club moved our seats to the sunny side, with a brief tour through the backstage / press area. Along the way, they handed the kids pencil cases with rulers, erasers, etc. Adults received plaid baseball caps. There was a bit of chaos as 170 people dispersed and didn’t really know where they were going, but we enjoyed the sunshine and the atmosphere, clapping our noisemakers, waving flags, and getting oh so excited when — is it a goal? no. almost! — By the end, no score. 0-0. Although the crowd did go wild when they announced that Genoa was losing to Verona. Also, my Italian is good enough to recognize there was quite a bit of swearing all around us from all ages. Some of my 9th grade students, in between texting and catching me up with their boy gossip– told me it made them uncomfortable that “everyone was taking their shirts off. Is this the naked sections?” Just the guys, and not with our school group. But still.

Even though I don’t follow soccer, don’t follow Sampdoria, don’t know the players . . . I still had fun and felt connected. I got to spend time in the sunshine with a bunch of my students outside of the classroom. I got to see another side of Genovese culture, and new neighborhoods I hadn’t yet explored, walking through them after the game as fans celebrated outside with beers, and music, and . . . just loving life. With my Sampdoria swag, I felt part of it, one of them just for a little bit. One of those days when I wasn’t “the other.” I’m glad I got to experience this.

Sampdoria Swag. Not pictured, the snack. (Banana, biscuits, peach juice).

Now, filled with sunshine after this beautiful day — off to do some grading. I’m still smiling.

Send me on my way

Posted on June 21, 2013 by liguriansun

Today’s a special post. Live from my office at my school on the last day of work. 10 months to the day since I boarded the plane in a whirlwind of emotions, leaving for my new life in Italy. The amazing, challenging, fun and incredible year has come to a close. My 9th year as a teacher. 6th year as a high school teacher. 2nd year teaching middle school. And my first year in Italy! It was a huge and exciting decision, and I can’t imagine if I had not accepted this amazing offer which has changed my life so positively. So much joy, beauty, adventure, some loss and lots of reflection. I spent much time thinking about NYC and my family, missing home and the familiar comforts. I spent much time getting excited about my travels and exploring the gorgeous landscape and culture of Liguria, but I was also always counting back hours to see what time it was in NY, looking at the weather, and messaging friends at home. Yet over all that time, Liguria became home. Tomorrow, I have a ticket to fly home. Where is home?

When I purchased this ticket — Thanks Dad! — my father then said, “You should have stayed a week or so to enjoy Italy and your scooter . . . or even to travel.” To be honest, I’m low on my travel budget, everyone’s heading off, and I just was really looking forward to a long, relaxing, extended time in NYC and Jersey with family and friends I have missed so much. And my cats! But now the weather is absolutely stunning, day after day. The turquoise blue waters call, and I dive in after work, then bask in the warm glow of sunshine sprawled on warm, smooth rocks and pebbles. I head to my friend’s house for vino on her balcony, which faces a castle, as we watch the sky turn pink then an inky indigo, long after 9:30pm before walking home under the stars. I stroll uphill to my apartment, past balconies strewn with beach towels, couples walking dogs (everyone has a dog here in Genoa), and smell the flowers in full, lush bloom. Genoa is at her finest right now, and I have chosen to leave her. And that hurts.

One of the many beautiful beaches along Genova’s coast.

Genoa will be stunning when I return in August, as I have learned from last year’s arrival. I was able to swim well into October. It was sunny almost every day in those months, and it will still be lovely. I have so many adventures, good times, wonderful conversations, beaches, lakes, mountains, hikes, fire pits, great food and smiles waiting for me at home. I guess I’m just really realizing the huge effect of a transatlantic move. My heart belongs here as well as there. I’m very grateful that I have another year to return and enjoy, and now that I am settled, the lessons are planned, the books read, and the details sorted — I can enjoy it all even more!

I’m overwhelmed with emotions. Last night, I just said goodbye to a choir friend who is moving back to Lithuania. (A great excuse to travel one weekend in the fall!). We had an excellent sushi meal followed by Neopolitan pastries, and then stood in the parking lot, lingering, delaying the inevitable. Now, my classrooms are cleaned, posters torn off the wall, drawers emptied, my office tidied, papers purged . . . and it was all a crazy trip down memory lane with flashes from the past school year. It really was wonderful and joyful. This is a special school.

At graduation, we said farewell to our seniors. Administration prepared a special slide show, showing pictures of the kids through the years. 3 of them started at age 3! I managed to hold back the tears until that rolled across the screen to one of my favorite songs “Send Me on my Way.” A few days later, the seniors returned to our farewell ceremony, to give some more speeches, lots of hugs, and then . . . on to their lives. It was an honor to be their teacher, to get to know them, and to be part of their lives. They have touched my heart, and while we had so much work to do, I always looked forward to class.

It is my last day of work with my colleagues, friendly faces I met on an August day before sharing focaccia formaggio by the sea, sharing aperitivi in Piazza del Erbe, dancing till early morning, laughing in the office during stressful times, and over time, becoming cherished friends. Off to lunch, one final meal for the school year.

Send me on my way now, but just for the summer.

Happy Halloween from Italy!

Posted on October 31, 2012 by liguriansun

Halloween is starting to become a thing here in Genoa. They have a pizzeria in Nervi called Halloween , all decked in black and orange year-round. Nestled in the little port, I really want to try it, especially since it was recommended in our “Welcome to Genoa” packet compiled by staff members.

Trick-or-treating is a new trend here. My colleagues were surprised when kids showed up at their 4th floor apartment, then proceeded to give two pieces of candy they scrounged up for the 6 of them. Even so, they still said “Grazie mille!” I never got trick-or-treaters in my NYC apartments so I think it would be very interesting to have my first ones here. But after 9pm, I guess the time has passed. Good thing. All I’d be able to offer is change, like that old lady in grandma’s neighborhood who gave out nickels on Halloween and warned us not to eat too many tootsie rolls, as if those were what I craved.

Due to the new trend, Halloween shops have popped up all over the city, including a quaint one down by the sea, selling devil horns, vampire teeth, masks, wigs, and pre-packaged costumes straight from America. A costume that costs 50 bucks at Party City is now 75 euros. Yikes! I should get into that as a side business, much like the shop owner.

Somehow in the move, the stand-up collar for my vampire costume did not make it to Italy. I had to get something to go with my gothic dress. Thanks to the recommendations of my students, I strolled down to the sea to the quaint little Halloween shop, where I then waited on line for about 15 minutes. A woman said, “Buona Sera . . .” and I said, “I only speak English,” feeling guilty because I should be able to say that in Italian. I get embarrassed using my “broken” Italian, but how else am I going to learn? My progress is coming along, though I will talk about that in another post.

The woman gestured to the man next to her who said in near perfect English, “How can I help you?” I explained my situation and he said they only had the packaged sets there and to come next door to get accessories in the Tabacchi. He took me to the front of the line, and soon I had a nifty witch hat. “Where are you from?” he asked.

“New York City,” I said proudly, missing home but not enough to jump on a plane or leave my beautiful life just yet.

“I go there at least once a year to meet with the costume designers and stock up. I love New York, what a great city. But next year, the event has been moved to Houston. This is my side business. I work for the German company Siemens”

“Ahh” I had seen the name on a building in town.

“How long are you here?” he asked shaking his head with that look I get so often here in Genoa. People don’t seem to understand how I could leave such a great city or how I could be happy here.

“2 years.” His look grew even more exasperated. “How about we switch. You stay here, and I work there. I’ve always wanted to live in New York.”

I hear it a lot, and I totally understand it. “New York has everything, but I have the sea here,”I said, gesturing across the street to the moonlit waves gently lapping against the shoreline. “And the mountains,” I added, pointing behind me. “I guess the food too, but in New York we can get anything . . .ok, except maybe good pesto.”

After chatting a bit, I left knowing I’d be back. He sells decorations for all the holidays, and I was hoping to get a few things to bring my place into the Christmas spirit soon. But first, Halloween Spirit.

My school — being cute and adorable and super spirited . . .well, the parents put together this amazing Halloween Festival for kids through 8th grade, featuring a spooky room and outdoor activities and candy. While I was teaching the older kids, I kept hearing “Thriller” –occasionally breaking out into the dance– “Werewolves of London,” and “The Addams Family.” Speaking of which — each day, we rise for a different world anthem. Today, we rose for — The Addams Family. I have juniors, and I even got them to sing and snap along with me. Yay!

The Genovese seem to prefer the spooky over the cute costumes, so there were witches and ghouls galore, monsters, vampires, ghosts, and gory makeup. But there were also quite a few cherubic witches and cutie pie kiddies as well. Ahh, so fun! Even many of the teachers got into the spirit. Since I am teaching The Crucible, I decided to be a witch — although they didn’t quite dress up like this kind . . . and I’m a good witch. 🙂

Here are some photos of my colleagues and me from today. Happy Halloween!

With the Middle School head of years / other English teacher.

Head of Years for High School

Our IB coordinator had to take a phone call. When she entered the room, with the best voice ever, she said, “Ahh, my long lost cousin, how are you? It’s been forever!”

Salty Cats Day – Cuteness overload.

Posted on September 12, 2012 by liguriansun

Our school’s mascot is the Salty Cat. My heart already started to melt upon this discovery. And it gets sweeter.

Last Friday, September 6, concluded the first week of school. Instead of periods 1-2, we met in the gym for a special “Salty Cats” assembly. Students in grades 1 through 12 filled the auditorium along with the teachers. Students returned to their respective houses from last year: The Yellow Sea Lions, the Red Dragons, the Blue Sharks, and the Green Leprechauns. Each house beneath a Harry Potter style crest, had students aged 6-18 as well as teachers in a cute, energetic cluster of aw.

New teachers and students sat in the middle of the auditorium behind the grand trophy, Italian ribbons dangling in glory. Last year, the Yellow Sea Lions won. Who would win this June?

We eagerly awaited placement in our respective houses. The new PE teacher dramatically called students’ names, and the entire auditorium roared as each was warmly welcomed by new teammates. Then it was time for the teachers. Folks, I am now a RED DRAGON. Woo!

For our first activity, seniors helped line all students up in age order, from first through 12th. I had to resist yanking out my iphone to instagram the cuteness (can’t photograph the kids without permission of course, but oh did I want to). It was like watching children grow up, from the tiny cherubs to the fun, college-bound, near adults in the back.

“Take off one shoe,” called the head of years. Soon, there was a pile of shoes, from tiny to enormous, dainty sandals to colorful converse. Next, pairs of students had to run to the pile and help each other put on their shoes before running back. Everyone had misunderstood directions, thinking that you HAD to help the other one put their shoe on instead of doing it yourself, so we eventually had 11th graders putting each other’s shoes on. Hilarious. Also hilarious, watching a frantic 6 year old struggle with velcro while his friend tried to jam his foot into a tightly laced sneaker. With a sweet spot for the little ones (I do teach kids swim lessons all summer) I adored this opportunity to help.

And, for our first Salty Cats activity of the 2012-2013 school year, RED DRAGONS came in first place! Woo. Now, once a month, students have Salty Cats day, where they compete in various activities, often sports. Teachers can participate as well. They can also win points for their house by good deeds and behavior, etc. What an exciting way to unite the school, especially when 6 year old jumps up to give a senior a high five.

I love it here. All the little kids, the mascot, the energy, the giggles, the everything — warmed my heart like the Ligurian Sun. I am always glowing.

“Happy First Day of School!”

Posted on September 4, 2012 by liguriansun

This is culture shock, in the best possible way. Yesterday was the first day of school with students, the day we anticipated in a week of meetings always focused and thinking about our kids. There was a lot of apologizing for being “under-resourced” and having a chaotic start, but in my teaching career, we had more resources here in Genoa on Day 1 than I ever had and less chaos than a mid January day.

“Happy First Day of School!” said the ever enthusiastic high school coordinator as she darted up the stairs. “Happy First Day of School!” she continued to every staff member, much like we’d say “Happy New Year!” or “Merry Christmas!” Excitement charged the air; instead of the gloomy dread that I’ve seen so often at this time, where teachers as well as students mourn the death of summer, there was an air of anticipation, like that of Christmas morning: our presents, the kids. And I absolutely could not wait to meet them after being told over and over: “You will love them.”

International Schools are a special treat. I really belong within this type of community, and I especially love how there are ages 3-18 in the same building. The little ones, so cute in their brightly-colored bookbags filled with fresh notebooks, pencil cases, and dreams. Many of my seniors came here for pre-school and were nurtured all the way up to college-bound young adulthood. Teachers and students filed into the window-lined gymnasium, views of hills and the palm and pine tree-laden grounds. Pre-K through seniors were lined up in neat rows, hugging their friends after a fun summer away. Parents climbed up to the balcony of the gym, snapping photos and taking videos on their cell phones. Eventually, the balcony filled so they spilled around the edges of the gymnasium, squeezing tighter and tighter. Almost our whole community together, enthusiastic voices blending over each other to create the white noise of a soccer stadium.

Then the director’s hand went up in the universal “Give me 5” request for silence. 2-3 seconds later, the entire room was hushed, all eyes on him. He welcomed everyone, introduced new teachers, and soon it was off to homeroom. Each secondary staff member is assigned 6 students to meet with every morning. The homerooms are all together in the same room with 2-3 other teachers where they can share the news of the day, handouts, and develop a mentoring relationship. I have a group of 11th graders, and I instantly fell in love with them. They were sweet, fun, focused, and eager to learn about their first year in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program.

Next, a 15 minute break for snack, where students have several choices to go throughout the campus before their next class. We missed periods 1-2 today due to the assembly and extended homeroom. Our school uses block scheduling, so most academic classes meet for 2 consecutive 40 minute blocks on a rotating schedule. I did not get to see my Grade 12 IB English seniors. But I did get to meet my Grade 11 IB English seniors next. There were 11, and we had great conversations as we got to know each other. And . . . yea, 11, not 34! I can’t get over that. When I needed everyone’s attention, I just had to give students a look and raise my hand or a gentle reminder to focus. That was my management. The rest was focus on academics and enjoy my students. With so few students in my classes, of course I’m going to be expected to give them a lot of attention, to know them extremely well, and to provide a lot of nurturing and support. I’ve always wanted to do this, but felt completely spread thin by the number of students I had and the jam-packed classes. This class was smaller than the class I teach at the college at home. And the students were just as eager to participate and focused on academics. Wow, wow, wow.

From college-focused and inquisitive Grade 11 straight to fresh from middle school and ultra adorable Grade 9. They brought in energy, enthusiasm, and a playful outlook on life, eager to begin the school year and reform from their “disruptive” ways in 7th grade. Welcome, my cherubs!

Whew, 4 40 minute blocks later, I was done with classes for the day. It was lunch time, and I had packed a lunch so I would not have to worry this first day. Off to my office (yeah, I have an office), where I sat down with my Humanities Mates, chatting about the day, our students, and getting excited for the year. As I ate my tuna sandwich, I gazed out the window towards the villa next door illuminated by that Ligurian Sun and felt sublime. There were signs all around me that I belong here. It was always meant to happen, and everything that happened in my life before led me to this moment, to my capability to take this leap and to appreciate and relish every moment of it.

At the end of the day, a new science teacher popped by the room, beaming. Having previously taught in inner-city London, he asked knowingly, “How did it go?” I looked at my office mate, another new teacher who worked in inner-city Boston. We both returned the beaming smile as I said, “Great! How about you?”

“It went swimmingly!”

Are we dreaming?

I have a lot of work ahead of me. I’m teaching 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12th grade English. Junior and Senior English is the IB program, with rigorous standards and assessment. I’ll be teaching yoga after school 2 days a week. I was asked to help chaperone the model UN club and escort students on the International Trips (Jordan, Netherlands, and Greece). I will be taking conversational Italian lessons on Tuesdays. I have lots of friends and family coming to visit. I still need to figure out how to set up my wireless Internet and where to buy an affordable pair of pumps. (You can’t walk around Italy in frumpy shoes, oh no way . . . I’ve been watching). But I am doing what I love. I am appreciated and supported. The IB coordinator keeps saying, “Have we told you how happy we are that you are here? We are just thrilled to pieces that you are here. Why did we have to wait so long to get you?”

My director said, “I am so happy to have you. We are so lucky we got you. I blindly trust you with everything. I know you will be great.”

And today at the end of class, an 8th grader said to me, “Thank you for the lesson.”

Melt.

Bliss.

Under the Ligurian Sun

My life and travels while living La Dolce Vita in Genoa, Italy.

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