Anna

Tonight Camilla and I took the girls to their swimming lesson. I changed them into their swimsuits and then watched Pietro while Camilla chatted with her friends. When the lesson was over, I headed to the locker room to shower and dress Ludovica and Anna. Anna is really bad today, so I was dreading the shower. 

She was not any better tonight. Everything I ask her to do she says, "No!" I say, "Anna, vestire." She replies, "No no no no no." I am doing everything in my power to stay calm and to be patient with her. Ludovica is the exact opposite. It's amazing. Ludo even helps me with Anna. At the pool, when Anna is telling me no, Ludo says, "Anna, vestire yes." 

It was taking so long to dress Anna that Camilla came into the locker room with Pietro. She saw what a terrible time Anna was giving me. In the car, Camilla tried to explain to her that she needs to listen and to cooperate. Camilla took the television away from her for a week. Yes! Victory!!! I hope this will help and not make things any worse. 

Camilla explained to me that Anna doesn't listen to anyone. She knows that she is a difficult child and she thinks that it is because she is very jealous of Pietro. She suggested that we take one hour a week and sit together for an English lesson. I think this is a good idea, because she wants me to teach them English. Right now, I don't even know how to begin to accomplish this task. So, maybe with some disciplined time, the communication barrier will start to crumble.

Giovedi continuato

Helping Anna with her homework. Mamma mia! This kid is really tough for me. I can't let her get to me. I mean I'm starting to hold a grudge against her. That's ridiculous. She is 6. I try to help her and explain the assignments and she is just stubborn and refuses to even try to understand me. Camilla doesn't help me much either. Camilla is nice to me, but she never will tell Anna to listen to me, and I am wondering how this little girl is going to come to respect me. 

She hits me and sticks her tongue out. When I talk to her in English she screams, "No capito, No capito." I know it must be frustrating for her, but I don't want to be friends if she treats me like scum. My only defense is to say, "Anna, che e brutto e maleducato." (Anna, that is ugly and rude). This REALLY gets her upset. I have to let her know that I am offended when she is ugly. PLEASE I NEED A BREAKTHROUGH!!!   

Giovedi

1-29-2009

I am fighting off this cold. Last night I came home late and went straight to bed. I woke up this morning early and helped the babies get to school. Then I went back to bed and slept until 1 p.m. I feel bad sleeping so late, but I am off the clock, so .... I feel a lot better now that I slept a good amount. However, it's another beautiful, sunny day in Rome and I've slept the day away. 

Last night, I met up with Caitlin and her friends Romina and Allison. We went to Campo di Fiori and had some vino. At first, I felt like I was getting a geography lesson. I mean it got a little ridiculous. Then we began talking about our lives as au pairs. This was so interesting because I am curious to hear about everyone's individual situation. 

Romina has been here since last June and will stay for just one year. I really like Romina. She's beautiful and a lot of fun to be around. She has her own little suite, with a kitchen and and private entrance. She lives above Caitlin and I in Rome. She is from Argentina. She's as skinny as a rail and says she is on a strict diet. So much so, that she didn't want to have a piece of gum when Caitlin offered it to her. This was after I witnessed her eat a chocolate crepe and drink a Corona. Hehehe.

Allison is from Australia and is going to "uni" in Sidney. She has also been here since last June, but is leaving shortly after going on vacation with her Italian family. It was good to talk to her because she cares for a child similar to Anna in disposition. She gave me faith that things will get easier with her. They all seemed to say that it's a struggle until after the first couple of months. This makes sense because the children still see you as a stranger and just aren't going to trust you at first. Allison's Italian children spoke no English at first. Neither do my kids. She says that after her time with them, they began to speak a lot of English. Hope I can accomplish this with Anna and Ludovica. I am not so confident. 

All of our Italian families are pretty wealthy. Allison, Romina and Caitlin's kids all go to the same school, Rome International. Recently, all the Italian families have become unimpressed with this school and are relocating their children. Caitlin said that a woman who is friends with her Italian mother is a descendant of the Borghese family and started all the commotion. She is moving her child to another school and it seems that all the other mothers are following her lead. This is what I gathered anyway. How cool is that? Caitlin has met a Borghese family member!!! Wow! It's like seeing a unicorn. Hahaha. 

Romina and I will fly together to Paris. We are sharing a taxi tomorrow morning and she'll be at my place around 4:15 a.m. I am soooo happy to have a travel buddy because I have no idea what I am doing. Romina is a seasoned traveler. It doesn't seem like there is a place she hasn't been. She knows exactly what she is doing. Caitlin has decided to stay in Paris until Monday evening with me. I am thrilled about this. Now I will have a buddy the entire trip. I feel so lucky to have met Caitlin. It's wonderful that she has included me and I just think she's a gift. 

Mercoledì

1-28-2009

It's Wednesday and I have a terrible sore throat. Other than the throat there are no symptoms of a cold. I made fresh squeezed orange juice this morning and took a nap, so I hope to conquer this throat thing before it progresses to my eyes and nose. I don't care if I AM sick. I am determined to have the time of my life in Paris with the girls.

It is a beautiful day in Rome. The best sunny day so far. I am sitting in my room with the windows open wide enjoying the fresh air. Elena is still here and she is ironing. I am very curious why the Italians just don't have dryers to dry the clothes. They pay for someone to iron the clothes and invest in very high tech ironing devices, so why not just go for it and purchase the dryer? It must have something to do with the electricity or maybe just the culture.

Elena is the best house cleaner I have ever seen. She is 22 years old and is from Russia. Camilla is helping her to get Italian citizenship. The way she irons the clothes is incredible. She's quick and perfect. She even irons the socks and panties. Also, I am amazed by the way she makes the girl's beds. It's a good thing they have her to make the beds and not me. My bed looks like a wad of tissue compared to her straight lines and tight corners, and I am really trying.

Today I am a little bummed to have to stay inside. I wanted to get extra sleep, though. Camilla is meeting a friend for lunch again. She got a haircut yesterday and it looks very chic. I am thinking about getting mine cut in Paris because I really need a haircut. My short hair is starting to grow out and resemble a mullet. Not exactly the look I am going for. There was no hot water this morning. Major bummer. I hope this doesn't become a consistent trend.

Tonight Caitlin and I are meeting at the flower stand in the middle of both of of our family's homes at 8:50. We'll probably walk a ways and then take a bus to Campo di Fiori. I am really happy to get to meet her friends.

My plans for Paris have changed a bit. I will fly to Paris Friday morning with Caitlin's friend, Romina. I have not yet met Romina, so it's lucky we are getting together this evening. I will stay in Paris with Caitlin and Romina at Eline's house. Eline is another friend of Caitlin's. I will fly back to Rome Monday night. Caitlin is leaving Sunday night, so I might get a room for a night, or maybe Eline won't mind if I stay with her one extra day. Maybe I can do something nice for Eline like buy her lunch or a ticket to the Louvre. Might make more sense than the haircut.

Camilla is pleased that I will be staying the four days. She was worried that 2 days in Paris wasn't worth the plane ticket there. I am really glad she is cool with my plans because booking a flight on such short notice could have been really pricey, but these dates were the least expensive. I won't ask for anymore time off for a long while. She is glad that I am making plans and friends.

The package arrived ...

Nick called Fedex and was able to straighten everything out, and amazingly the package arrived this evening. Yay! I was pretty worried. Nick put all sorts of goodies in the package for me. He's the best guy. I love you, Nick! There was everything from tabloid magazines to vitamins in the package. He sent snacks and bath and body works. I even have presents to give Anna and Ludovica! Disney stuff. They'll love that!

I love my new camera and am learning how to use it tonight. Now I will be able to post tons of my own pictures to the blog and facebook. I booked my ticket to Paris tonight, and tomorrow I am going out with Caitlin and her other friends who are also going to Paris. Girls night out (in Rome)!!!!

Martedì

1-27-2009

I am stressing out today. I am supposed to receive a package containing my very expensive camera along with my visa check card. Nick sent the package to me from the USA and did not put the street number on the package. I, however, gave him the street number when I emailed him my address in Rome. I know he is doing me a favor, and I appreciate that, but who ships a package without including a street number?? Very strange. Maybe he thinks there are no street numbers in Europe. 

So, I have spent all morning and all last night  trying to track down this package and give Fedex the correct street address. I am having no luck. I keep reaching some member of Fedex and giving them the correct address, then when I call back, they still say they do not have the street number. I am about to cry from frustration. I have tried to figure out how I might pick up the package myself. Camilla is helping me too. The package is at a Fedex warehouse somewhere close to Tuscany. I can't go there alone. It's really too far to try to go and get the package. I just hope they don't decide to send the thing back to the shipper.

The Fedex people said they will try to redeliver tomorrow (the third attempt). I hope it actually arrives. I am so nervous about the whole ordeal. I guess I should just relax and try to have some faith. AAAAAHHHH!!!! 

This morning was hectic. Ludovica off to school. Pietro is home and Anna had to go to the doctor's office. She cried and cried. She is afraid she will have to get a shot. Poor little baby. I felt bad for her. I doubt she will need a shot, though. She's such an actress! Camilla has a lunch date today and the babies are going to a friends house after school. I will have to pick them up this afternoon.  

Lunedi

"Every city has a sex and an age which have nothing to do with demography. Rome is feminine. So is Odessa. London is a teenager, an urchin, and, in this, hasn't changed since the time of Dickens. Paris, I believe is a man in his twenties in love with an older woman."

- John Berger (Englis Painter b. 1926)

1-26-2009

Another rainy Monday in Rome. I won't go out this afternoon in the rain. It is raining cats and dogs. There is even thunder and lightning. I hope the weather turns around soon. I spent all morning on the computer emailing photos and uploading to facebook. I love showing everyone at home my adventures. I am happy to finally have some photos to share.

I asked Camilla this morning if I could travel to Paris with Caitlin this weekend. She said okay! I doubt she would say no even if she wanted to. I think this is fair, though, because I worked all weekend and didn't have any  time off. I told her to please tell me if there is any reason that she would like me to stay. I secretly hope that there will be no reason. I will fly to Paris from Rome with Caitlin Friday night. Yipeee!

Camilla has a lunch date this afternoon and so I am home with Pietro. Elena, the cleaning lady leaves at 2 p.m. and that's when my work begins. Pietro is always home and sleeping by 2 p.m. I just have to listen for him to make sure he is alright. He has a cold at the moment. I am trying to keep my distance from him a bit, but I think I'll be OK. 

The topic of my departure is something that is causing me great anxiety. Nick wants me to come home in April. Camilla wants me to stay until August. And I feel like I have enough strength to last until June. I wonder what will happen. I don't want to let Camilla down, but I definitely don't want to disappoint Nick either. I feel like either way, I lose. It's not something I have to worry about now, but it's always in the back of my mind. And I will have to give Camilla enough time to make other arrangements. Sigh.

All roads lead to Rome

1-25-2009

Today is Sunday and we will head back to Rome this evening. Camilla is having a party this afternoon and so has invited a group of friends to the house in Tuscany. All of the friends have bambini, so it's complete chaos. I have to say, I wish she would have told me in advance because I didn't bring anything remotely nice to wear. Oh well. Looks like I'm slummin' it.

It is a beautiful party. She arranged the dining room very nicely and had the best assortment of wine, cheese and cured meats for the antipasta. Then she made some sort of pasta casserole and Federico cooked ribs and sausage over the fire in the kitchen. I fed Pietro and she put him down for a nap. I try to help however I can, but my work is very light. I always feel like I am not doing enough for her, but I do everything she asks and can only hope she would tell me if she needs more from me.

I helped clean up after lunch and then we all went for a walk around her property in Tuscany. The above photos are from the walk. Today was a much nicer day than yesterday. I really was under the Tuscan sun today! It was so beautiful. After the walk everyone had more wine and relaxed by the fire in the kitchen. Around 8 o'clock everyone began to gather their children and leave. I prepared the bath for Ludo, Anna and Pietro. I bathed them and put them all in their pajamas. We ate leftovers for dinner and headed back to Rome.

Anna and I shared my ipod on the way home. It was a challenge for me to find some music that she liked. I tried to turn her on to the Beatles, but she wasn't having it. Finally I tried Hot Chip. She loves Hot Chip, especially the song Over and Over. She was dancing in the car ... so cute. True to her generation, she likes electronic music. We arrived in Rome around 11 o'clock. We were all so tired and it was a challenge getting the babies inside and to bed. Sigh.

I checked my email as soon as I was done helping Camilla. Caitlin emailed me back and said I can join her in Paris. She has a free place to stay and everything. So lucky! I am sure Camilla will say okay because I worked all weekend. Oh my goodness, I can hardly contain my excitement. Paris here I come!!!!!!!!

Under the Tuscan sun (and clouds)

"In Rome you long for the country; in the country oh inconstant! You praise the distant city to the stars." 

- Horace (Ancient Rome Poet. 65 BC -8 BC)

1-24-2009

Today is Saturday and it's my first weekend in Tuscany with the family. I slept very well here because it is completely quiet unlike the busy city. The above photo is a view from the window in my room. Today was very relaxed. I helped dress the children and get them ready for the day. Then we just sat around and they played together. For lunch Camilla made pasta and cooked hamburgers in the brick oven in the kitchen.

I went for a walk and took Camilla's camera to take some photos of the beautiful landscape. It rained on and off all day, but it was still absolutely breathtaking. It's a little colder in the country than it is in Rome. I am starting to bond with the children. This is a relief because the language barrier has been difficult. If they don't like me, then my job is much more difficult. I played with them this morning and I think we had a break through.

This evening I had a bit of a rough spell. I think the isolation of the country got to me. I spoke to Nick on the telephone and after the call I began to get emotional. Tears, a waterfall of tears. I tried very hard to hide this from Camilla. I don't even know what the problem was. It was very strange. The family went to mass and I watched Pietro while they were out. I gave him a bath and put him in his pajamas. He is a very happy baby.

A house in the country

1-23-2009

It's late and I have just arrived in Tuscany with Camilla. Camilla, the children and I met Federico along with some of their friends at the country house. The house is huge. I thought I might have to share a room with Ludovica and Anna. I didn't even know what to expect. I had my own room and it was enourmous. My bathroom had a large shower and bidet. It was comfortable to say the least.

Camilla told me that the house was built in the year 1050. That's pre Magna Carta by a couple hundred years! I told her that people in the USA think the 1920s are historic. She laughed. The house used to belong to Federico's mother. His mother owns 4 or 5 other homes similar to this one located on a piece of land that spans as far as the eye can see. When the mother gave them this home, Camilla said no one had lived there for over 50 years and so the house was completely destroyed. It took them 3 years to restore the home. It has around 7 bedrooms and 4 or 5 bathrooms. There are some rooms downstairs that simply have no purpose because they don't have any need for the space. I was amazed.

Federico showed me around the house and took me to my room. He was so excited. He looked like a little boy showing me all of his toys. It was kinda adorable. I thought that the family was really down to earth and just didn't have many material possessions. Now I know that all of their stuff was just somewhere else. I think they only live in Rome because Federico's job is there. The house has two two living rooms, a giant dining room, another living room upstairs for the kids, and a huge office. The kitchen is also enourmous and has a beautiful wood burning stove. So cool! There are a lot of fireplaces in the home and it's pretty rustic, but with an elegant European flare.

Friday

1-23-2009

It's Friday afternoon and it is a beautiful sunny day in Rome. I am sitting on the terrace at Camilla and Federico's enjoying the sun while writing this entry. It has been raining a lot, so the sun is a wonderful surprise. They have a nice view of la parioli, and Camilla has a nice terrace garden. Lots of fresh herbs and some kind of bulbs are poking out from the dirt of the window boxes. One day, I will pick up some kind of plant to add to the garden. Maybe this will be a fun project for the girls. There are lots of flower shops and stands all over Rome. 

Tonight we will travel to Tuscany. I probably won't have a computer and I don't know if I will have a room to myself. I might have to sleep with Ludo and Anna. I am excited. Camilla has asked me to use her camera for the weekend to take pictures of the family. She knows I studied photography in college and I hope my pictures can live up to her expectations. I also hope I will be able to upload some of the photos to this blog for everyone to see. 

Nick has sent me a package from the States, which will arrive Tuesday with my camera. YAY! I cannot wait to go around Rome and take photos. Caitlin is traveling to Paris next weekend and I just sent her a letter inviting myself. I know this might be rude, but I don't think she'll mind. I wonder if I will get to go. I might not be able to get a ticket on such short notice. She travels by Ryan Air. I really want to go with her because she has been before and knows her way around Paris . She will tell me if her plans are exclusive. I am sure.

Thursday

1-22-2009

Today was a difficult day. The morning and afternoon were relaxed, but come 5 o'clock ... chaos! After the babies were off to school I decided I would figure out how to walk to the Villa Borghese. The Villa Borghese is like Central Park to Rome, except it has antiquity. The above photo is an one of the many beautiful vistas you will find there. It is only a 15 minute walk from la parioli. I was lost at first, but stopped by a hotel, The Duke Hotel, magnificent! It is right on the street where I live. The concierge there was very helpful. He gave me a map and I was on my way. I made it to the park and enjoyed a leisurely stroll. I found out where all the museums are located there, so now on my spare time in the mornings, I will go to the museums. There is the Borghese Gallery ... home of some of the most famous artworks in Rome. For example, Bernini's statue of Apollo and Daphne. It is incredible. There is also The National Gallery of Modern Art there. 

At 5 o'clock, I took the girls to the swimming pool, a sports club nearby. I had to pack their swim bags and get everything ready for them to shower after their the lesson. When Anna saw the club she darted off. I grabbed Ludovica's hand and ran after her screaming, "Anna, basta .... aspeta ... FERMO!!" While she was running her backpack came unzipped and all the contents fell out on the road. Mamma mia! Please help me. I scooped up the articles and continued the chase, which led to the locker room.

I helped Ludovica first, maybe Anna would settle down some. I've realized she is at her worst when she is excited. Sometimes I think her only redeeming quality is her beauty, but then she does something very kind and I know it is just because she is a child. I finished putting Ludo's swim cap and goggles on and was ready to tackle Anna. Ludovica off to the pool. 

I searched for Anna's swimsuit ... nothing. I realized it must still be in the road. I grabbed her by the hand and retraced my steps. Found the swim suit. She could tell I was very upset. She calmed down a little and helped get herself ready. Then off to the pool. 

Ludovica is a very good swimmer. She does all the strokes pretty well for her age. It was neat to see all the Italian children take their swimming lessons. After they were done, I helped them shower and get ready for the jaunt home. Once home, I gave Pietro a bath and sat everyone down for dinner. Camilla made fried turkey and spinach. Camilla pours the used oil right down the kitchen sink. No wonder the Italians complain about their plumbing! I Fed Pietro and then it was time for bed. Thank goodness! 

I went into Rome this evening and just strolled around the city. I had a sprite. I really miss soda. Any cold beverage actually. Everything the Italians drink seems to be at room temperature, even the sodas. And forget about asking for ice ... It doesn't exist. I managed to find a cold sprite and this made me happy. I needed to get away and collect myself after the swimming pool nightmare. Everything is challenging the first time because I also have to tackle the unknown. The second time around is always easier, I assure myself. 

Wonderful Wednesday

1-21-2009

Today was a pretty relaxed day. The kids had friends over after school and so they were occupied. I went out and exchanged some money this afternoon. I don't even want to comment on the exchange rate. It's depressing. I'll have to only use my weekly earnings or I'll go broke very quickly. 

For dinner Camilla made meatballs, artichoke hearts and zucchini.  It was very good. I will make this dinner at home forever. The meatballs were divine. Mmmmmm.

Camilla told me that she worked on a very famous Caravaggio painting in Malta.   The painting was the most important painting that Caravaggio painted in Malta, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. It is a huge painting, she said. I can't believe this. I am so impressed!

Also, she told me that this weekend we will go to Tuscany to visit Federico's family. I am so excited. I can't wait to see the vineyard. I only wish I had my camera. :( Hopefully we will go again. Sunday I will go to Siena. Yay!! So much for my Sunday plans with Caitlin. I will have to cancel. Next week, though.

Federico and Camilla

Some interesting facts about the couple ... Camilla is from Florence. Her mother lives right in the center of Florence. Camilla told me her neighborhood is very historic and when she moved to la parioli in Rome, she didn't like it because she was used to being in the historic center. Her profession is art restoration and she has an impressive portfolio. When she became pregnant with Pietro she had to quit working because the chemicals used is art restoration can be dangerous for the baby. She says she would like to start working again soon. She has a studio in Rome and said she would show me the studio some time. I hope to travel to her mother's house with the family. 

Federico works for BP. His family lives just outside Sienna in Tuscany. They have a vineyard and make red wine and olive oil. There are pictures of this place around the house and it looks very beautiful. The olive oil that Camilla uses is from Federico's home. It is spicy. She says that it is a new batch and as the oil ages it becomes more mild. It's sooo good. I want to send some home to Nick. The oil is more green than yellow. I don't know why. 

Typical Tuesday

1-20-2009

Today was a bit difficult. Waking up early, getting the babies dressed is not easy. They stall and stall and you have to constantly keep after them. Ugh! I constantly repeat, "Ludovica, Anna dai." So tired. I slept during the day while they were all at school. Elena comes at 9 to clean and I don't have to work from 9 to 2, and 9 to 4:30 two days a week. 

This afternoon I helped the girls with their homework. Anna is trouble, Ludovica a perfectionist. She draws and erases, draws and erases, over and over. Mamma mia! Then Anna and Pietro had a play date with the family who has Caitlin for an au pair. We walked through la parioli (the wealthy Italian neighborhoods) to Caitlin's house. Her family's apartment is beautiful. The father there is next up to the CEO of what is equivalent to an Italian FedEx company. I was amazed by this apartment. 

Anna and Pietro played with the children there. Ludovica had to go to Catholic school as she is preparing for the first communion, so she did not stay with us. Then it was time to leave. I walked Anna and Pietro home and gave them a bath and put their pajamas on. Camilla came home and cooked fish and pizza. Odd combination. 

By 8 p.m. I was ready to get out. I took the train into the city. Caitlin met me at la Fontana di Trevi. We talked and made plans for the weekend. On Sunday we will meet early and go to an antique market. Then we are going to take a walking tour. Finally, a big dinner and movies at her place. Yay! I'm so glad to have a friend. Who knew?