a real post

I bought a bunch of internet time, so I have decided that I can update my blog. If you have actually read Laura's blog, you will know a lot of what I've been up to. But if you have't, I'll update you right away.

Italy has been wonderful. It is very strange how quickly you get used to not understanding what the people around you are saying. I can only understand if the person is speaking dierctly to me and very slowly. A lot of people think I am Italian, so I try to make it through conversations without giving away that I'm not. Usually that means I just say "non lo so" or "boh." A lot of times they know I'm not Itlaian as soon as I open my mouth though. I can't even get out one word and they switch to English. I think I need to keep my mouth shut. It is nice while getting settled that most people speak a little english, but it won't when I am ready to learn more Italian.

I taught a class today and when they asked me questions I didn't know the answer to (like how many people live in Atlanta versus D.C.), I used italian-like gestures. I think I'm getting it from Elena, our 54 year old roommate/landlord. Classes are really fun, I think. Most of the students I've had love to talk, so it isn't hard to get them to practice but is hard to keep them on track.

I teach at inlingua. It is only 5 minutes walking away from my apartment, but we are sent to businesses to teach. It is pretty neat. So far I've gone to a non-profit foundation that spends money repairing things around Verona and a paper factory. I'll also have private lessons at the school.

Laura and I rented two rooms in a huge apartment from this lady. She speaks English much better than we speak Italian, so we mostly use English even though we've asked her to help us our Italian. The apartment is amazing. I'm trying to upload my pictures to a place separate from facebook, so everyone can see them. Apparently the building was built in the 1800s. I thought Elena said the 1900s, but I guess it was 19th century. The 1800s makes a lot more sense. We overlook the river that runs through the city and live over a pizzeria. It seems like the most Italian thing possible. Okay, I got some of the pictures uploaded. So here is a tour of our apartment: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14516126@N08/sets/72157602330733008/

Everyone here rides their bikes. It is amazing. Elena is going to take us used bike shopping because Verona has a big problem with bike theft. No one wears helmets while they ride though. It seems very bizarre to me because there is still a ton of traffic and people who ride scooters never seem to take their helments off. I can walk everywhere from my apartment, but for my job I need a bike. Also, Verona has two pools! But I need a bike or a bus to get to the one that is filled. And apparently it has tons of yoga places, but I haven't been able to find them yet.

Um, I know there were a ton of thing I wanted to say, but I can't remember them now. Hopefully I'll write more later!