Italia!

With the beginning of a new year, a new country, a new base, and a new determination to keep family and friends in the loop, I am commited to joining the blogger-sphere more often. Thus I will give you a (picture-less...sorry) update on what has happened the week we have been here.

It is required that you go through inprocessing meetings called "Right Start." Matt describes it as 'death by power-point'....and that phrase couldn't be more true. The only redeeming quality it has is the tour you get to take around the area. We didn't take any pictures because I was exhausted (thank you jet lag) and the day was completely dreary. Misty and COLD the entire time. But we got to see a couple of markets with cheese stands (YUM) and we went to a winery that has an amazing selection of sweet desserty wine.
While Matt was attending powerpoint after powerpoint, I was contacting landlords and making house appointments. So far we have seen 10 houses, and have 3 more appointments today. We think we have found the perfect one for us, and I'll post pictures as soon as we take them. Just image a completely picturesque Italian house (attched to another house on one side) at the base of the Alps, and that's about right.
Today I had a fun and interesting experience. I went to see a house, and after driving down some completely shady roads that were not paved, I was greeted by an Italian man probably in his early 60's. He spoke no English, I speak very little Italian. After using a lot of hand signals and finally translating words via iphone, he was trying to tell me that I could not see the house today, but would I like to go for a cappaccino with his wife. He was so insistant so I said yes. We arrived at this cute little cafe in the town center. I had a hot chocolate (everytime, they are just so amazingly delicious) and we sat there, and smiled at each other and tried to communicate with our hands. They were impressed by the fact that Matt is a pilot. "Mamma Mia!!" the guy said. The whole experience was really fun and entertaining, and even though I don't think we'll be taking their house, I hope that we can get to know this fun couple more.
That's really about it so far. Pictures will come soon I promise!! :)