Finally - Gelato

Two colleagues and I went and got some gelato on my last night at the guest house where I stayed for the first 9 days that I was in Rome. The choices were numerous. There were two cases like the one pictured. I was told that a single cone traditionally has two scoops. My choices were chocolate and chocolate chip. To think it took me a whole 9 days in Rome to finally get some gelato - tragic! - Nancy

Essentials

Moving to a new country often sounds exotic but it is not like being a tourist in a country. On Tuesday all of the new teachers at AOSR made a trip to the immigration office. There were ten of us and it took all morning. The purpose was to get what is the equivalent to a US social security number and card that is called Codice Fiscale. I got my number but the printer that makes the card was broken so I did not get the card. The picture is of the many people in the waiting room. The school had an appointment for us so we did not have to wait long. One has to have the Codice Fiscale number to get a bank account, to rent an apartment, and to get services like electricity, gas, Internet.

Since I got my Codice Fiscale number I could open a bank account. The business officer at AOSR took me to the bank to open my account. That took two and a half hours. I needed her there as my translator. I have learned that English is not widely spoken in Rome. 

Later I wanted to go to the bank to deposit some US dollars I had brought with me. The bank closes at 4:30. I got there about 4:05. I took a number and realized that 3 people were ahead of me so I stepped in to the lobby to use the ATM machine and when I tried to re-enter the bank the door was locked. I held up the number for my turn and I clearly understood - "domani" or tomorrow. They locked the bank by 4:15 so everyone was gone by 4:30 pm. 

Between the immigration office and the bank I have signed my name on many, many papers. I have no idea what they actually say since they are in Italian. I trust I didn't sign away my first born! Since he is an adult I am probably safe with that.

Getting settled takes a lot of emotional energy. I am hoping to get a place to live by Friday. The deal is not confirmed but I think it will be soon. More on that later. - Nancy

Friday Night Tourist

Colesseum

Friday evening Viola, the teacher who is helping new teachers find housing, offered to take anyone who wanted to go on a walking tour in the city center. I was the only new teacher who decided to go. Andrew, music teacher at AOSR, came along. The three of enjoyed a lovely evening exploring the city center. - Nancy

Andrew and Nancy at Trevi Fountain

Viola and Nancy

A Feast

The school treated us to a fantastic dinner at La Mucca Ballerina which loosely translated means the "The Dancing Cow." It is an agriturismo restaurant where they grow their own food. Upon arrival you drive past the cows. This pizza had zuchinni, eggplant,  potatoes and sausage - yum, yum!

The Villa

The American Overseas School of Rome is celebrating it's 70th year this school year. It began in 1947 after World Wat II. At one time during the war the Villa where the administration office and middle school classes are located was the Nazi headquarters for Rome.

New Teacher Orientation

One of the joys of working at an international school is meeting all of my colleagues. There are ten of us who are new at AOSR this school year. In a get acquainted session I learned that China, Panama, India, Tunisia are some the countries where teachers moved from. Home places in the US include, North Carolina, Minnesota, Arizona, Washington, D.C., Colorado, New York, California, and Oregon (me). Orientation was in the library. My name is already on the door and the floor is very green. Shelves were pushed back and the circulation desk became a snack bar. The view from the windows that are on one wall is the best for any library where I have worked.

Surprised by a Parrot

This parrot squawked at me when I almost brushed his tail as he sat by the sidewalk near the grocery store. -Nancy

Trip to Grocery Store

Thursday morning I woke up early from jet lag so went for a walk and found the local Carrefour store. Carrefour is a French owned store a bit like Fred Meyer. The one I found is an Express one that only has groceries. It is well stocked and open 24 hours. Since I was there early morning the aisles were deserted. The wine, pasta, butchery, and fish sections were very impressive. -Nancy

Rome Arrival

After a long day of travel I safely arrived in Rome. The school had someone waiting for me, all of my luggage arrived with no problems, and I got to my B&B that is close to the school. This is my temporary "home" until I find an apartment. It is comfortable and has air-conditioning for which I am thankful as it was about 95 when I arrived.

The view from the window of my B&B is of apartment buildings.

Soon after I arrived I walked to the American Overseas School of Rome and met several of the new teachers. I got a brief tour of part of the school including the library. Tomorrow we start orientation in the library. I went with another new teacher to get an Italian SIM card for my phone. I managed to stay awake until 6:30 pm. A good night's sleep has me ready for my first full day in Rome. -Nancy

Rome?

An email that I received on April 5 from a former school administrator of mine at the International School of Kuala Lumpur had the subject "Rome?" He is now the Head of School at the American Overseas School of Rome. The secondary school librarian is taking a one year leave of absence and he wondered if I would like to interview. Tomorrow on August 22 I fly to Rome to start this new job. I am leaving our condo in Newberg for the unknown in Rome.

On my last day in OR Ron and viewed the solar eclipse in totality with friends Dan and Cindy and saw the corona. Here is a link to what we saw.

My bags are packed and I am ready for this new adventure. I plan to post on our blog throughout my time in Italy. -Nancy