Spring in Napoli

I apologize for not blogging for quite some time, but what can I say, I suppose even la bella vita here in Italy can become busy. I will give an update on how life in Naples has been the past few weeks, and I encourage you to view the photo gallery I've just posted with tons of pics of the city (http://www.andreasodyssey.shutterfly.com/).

This coming Tuesday marks the last day of my Italian class, and Wednesday I will take the final exam to determine if I receive a certificate. I am relieved to see this come to an end although I must admit it has been invaluable in helping me learn Italian, meet new people and, generally, feel more at home here. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to not spending a large chunk of my afternoons sitting in a classroom and fighting the traffic and crowds of central Napoli.

Praise the Lord! I have recently found an organization of American women who live in Naples and the surrounding area called the American Women's Club. I went with them last Sunday to tour a winery owned by one of the members' husband's family. They took us deep down into the cellar to show us how they process the grapes and store them in large barrels and, of course, gave us a little of each kind to taste with bread and cheese. Afterwards, the group of approximately 20 people went to lunch at a restaurant that serves the wine. I had a great time and can already tell that this is going to be a real blessing for me to have some Americans friends, who have experienced some of the same challenges I am now!

After a few weeks of chilly and rainy weather, it is finally beginning to feel like spring! Yesterday, Mohamed and I enjoyed a sunny afternoon walking around the city and pretending to be tourists, taking pictures around town and strolling around the narrow streets of the historic center. We found some great buys on clothes for him (can't beat shirts for 3 Euros and jeans for 10!) and saw bits of a concert being performed on a square. Today, we took the funicular up to Castel Sant'Elmo up on a hilly part of Naples and enjoyed truly breathtaking views of the city (see the pics on http://www.andreasodyssey.shutterfly.com/)!

This Wednesday begins a one-week vacation for Easter, when most Italian take off from work and go on a little vacation. I am so excited . . . Mohamed and I have decided to visit some of the nearby islands that are supposed to be truly wonderful. On Friday, we leave for 3 nights on the island of Ischia followed by 2 nights in Capri! Although I suppose I must admit Naples is growing on me, I am always in favor of some time away from the big city.