So, I am going back home for my annual visit at the end of July and I am looking forward to it. I need a break from Napoli once in a while. I'll be back for 5 weeks then once again here at the beginning of September. Although I am having some money problems here and am not making as much as last year due to a change in schools and the fact that one of my 2 schools doesnt pay on time, I have not changed my mind about living here. I have no desire to return to America.
I may however decide to leave Napoli next year, not because I am sick of this city, quite the contrary, but simply because I need to make more money and there is probably more opportunity elsewhere in the boot. What I think needs to be explored is the social factor when deciding to live somewhere. Me at this point, I am getting attached to Napoli, the dialect, the people, my friends, my hang out places, my local shops, the overall feel of it and so I think it would be difficult to live somewhere else in Italy....let alone back to cold America. Nonetheless I think I could be happier in other regions of Italy if it came down to me leaving here. I didn't come here to get rich, but I am 31 and I wouldn't mind something semi-steady at this point in my life.....as do most people my age who are probably wishing the same thing. I'd be happy with steady hours in my current job or perhaps if it is at all possibile here, Id take a job as an English teacher in the public school systems. From what I hear, it is so steady that it would take a miracle to fire you.....like the post office. We'll see.
There is also a unique risk here in Napoli......Vesuvio. You never know when it could explode again. There is also another volcano which is the biggest in Europe called Marsili. Located all underwater and north of Sicilia, it has never exploded, but scientists believe that if it did, it could cause a Tsunami which could crush Southern Italy. Not that I am worried about it, nor would this be a factor to make me decide to leave Napoli, it has however a small factor to consider. For now I'd prefer to concentrate on the present and not think about it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Rome trip
I went to Rome yesterday as part of the extended holiday weekend here. The day after Easter is called Pasquetta which was and is a day to commemorate the day the angel met the women at the tomb of Christ to announce that he had risen from the dead. Although people use this day as an excuse to take a one day trip somewhere. Not wanting to hang around Napoli all day, I decided to take advantage of the free time and go to the Eternal City. I can see why people say most Romans dont live in the center of the city as much as in the past. It's overrun with tourists and what seemed to be mostly Americans and English speaking people!
This was my 4th time to Rome if I have kept track correctly. Perhaps the most reoccuring thought in my head was that I couldn't believe that my little apt here in Napoli is in the same country as all the wonders in Rome. With that said it was kinda nice to realize that I do in fact live in the same country as all those places and only 2 hours and 44€ round trip to get there. I must say, I prefer Napoli in the touristic sense simply because we dont get a ton of tourists like in the other Italian destinations like Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Milano, etc etc. Also, unlike Rome, napoletani still live at the center of the town which is what gives my experience living here quite an authentic feel to it. Too many tourists wouldnt make me feel as if I am in Italy.
So what did I see yesterday. The Colosseum even though I had seen it last year, the vatican, St Peter's cathedral, the trevi fountain and ciro massimo which was once a race track for chariots. I had one interesting encounter with an Indian who was selling umbrellas. It began to rain and as I was getting drenched, I decided to buy one. I can't believe that he wanted 15€ for a .50 cent umbrella!! I got a little mad and I said, 15?! Something like that costs FIVE euros in Napoli, 3 on a dry day! He then said he wanted only 5 for the small one, but as a matter of principle I walked away even though he chased me a bit to haggle the price. Why do I never see Italians selling umbrellas?!
Rome, overall seems cleaner than Napoli and the subway is the way it should run. I think the most I waited for a train was 3-5 mins. I would consider living in Rome and if I ever have to leave Napoli, or get tired of it here, I would def take it into consideration. Ma tiferei ancora Il Napoli.....TIè!!! XD (i'd still root for Napoli!)
This was my 4th time to Rome if I have kept track correctly. Perhaps the most reoccuring thought in my head was that I couldn't believe that my little apt here in Napoli is in the same country as all the wonders in Rome. With that said it was kinda nice to realize that I do in fact live in the same country as all those places and only 2 hours and 44€ round trip to get there. I must say, I prefer Napoli in the touristic sense simply because we dont get a ton of tourists like in the other Italian destinations like Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Milano, etc etc. Also, unlike Rome, napoletani still live at the center of the town which is what gives my experience living here quite an authentic feel to it. Too many tourists wouldnt make me feel as if I am in Italy.
So what did I see yesterday. The Colosseum even though I had seen it last year, the vatican, St Peter's cathedral, the trevi fountain and ciro massimo which was once a race track for chariots. I had one interesting encounter with an Indian who was selling umbrellas. It began to rain and as I was getting drenched, I decided to buy one. I can't believe that he wanted 15€ for a .50 cent umbrella!! I got a little mad and I said, 15?! Something like that costs FIVE euros in Napoli, 3 on a dry day! He then said he wanted only 5 for the small one, but as a matter of principle I walked away even though he chased me a bit to haggle the price. Why do I never see Italians selling umbrellas?!
Rome, overall seems cleaner than Napoli and the subway is the way it should run. I think the most I waited for a train was 3-5 mins. I would consider living in Rome and if I ever have to leave Napoli, or get tired of it here, I would def take it into consideration. Ma tiferei ancora Il Napoli.....TIè!!! XD (i'd still root for Napoli!)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Friendship
I am somewhat black and white when it comes to friends. But not at first as I usually have a lot of patience with people. After a while though, I take into account all my interactions, nights out, phone calls, everything and I analyze where I stand with people. I suppose the tricky part is to be able to clearly take in all the elements and your perception of reality. Like, have we fully taken into consideration someone's lifestyle or what is going in their lives before we deem them a bad friend?
But this not exactly a happy post so I will get right to the point; I can't stand false friends. This is a tired argument but it is still true in that good friends are hard to find. It's at times hard here in Italy, a triple challenge in the USA. My friend Santos from Rio who lives in CT says I am his only US friend and that doesn't surprise me. What I have learned from having friends here in Italy and having dated a bit is how to look at people's behaviors from a different culture's point of view for which Italians are somewhat good at spotting selfishness, arrogance and insincerity. I was accused of being selfish by my last ex, but when you are already an insecure person who trusts no one, then I question your judgement's of others. But that is another post.....if it ever comes!
I don't wanna name names here but I do have a number of friends whom I thought were better friends than they actually are and ever since I came here to live, it's been interesting to see who has kept in contact with me and who hasn't. One thing is for sure, when I go back to CT in Aug for my annual visit, I am gonna make sure I see people who are worth seeing and not fair weather friends. Living here, I dont expect to be showered with contact every day or even often. But there are some people who after a while have made it clear to me that they just don't make the effort and it's really sad when you consider the lenghty time it takes to send a simple SMS or message on FB or email.
Now, if someone doesn't want to be friends with me or even a friendly aquaintance, that's fine at least they are honest with their intentions. What pisses me off is when people are all palsy palsy with me in person then in the cyber world, I am lucky to get a Hi. I suppose all this explains why I have such unique friends from around the world in the sense that I don't care what your lifestyle is, who u hang out with or if we are worlds apart (I draw the line with people who lead dangerous lifestyles). I'll be friends who anyone who treats me the way I want to be treated. To be friends with someone who only have toys, cars, money and other superficial things to me is bullshit.
This makes me think more of America. It is so hard to find meaningful friends who accept you for who you are without looking for some edge or something to gain from you. As I recall back in America, I rarely had friends who tried to help me find a gf or to meet girls for that matter. (Some did though). I recall once, I was in a bar in my horrible hometown and I saw a dude whom I went to high school with. He was talking to some hot girl and didn't bother to introduce me to her. I can understand getting first dibs on her, but c'mon it's not like we'll be making out 5 mins after I introduce myself!
To not sound hypocritical, I do have friends that I don't see that often or make an effort to see or call. But I'd like to think that I don't do this to my good friends. I try to make the effort to stay in contact with my "inner circle" but sometimes I guess we all have to analyze who is in that circle. In the end though, I dont give people grief or shit if they dont keep up contacts.....that would change though if I got accused of not being a good friend.
My role has been clear to me for a number of years now, and that is that I am usually the one who iniates contact, I am the one who calls first; for the record, I make the effort. I suppose this is at times why I have more female friends than male friends; women seem to be better communicators. To end this, I will quote my father who always says, "If something or someone is important enough, you find the time and you make the time" Parole sante.
I believe I have made my point.
But this not exactly a happy post so I will get right to the point; I can't stand false friends. This is a tired argument but it is still true in that good friends are hard to find. It's at times hard here in Italy, a triple challenge in the USA. My friend Santos from Rio who lives in CT says I am his only US friend and that doesn't surprise me. What I have learned from having friends here in Italy and having dated a bit is how to look at people's behaviors from a different culture's point of view for which Italians are somewhat good at spotting selfishness, arrogance and insincerity. I was accused of being selfish by my last ex, but when you are already an insecure person who trusts no one, then I question your judgement's of others. But that is another post.....if it ever comes!
I don't wanna name names here but I do have a number of friends whom I thought were better friends than they actually are and ever since I came here to live, it's been interesting to see who has kept in contact with me and who hasn't. One thing is for sure, when I go back to CT in Aug for my annual visit, I am gonna make sure I see people who are worth seeing and not fair weather friends. Living here, I dont expect to be showered with contact every day or even often. But there are some people who after a while have made it clear to me that they just don't make the effort and it's really sad when you consider the lenghty time it takes to send a simple SMS or message on FB or email.
Now, if someone doesn't want to be friends with me or even a friendly aquaintance, that's fine at least they are honest with their intentions. What pisses me off is when people are all palsy palsy with me in person then in the cyber world, I am lucky to get a Hi. I suppose all this explains why I have such unique friends from around the world in the sense that I don't care what your lifestyle is, who u hang out with or if we are worlds apart (I draw the line with people who lead dangerous lifestyles). I'll be friends who anyone who treats me the way I want to be treated. To be friends with someone who only have toys, cars, money and other superficial things to me is bullshit.
This makes me think more of America. It is so hard to find meaningful friends who accept you for who you are without looking for some edge or something to gain from you. As I recall back in America, I rarely had friends who tried to help me find a gf or to meet girls for that matter. (Some did though). I recall once, I was in a bar in my horrible hometown and I saw a dude whom I went to high school with. He was talking to some hot girl and didn't bother to introduce me to her. I can understand getting first dibs on her, but c'mon it's not like we'll be making out 5 mins after I introduce myself!
To not sound hypocritical, I do have friends that I don't see that often or make an effort to see or call. But I'd like to think that I don't do this to my good friends. I try to make the effort to stay in contact with my "inner circle" but sometimes I guess we all have to analyze who is in that circle. In the end though, I dont give people grief or shit if they dont keep up contacts.....that would change though if I got accused of not being a good friend.
My role has been clear to me for a number of years now, and that is that I am usually the one who iniates contact, I am the one who calls first; for the record, I make the effort. I suppose this is at times why I have more female friends than male friends; women seem to be better communicators. To end this, I will quote my father who always says, "If something or someone is important enough, you find the time and you make the time" Parole sante.
I believe I have made my point.
Monday, February 7, 2011
UK vs American English
This wasn't something I really thought about in America but here in Europe it is something that I have taken notice of. Last year I worked and lived with the English. Most of it was a good experience and I even enjoyed hearing their accents. But now 1.5 years into my experience here, that fascination has somewhat worn off. I suppose it depends on the type of English accent. Some of the CDs in my lessons however, offer the British accent and my honest impression, my rough impression is that it is a somewhat overly formal showoffish kinda language.
To say that one style of English is more correct than another is rather ignorant thinking and I would never say that, so when I do hear this it irritate me. To give specific examples from my experiences here, they involve two londonites who at times pissed me off. One was a guy I lived with, the other was an Indian-Brit who supposedly had a posh English accent (like I can tell the diff). While I don't have any ill will towards them they were somewhat of a culture shock for me and I am thus left to wonder if they were a true taste of what awaits me the next time I go to visit London. I've been there before but it's been 12 years.
They struck me as rather cold at times, pushy, arrogant and too anglo for my tastes. What really pissed me off was their attitude and reaction towards differences in the English language. I got a really constipated reaction when I wasnt aware of some of their slang or if I asked a question to which I genuinly did not know the answer to. I told them once...the whole English language does not revolve around what's popular in England! I speak the same language as them, but I am after all from a different country so it's normal to have differences in the language. Doesn't every language change constantly?
One aspect of UK English that I dont like is how they tell time. Their usage of the word, "past" at times confuses me like for 6:30 they'd say half past 6. I think the American way is more practical: hours and mins....that's it. Another is using the present perfect when we dont use it. Ex: I've had a shower this morning......vs. I had a shower this morning. Both are correct really so I can't discourage my students from saying it the UK way.
One thing I refuse to do is to go around saying that USA English is better than UK English. It's simply a different way of talking. As for personal preference, I do prefer to hear British accents when you compare them to certain American accents which at times get on my nerves. One particular American way of talking that makes me cringe is hearing young American girls talk. Not all of them are this way of course, but so many have this cutesy way of talking as if they are making a deliberate attempt to sound extra girly and in some instances, this affects the tone of their speech, meaning they at times sound like they're asking a question when it's really an affirmation. I remember once some girl came to my cell phone store and said, "My phone is broken?" Are you asking me or telling me??? And then there is the classic , " Like OMG. " Such a pleasure it is to never hear that over here !!
I dunno, the American way of talking to me just doesn't seem like an intelligent one. Let's face it, I got a problem with English....PERIOD!! heheheh. But it is a useful language and my lifeline here in Italy.
To say that one style of English is more correct than another is rather ignorant thinking and I would never say that, so when I do hear this it irritate me. To give specific examples from my experiences here, they involve two londonites who at times pissed me off. One was a guy I lived with, the other was an Indian-Brit who supposedly had a posh English accent (like I can tell the diff). While I don't have any ill will towards them they were somewhat of a culture shock for me and I am thus left to wonder if they were a true taste of what awaits me the next time I go to visit London. I've been there before but it's been 12 years.
They struck me as rather cold at times, pushy, arrogant and too anglo for my tastes. What really pissed me off was their attitude and reaction towards differences in the English language. I got a really constipated reaction when I wasnt aware of some of their slang or if I asked a question to which I genuinly did not know the answer to. I told them once...the whole English language does not revolve around what's popular in England! I speak the same language as them, but I am after all from a different country so it's normal to have differences in the language. Doesn't every language change constantly?
One aspect of UK English that I dont like is how they tell time. Their usage of the word, "past" at times confuses me like for 6:30 they'd say half past 6. I think the American way is more practical: hours and mins....that's it. Another is using the present perfect when we dont use it. Ex: I've had a shower this morning......vs. I had a shower this morning. Both are correct really so I can't discourage my students from saying it the UK way.
One thing I refuse to do is to go around saying that USA English is better than UK English. It's simply a different way of talking. As for personal preference, I do prefer to hear British accents when you compare them to certain American accents which at times get on my nerves. One particular American way of talking that makes me cringe is hearing young American girls talk. Not all of them are this way of course, but so many have this cutesy way of talking as if they are making a deliberate attempt to sound extra girly and in some instances, this affects the tone of their speech, meaning they at times sound like they're asking a question when it's really an affirmation. I remember once some girl came to my cell phone store and said, "My phone is broken?" Are you asking me or telling me??? And then there is the classic , " Like OMG. " Such a pleasure it is to never hear that over here !!
I dunno, the American way of talking to me just doesn't seem like an intelligent one. Let's face it, I got a problem with English....PERIOD!! heheheh. But it is a useful language and my lifeline here in Italy.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Smoking
I hate smoking! I hate it and this is my area to rant about it; we all need a rant every now and then. Perhaps what I hate the most is not so much the cigarettes themselves, but how when and where people smoke them. If you want to smoke, fine go ahead and kill yourself, but why are you dragging me and every other healthy lung into your cancer quest? If you want to smoke, go off in some corner where there isnt the chance of another person to inhale it or better yet, dont smoke in public at all!
I can't stand it when I see someone light up in public, in places where it is nearly impossible to not inhale smoke, in particular while walking along the sidewalk. To me this a selfish act and a form of force, the fact that I am being forced to breath someone's poor choice in life. What is even more appalling is when I see parents smoking around their children (we're not even gonna touch women who smoke while pregnant) who otherwise seem like somewhat decent people. I understand it is an addiction, but it doesn't change the fact that you are still forcing others to inhale your addiction.
Since this is a blog dedicated to Napoli, I must mention that smoking here reminds me of how things were in America when I was child and probably resembles America back in the day when smoking was even fashiobable. I don't understand at all why napoletani smoke so much. Italians in general are people who pay a lot of attention to their health and know exactly what is good and what is bad for them. How they ignore all the modern day health warnings and dangers of nicotine is something that really illudes me. It's such a shame when I see young people with cigarettes in their mouths. One thing that seems to be the same all over the world are the anti-society people, metalheads, anarchists or just people who are against the grain; they all smoke. They try to be different from society yet the majority smoke!
Some people say they could never date a person who smokes. I'd like to say that's true in my case but it isnt. Giovanna, my gf, is a smoker unfortunately and for as much as hate her addiction, I can't bring myself to tell her "o smetti o ti lascio......either I quite or we break up". I put up with it because it doesn't ruin 100% the times we spend together but if she did anything more than smoke cigarettes then that is where I would draw the line.
I remember once, my Aunt's husband (he doesn't feel like an uncle to me) complaining about having to defend his smoking. Well he should! If you smoke these days, there is absolutely no logical argument that I can think of which justifies what you do and the health risk that you pose to the general public and furthermore every smoker should be held accountable for what they do. Typical smoker justifications are that it helps them relax or it helps to slow down their metabolism and the classic "it doesn't always cause cancer". I do believe that smoke causes a physical reaction which is what the main attraction must be to smoking (I dont feel anything except nausea), but there are many other ways to relax and lose weight. There is always an alternative to lighting up. As for cancer, it is not a guarantee that you will get cancer, but why risk it?
Aside from the risk of lung cancer, the immediate effects of smoking that I personally find revolting are these: the absurd cost for a pack of smokes, the yellowing of the teeth and the overall smell that remains on your breath and clothing.
I do my best to avoid smokers, and perhaps I did not come to the right part of the world to teach English. But I will never back down or feel guilty about expressing my opinons about smoking.
I can't stand it when I see someone light up in public, in places where it is nearly impossible to not inhale smoke, in particular while walking along the sidewalk. To me this a selfish act and a form of force, the fact that I am being forced to breath someone's poor choice in life. What is even more appalling is when I see parents smoking around their children (we're not even gonna touch women who smoke while pregnant) who otherwise seem like somewhat decent people. I understand it is an addiction, but it doesn't change the fact that you are still forcing others to inhale your addiction.
Since this is a blog dedicated to Napoli, I must mention that smoking here reminds me of how things were in America when I was child and probably resembles America back in the day when smoking was even fashiobable. I don't understand at all why napoletani smoke so much. Italians in general are people who pay a lot of attention to their health and know exactly what is good and what is bad for them. How they ignore all the modern day health warnings and dangers of nicotine is something that really illudes me. It's such a shame when I see young people with cigarettes in their mouths. One thing that seems to be the same all over the world are the anti-society people, metalheads, anarchists or just people who are against the grain; they all smoke. They try to be different from society yet the majority smoke!
Some people say they could never date a person who smokes. I'd like to say that's true in my case but it isnt. Giovanna, my gf, is a smoker unfortunately and for as much as hate her addiction, I can't bring myself to tell her "o smetti o ti lascio......either I quite or we break up". I put up with it because it doesn't ruin 100% the times we spend together but if she did anything more than smoke cigarettes then that is where I would draw the line.
I remember once, my Aunt's husband (he doesn't feel like an uncle to me) complaining about having to defend his smoking. Well he should! If you smoke these days, there is absolutely no logical argument that I can think of which justifies what you do and the health risk that you pose to the general public and furthermore every smoker should be held accountable for what they do. Typical smoker justifications are that it helps them relax or it helps to slow down their metabolism and the classic "it doesn't always cause cancer". I do believe that smoke causes a physical reaction which is what the main attraction must be to smoking (I dont feel anything except nausea), but there are many other ways to relax and lose weight. There is always an alternative to lighting up. As for cancer, it is not a guarantee that you will get cancer, but why risk it?
Aside from the risk of lung cancer, the immediate effects of smoking that I personally find revolting are these: the absurd cost for a pack of smokes, the yellowing of the teeth and the overall smell that remains on your breath and clothing.
I do my best to avoid smokers, and perhaps I did not come to the right part of the world to teach English. But I will never back down or feel guilty about expressing my opinons about smoking.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
First post of 2011
At the suggestion of a friend, I will keep this blog alive and attempt to add to it once in a while.
I find myself at a crossroad here, one I didn't really expect myself to be at, but it isn't necessarily a bad thing. What brought about this fork in the road is due to the fact that Inlingua canned me and thus I had to re-evaluate my situation here in Naples. In summary, I was let go from Inlingua for 2 reasons, one being my own damn fault and the other I give to the school. I had become lax in my job and it showed when they observed one of my lessons. But what I don't like however about Inlingua is they have a policy of not telling the instructors when a complaint is made about them or any kind of negative feedback for that matter. So it's impossible to know if you are doing a bad job as they tell you nothing!
But life goes on. My last link to Inlingua is my last check which no no doubt will make me cry due to the shortened month in Dec because of the holidays and my working with the British in Marano. I also got hired by the Wallstreet Institute here in Napoli and I should start with them soon. I do offer private lessons and they should resume soon and hopefully with some new students.
Life observation: In the USA, I often saw immigrants and people from other countries, some were even my friends. I was used to them being in my house and me having the upperhand linguistically. Here, it's somewhat different. I see immigrants every day from all over the world, mostly Africans, Arabs and Asians and in a way we have something in common being that Italy is not our first and primary country. As I have mentioned in past blogs, I feel right in between both countries, the USA and Italy so my being here is not without some logic or reason. Why people from other countries choose Napoli I'll never know! Perhaps it's due to its rather pleasant climate and the fact that people here are lax on the rules.
I find myself at a crossroad here, one I didn't really expect myself to be at, but it isn't necessarily a bad thing. What brought about this fork in the road is due to the fact that Inlingua canned me and thus I had to re-evaluate my situation here in Naples. In summary, I was let go from Inlingua for 2 reasons, one being my own damn fault and the other I give to the school. I had become lax in my job and it showed when they observed one of my lessons. But what I don't like however about Inlingua is they have a policy of not telling the instructors when a complaint is made about them or any kind of negative feedback for that matter. So it's impossible to know if you are doing a bad job as they tell you nothing!
But life goes on. My last link to Inlingua is my last check which no no doubt will make me cry due to the shortened month in Dec because of the holidays and my working with the British in Marano. I also got hired by the Wallstreet Institute here in Napoli and I should start with them soon. I do offer private lessons and they should resume soon and hopefully with some new students.
Life observation: In the USA, I often saw immigrants and people from other countries, some were even my friends. I was used to them being in my house and me having the upperhand linguistically. Here, it's somewhat different. I see immigrants every day from all over the world, mostly Africans, Arabs and Asians and in a way we have something in common being that Italy is not our first and primary country. As I have mentioned in past blogs, I feel right in between both countries, the USA and Italy so my being here is not without some logic or reason. Why people from other countries choose Napoli I'll never know! Perhaps it's due to its rather pleasant climate and the fact that people here are lax on the rules.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Trip to America 2010
Overall I’d say it went well. I had mixed feelings about going back, perhaps because I still have issues with the USA, but on the other hand I have a lot of wonderful memories and friends from there. Coming and leaving again was different in a good way this time around as last year was quite emotional. Last year I was “taking the plunge” into something very different and unknown and no one knew when or if I was ever coming back.
When I arrived in Napoli last year I had nothing and basically had to start from scratch. Coming back reaffirmed to me and to my parents that I am not so far away after all. But a month was just enough. Now I am happy to be back in Napoli.
It was a needed vacation as I was in need of a change of scenery and to see my parents again. Quite honestly, it was cool as hell coming to the USA as a half foreigner half local. It was nice to not be a foreigner, to hear English again and to not have to think about what I was saying like I do here at my job. One thing in particular that I missed was driving! I walk everywhere here which is fine as it keeps me in shape but at times, especially at night, I prefer to be in a car. Although my old car, the TC Scion is dearly missed. I was grateful to be able to use my parents cars but to be honest they bore me because they’re both automatics and I prefer a standard shift.
Last and certainly not least, it was nice to see my Brazilian friends again! I seem to have more of them than American friends. Whether that’s true or not I did see more of them on this trip. I dearly missed the churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) the rice, the beans, the pudding and other South American delicacies. Most importantly I missed the easy going spirit of the Brazilians who are culturally similar to Neapolitans.
My best friend Santos was a good friend as always. He even dropped what he was doing to come out and see me right after I called him to tell him that I was back! He then broke my bed (well actually we did!) just sitting on it! It’s very bittersweet to be such good friends with someone because when you’re back you feel like you’re back forever. But the painful reality is that you are just there for a visit. Still, I’d prefer that short stay as opposed to not seeing him for years which Brazilians and other immigrants are painfully used to. I am fortunate indeed that I can come and go between both countries as I please and that I am a citizen of such a vast amount of land.
Santos has not changed a bit and I wouldn’t change him at all really. He wouldn’t be him otherwise. This trip was unique as now I have a bit of immigrant experience and I am able to relate to immigrants a bit better in America now. I am happy to say that Santos was the last friend I saw on this trip just like before I left last year. We went to Elizabeth Park and just chatted for a while and had some deep discussions which if you can’t have these kinda chats, then in my opinion the caliber of your friendship is somewhat lacking.
Now for the ups and downs of the trip and I’ll start with the downs to end this whole thing on a positive note. As I mentioned above, just a month was all I wanted in the USA. I still don’t want to live there or work there again because all the reservations and criticism that I’ve always had are still true. What keeps me away is US society. For the most part, I still find it a cold place, immature, very informal, insecure of itself and above all……fake. Perhaps this is just New England, but I’ve met Americans from all over the USA and some have the temperament of a New Englander if not worse! Someone told me that if I were to move to Chicago, LA or other parts of the USA I’d be trading apples for apples. Sure, it would be a nice change but in the end it’s still the USA.
The Food: Italian food wins hands down here! It is hard to find decent fresh food in the USA and it was kinda disturbing to be at the mercy of American cuisine. The best places that I like to go to are ethnic specific restaurants: Indian, Brazilian, Asian and if they can get it right, Italian. But I still loathe all the major chain restaurants. The first thing I did when I got here in Napoli was get a real pizza and man was it buonissima! La pizza napoletana has a specific taste to it that I’ve never had in the USA.
Going to restaurants irritates me in the USA too. Wait staff are overly courteous as they are trying to get a good tip outta you, but some come off as just so fake. In fact I find it disturbing that you HAVE to tip in the USA. A tip is a sign of appreciation from a customer, not part of the bill. This ‘have to tip’ mentality to me just screams a hidden….GIMME!
Going out: Sadly, I am not surprised when I see fights break out in the bars and clubs. Almost every dude in there seems to walk around with a chip on his shoulder. U look at someone the wrong way, u bump into someone and it’s cause for a scuffle. This is something I rarely if ever experience in Napoli. Sure enough I saw a dude get thrown out of the Pour House in Hartford and then he tried wresting with 3 bouncers. Brilliant numbnuts.
One thing I that I have gotten used to here in Italy, is NOT being carded and it’s so nice to buy alcohol freely without being asked for documents and getting your hand stamped with some ink that takes forever to get off. I feel like a cow being branded! A few times last month, I had to go back home and get my license because I had forgotten how tightly controlled alcohol is the in the USA.
The weather: While we can’t control Mother Nature we can certainly control where we live. For as hot as Napoli gets, the weather is subtropical and not as extreme as CT. CT is anywhere from boiling to frostbite cold and quiet honestly it’s too extreme for me. It was such a blessing to not see snow last winter!
AC: The idea is to condition the air, not freeze it! I was so cold walking into grocery stores and getting hit with that blast of cold air. It could be 90 out and 50 in the stores. Mamma mia! That’s how one catches a cold! Or is it possible that there is some conspiracy with the pharmaceutical companies and retail stores across the nation in light of recent health care reforms?!
Americans: my opinion of too many of them is this…..Arrogant, ignorant, insecure, fake, cold, impatient hot headed, and socially strange. Here’s something I don’t understand. Twice on my trip there, my Brazilian friends were asked 2 questions. 1. Where are you from, which is an honest neutral question and God knows I get asked that here, which is absolutely fine. 2. Do you have a green card?........................................ What is the point in asking this question?! It’s rather intrusive really and none of our business. I felt bad for my friends but they took it with a grain of salt when really the salt needs to be thrown back into the face of those who ask and if applicable in a nice fresh cut!
No one asks me my legal status here in Italy unless they get to know me. Point being, I am not asked that on introduction. Rather I am asked if I am here for work or study which I find to be a very neutral fair question. Italian society is what keeps me in Italy. While I have some issues with Italians and Italian society, I prefer them over Americans.
Public music: a small pet peeve albeit one worth mentioning. I have worked in many jobs that involved customer service and the music seems to be this satellite link fed to all chain stores in the USA. The music is recycled stuff from the past 30 years, some good, some just boring and overplayed. In Italy, the tendency is to put on the radio and often I hear dance/house kinda music.
Italians: aside from coming to a new country and changing their lives drastically, I don't fully understand Italians dieing love for the USA. Their perception of the USA and of Americans in my opinion make them seem very naive. I tell them all the time that the USA only bears a small resemblance to what they see in films and what they read about America. But it is possible to have a comfortable life in the USA if you are willing to work hard. One thing is for sure, the USA is not a cheap country by far.
Now the positives……
Americans: In some aspects we are laid back more than traditional ethnic countries and it create a somewhat relaxed mentality on certain things. My ex here in Italy used to tell me that I am always so calm in certain situations whereas I guess an Italian would make a big deal out similar situations.
For all my complaints about Americans and American society, it is like any other society in which people are people no matter where you go. I’ve always said that in every country there exists every kinda type of personality, the good the bad and the ugly. Just that when you go to a different country the culture changes and gives everything a whole new taste. Americans are definitely more independent and rely less on la mamma. But this is strictly on a case by case basis. It’s hard to generalize when you have a population of 310,216,000 people.
I know some absolutely wonderful people back home whom I would take any day over certain types of Italians here. My parent’s neighbors for example are two wonderful people who I was very happy to see again. There are plenty of people in the USA who made my trip even better just by talking to them. It was nice to not be a foreigner, to understand everyone around me and to just speak normally. (I don’t have major communication problems here in Italy, but at times I do get confused, especially when it comes to humor and logico napoletano).
More fundamentally, I suppose this trip back home gave me a better sense of identity. I am an American citizen because I was born and raised in the USA. But at the same time I am also Italian (legally and mentally). It’s impossible to ignore my last name, my family history and that we still have a few relatives who don’t speak English (we had more in the past few years). I love the fact that my last name is napoletano and that here it’s a normal last name that everyone can pronounce. It’s also cool to hear my father’s name Salvatore, used so commonly like John and Mike in the USA. More importantly, I don’t want to lose my heritage which I am proud of so what better way to preserve it than by going to where my ancestors came from? Now I have two different visions of Italy. The old country and Italy for what it is today; grown up and with their history, culture and traditions closely woven together.
So living here in Italy, it makes me feel right in between both countries and I suppose at times in a world all my own due to cultural confusion. Where does that leave me? I don’t care. The important thing is to be happy.
The highlights of my trip: Going to NY to see some friends. Going to Boston to see my sister and seeing here again at her salon (she’s an esthetician). Seeing Green Day when I didn’t know they were even in town! Seeing Slayer, Megadeth and Testament. Seeing friends and family that I didn’t think I was gonna see. Brian Morey for example was an unexpected surprise. Driving again. Living in a house with no bills or no responsibility, AMERICAN CABLE TV!! (I love the History channel!) And lot but not least, seeing my parents again as well as my two best friends, Tim and Santos. So yeah, I am glad I went back and I’ll go back again for another visit, but a month was enough. It was my first time going to the USA being 30 years old and it made me wonder what my life could be like if I had stayed and gotten a half way decent job. I may go back and it is nice to know that I always have that option.
When I arrived in Napoli last year I had nothing and basically had to start from scratch. Coming back reaffirmed to me and to my parents that I am not so far away after all. But a month was just enough. Now I am happy to be back in Napoli.
It was a needed vacation as I was in need of a change of scenery and to see my parents again. Quite honestly, it was cool as hell coming to the USA as a half foreigner half local. It was nice to not be a foreigner, to hear English again and to not have to think about what I was saying like I do here at my job. One thing in particular that I missed was driving! I walk everywhere here which is fine as it keeps me in shape but at times, especially at night, I prefer to be in a car. Although my old car, the TC Scion is dearly missed. I was grateful to be able to use my parents cars but to be honest they bore me because they’re both automatics and I prefer a standard shift.
Last and certainly not least, it was nice to see my Brazilian friends again! I seem to have more of them than American friends. Whether that’s true or not I did see more of them on this trip. I dearly missed the churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) the rice, the beans, the pudding and other South American delicacies. Most importantly I missed the easy going spirit of the Brazilians who are culturally similar to Neapolitans.
My best friend Santos was a good friend as always. He even dropped what he was doing to come out and see me right after I called him to tell him that I was back! He then broke my bed (well actually we did!) just sitting on it! It’s very bittersweet to be such good friends with someone because when you’re back you feel like you’re back forever. But the painful reality is that you are just there for a visit. Still, I’d prefer that short stay as opposed to not seeing him for years which Brazilians and other immigrants are painfully used to. I am fortunate indeed that I can come and go between both countries as I please and that I am a citizen of such a vast amount of land.
Santos has not changed a bit and I wouldn’t change him at all really. He wouldn’t be him otherwise. This trip was unique as now I have a bit of immigrant experience and I am able to relate to immigrants a bit better in America now. I am happy to say that Santos was the last friend I saw on this trip just like before I left last year. We went to Elizabeth Park and just chatted for a while and had some deep discussions which if you can’t have these kinda chats, then in my opinion the caliber of your friendship is somewhat lacking.
Now for the ups and downs of the trip and I’ll start with the downs to end this whole thing on a positive note. As I mentioned above, just a month was all I wanted in the USA. I still don’t want to live there or work there again because all the reservations and criticism that I’ve always had are still true. What keeps me away is US society. For the most part, I still find it a cold place, immature, very informal, insecure of itself and above all……fake. Perhaps this is just New England, but I’ve met Americans from all over the USA and some have the temperament of a New Englander if not worse! Someone told me that if I were to move to Chicago, LA or other parts of the USA I’d be trading apples for apples. Sure, it would be a nice change but in the end it’s still the USA.
The Food: Italian food wins hands down here! It is hard to find decent fresh food in the USA and it was kinda disturbing to be at the mercy of American cuisine. The best places that I like to go to are ethnic specific restaurants: Indian, Brazilian, Asian and if they can get it right, Italian. But I still loathe all the major chain restaurants. The first thing I did when I got here in Napoli was get a real pizza and man was it buonissima! La pizza napoletana has a specific taste to it that I’ve never had in the USA.
Going to restaurants irritates me in the USA too. Wait staff are overly courteous as they are trying to get a good tip outta you, but some come off as just so fake. In fact I find it disturbing that you HAVE to tip in the USA. A tip is a sign of appreciation from a customer, not part of the bill. This ‘have to tip’ mentality to me just screams a hidden….GIMME!
Going out: Sadly, I am not surprised when I see fights break out in the bars and clubs. Almost every dude in there seems to walk around with a chip on his shoulder. U look at someone the wrong way, u bump into someone and it’s cause for a scuffle. This is something I rarely if ever experience in Napoli. Sure enough I saw a dude get thrown out of the Pour House in Hartford and then he tried wresting with 3 bouncers. Brilliant numbnuts.
One thing I that I have gotten used to here in Italy, is NOT being carded and it’s so nice to buy alcohol freely without being asked for documents and getting your hand stamped with some ink that takes forever to get off. I feel like a cow being branded! A few times last month, I had to go back home and get my license because I had forgotten how tightly controlled alcohol is the in the USA.
The weather: While we can’t control Mother Nature we can certainly control where we live. For as hot as Napoli gets, the weather is subtropical and not as extreme as CT. CT is anywhere from boiling to frostbite cold and quiet honestly it’s too extreme for me. It was such a blessing to not see snow last winter!
AC: The idea is to condition the air, not freeze it! I was so cold walking into grocery stores and getting hit with that blast of cold air. It could be 90 out and 50 in the stores. Mamma mia! That’s how one catches a cold! Or is it possible that there is some conspiracy with the pharmaceutical companies and retail stores across the nation in light of recent health care reforms?!
Americans: my opinion of too many of them is this…..Arrogant, ignorant, insecure, fake, cold, impatient hot headed, and socially strange. Here’s something I don’t understand. Twice on my trip there, my Brazilian friends were asked 2 questions. 1. Where are you from, which is an honest neutral question and God knows I get asked that here, which is absolutely fine. 2. Do you have a green card?........................................ What is the point in asking this question?! It’s rather intrusive really and none of our business. I felt bad for my friends but they took it with a grain of salt when really the salt needs to be thrown back into the face of those who ask and if applicable in a nice fresh cut!
No one asks me my legal status here in Italy unless they get to know me. Point being, I am not asked that on introduction. Rather I am asked if I am here for work or study which I find to be a very neutral fair question. Italian society is what keeps me in Italy. While I have some issues with Italians and Italian society, I prefer them over Americans.
Public music: a small pet peeve albeit one worth mentioning. I have worked in many jobs that involved customer service and the music seems to be this satellite link fed to all chain stores in the USA. The music is recycled stuff from the past 30 years, some good, some just boring and overplayed. In Italy, the tendency is to put on the radio and often I hear dance/house kinda music.
Italians: aside from coming to a new country and changing their lives drastically, I don't fully understand Italians dieing love for the USA. Their perception of the USA and of Americans in my opinion make them seem very naive. I tell them all the time that the USA only bears a small resemblance to what they see in films and what they read about America. But it is possible to have a comfortable life in the USA if you are willing to work hard. One thing is for sure, the USA is not a cheap country by far.
Now the positives……
Americans: In some aspects we are laid back more than traditional ethnic countries and it create a somewhat relaxed mentality on certain things. My ex here in Italy used to tell me that I am always so calm in certain situations whereas I guess an Italian would make a big deal out similar situations.
For all my complaints about Americans and American society, it is like any other society in which people are people no matter where you go. I’ve always said that in every country there exists every kinda type of personality, the good the bad and the ugly. Just that when you go to a different country the culture changes and gives everything a whole new taste. Americans are definitely more independent and rely less on la mamma. But this is strictly on a case by case basis. It’s hard to generalize when you have a population of 310,216,000 people.
I know some absolutely wonderful people back home whom I would take any day over certain types of Italians here. My parent’s neighbors for example are two wonderful people who I was very happy to see again. There are plenty of people in the USA who made my trip even better just by talking to them. It was nice to not be a foreigner, to understand everyone around me and to just speak normally. (I don’t have major communication problems here in Italy, but at times I do get confused, especially when it comes to humor and logico napoletano).
More fundamentally, I suppose this trip back home gave me a better sense of identity. I am an American citizen because I was born and raised in the USA. But at the same time I am also Italian (legally and mentally). It’s impossible to ignore my last name, my family history and that we still have a few relatives who don’t speak English (we had more in the past few years). I love the fact that my last name is napoletano and that here it’s a normal last name that everyone can pronounce. It’s also cool to hear my father’s name Salvatore, used so commonly like John and Mike in the USA. More importantly, I don’t want to lose my heritage which I am proud of so what better way to preserve it than by going to where my ancestors came from? Now I have two different visions of Italy. The old country and Italy for what it is today; grown up and with their history, culture and traditions closely woven together.
So living here in Italy, it makes me feel right in between both countries and I suppose at times in a world all my own due to cultural confusion. Where does that leave me? I don’t care. The important thing is to be happy.
The highlights of my trip: Going to NY to see some friends. Going to Boston to see my sister and seeing here again at her salon (she’s an esthetician). Seeing Green Day when I didn’t know they were even in town! Seeing Slayer, Megadeth and Testament. Seeing friends and family that I didn’t think I was gonna see. Brian Morey for example was an unexpected surprise. Driving again. Living in a house with no bills or no responsibility, AMERICAN CABLE TV!! (I love the History channel!) And lot but not least, seeing my parents again as well as my two best friends, Tim and Santos. So yeah, I am glad I went back and I’ll go back again for another visit, but a month was enough. It was my first time going to the USA being 30 years old and it made me wonder what my life could be like if I had stayed and gotten a half way decent job. I may go back and it is nice to know that I always have that option.
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