18.6.16 and 19.6.16

18.6.16

   Italy is making fat, and not just my belly; my ankle has swollen to almost twice its size and has been completely swallowed by mosquito bites. I've lost count of how many there are.

   We spent this morning exploring historical Roman markets in Aquileia and sampling the vast array of outdoor cooked foods - meats; ham, salami, fish, as well as cheese and a dish made from wheat and barley. I have since spent the afternoon under an umbrella shaded from the insistent glare of the sun, writing and reading. I am so relaxed that I could fall asleep.

19.6.16

   When did I become too big for a swing? The chains press against the sides of my legs as I sit down, and when I swing, I get this terrible vertigo feeling as though I am on the sea and my brain is floating within my skull. I like to think that I can join in with most things, but as I watch Aurora chasing bubbles with a look of pure contentment on her face, I wonder, when did I become and adult?

   After Aurora's nap, at around 5pm, we cycled into Palmanova for some late afternoon ice cream. It seemed everyone else had the same idea as the Gelateria was full of people of all ages enjoying a cheeky cone-full.

   Once we'd finished our gelato we walked over to the square where they were playing music - a mix of American and Italian songs. Aurora wasted no time in getting her groove on and was bobbing away, arms flailing, in front of the bar from where the music blared. I loved her confidence and the fact that if she wanted to dance - she would dance. I joined her for a bit but too many people were staring! It only encouraged my need for a good night out on my return to England though!

Trieste

17.6.16

   The afternoon today had me cycling the route I've come to know well as the way to the nursery. This time however I continued under the Udine arch and turned left to the train station. I took the train to Trieste and discovered my first view of the Adriatic Sea from high up in the cliff tops. The train made it's way down to the town centre and I spent the afternoon meandering around the shops and photographing the magnificent buildings.

   'Pizzeria' caught my eye and so, for the first time since being in Italy, I stopped for pizza in a restaurant, and I wasn't disappointed. About halfway through my meal the TV on the wall was flicked on to football and everyone bar me sat with wide eyes glued to the screen. Personally, I was far more interested in my pizza. However, it seemed, once I had finished and left the restaurant, that every pub, restaurant and spare bit of space held a viewing for the football. The city had a real atmosphere for it, which only meant that there was more space on the streets for me to explore. I followed google maps through some narrow, deserted streets and up a steep, steep hill. I kept telling myself that at the top of every big hill is a view, and I was right. The cathedral sat atop a long set of steps, with a huge circular window staring down at me. I walked along and was met by a view looking down on Trieste and all of the orange-topped houses. It went on for miles, it seemed; luscious green foliage huddled amongst the buildings.

   I wandered back down, picking up a strawberry ice cream from a gelateria at the bottom, 'fragola'. Wow; so much flavour and colour in a single scoop. I ate it as I walked back along the sea front and then sat, legs dangling from the wall down to the sea below. I just wanted to jump in, the day was so hot.
   To the right of me houses climbed the steep, green hillside until the mountain melted away into the ocean.

15.6.16 and 16.6.16

15.6.16

   This morning Alessio took me for coffee and then for a walk up a hill where there were trenches from the first world war. It was sad to know that people had died in those spots.
   The view from the top was panoramic; looking over lush green fields and little towns, characterised by the small steeple of a bell tower.

   After picking Aurora up we took her to a different park to play and then to the hairdressers before going home. She doesn't like me today. Anything I do or say she just shouts 'NO!' at me or tells me to go away. It's like being with a teenager in a 3 year old's body at times!


16.6.16

   I spent another morning at the nursery today; the first hour with 4 and 5 year old's who didn't show me much interest, and the second hour with the younger children playing outside in the playground. I spent that full hour pushing different children on the swing. I was given a small stone as a present and after a while one little girl wearing thick blue glasses held my hand as I used the other to continue pushing the swing. Another girl wanted to hold my hand too, and when she saw that it was taken, she stood as close to me as she possibly could instead.
   Children have this wonderful way of making you feel loved.

Nursery

   As I am unable to volunteer at Aurora's nursery, Alessio's father, Emilio, suggested I do a day at the one he volunteers at, and so this morning, rigged with anticipation, off I went.
   The nursery was quite big, with separate rooms and age groups for the 130 children. Emilio walked me in and we were met with non-English speaking members of staff.
   'The Kenyan sisters will come now,' Emilio told me, but before they could arrive I was ushered into a classroom where about 20 children sat in a circle on the mat. The teacher introduced me, explaining that I was English, and I said that my name was Zoe. Some of them called out 'how are you?' and seemed amazed when I responded.
   The teacher sang a song with them and then read a story. By the second page I had a little boy with autism laying over my lap. At playtime he came up to me and we spent ages repetitively setting up and knocking over two small wooden people. He was then encouraged to join some other children playing with playdough, where it was discovered that he knew the entire alphabet in English!
   One girl asked whether I would be there tomorrow and I said that I wouldn't but maybe another day.
   For the second part of the morning I joined the younger class, which, upon entering, was chaos. One teacher to 21 children - and they were everywhere - tumbling on the mat, fighting over plastic dinosaurs, cooking in the toy kitchen, but above all, shouting over each other in soft squeaky voices to be heard. They took no notice of me, a stranger in their midst, until they were sat around miniature tables singing before lunch. I got a few cautious stares as I copied the actions to their song. As they took it in turns to go for a wee and wash their hands before lunch, the sister explained to them who I was and asked if any of them knew any English. They all called out 'Si!', but they didn't.
   Lunchtime arrived and with it more curious stares as the hall filled up with new children. A few of them smiled and waved, and then waved some more, giggling amongst their friends. After lunch one child ran up to me and asked my name, then ran, grinning, and sat back down again. Walking back to the classroom one girl held my hand and laughed excitedly. She was sat next to me and still holding my hand when it was time for me to leave!

13.6.16

   Yesterday we had pancakes for tea - with vegetables, but still, I was so happy! This morning, after dropping Aurora to nursery, I wandered around Palmanova market, bought a play-suit and some chocolate from the shop, and then cycled back to the house. The sun was out and the view of the mountains clear.

   Once back at the house I tried on my play-suit and was reminded of the reason why tall people shouldn't buy play-suits.

   Late morning Alessio suggested cycling to a clothes outlet about half an hour away by bike, so we donned our helmets and began the journey in 24 degree heat. In Italy (this region at least) they have cycle paths everywhere, and from these, crop fields stretch up to the mountains ahead of us.

   Once at the outlet I wandered around the shops with Alessio and found a present for Dean, although it felt strange having Alessio walk around with me! We then cycled back and had lunch before collecting Aurora.

   The plan was then to drive to Udine (which we did), to go to Ludo-tech, however once there we found it closed, and so instead we took a walk around Udine, through all the small streets and tall, cultural buildings, past shops and then up a big hill to be met by a view of the town stretching up to the jagged mountains in different shades of blue, with snow topped peaks. It was beautiful and I cursed myself for not bringing my camera. Alessio promised that we would visit again however.

   Aurora has been moody and defiant today and it has me questioning whether I even really want children. It is so hard. Kudos to the patience Alessio and Greta offer.

   At teatime I had a nice chat with Alessio about me staying with them and how strange it is for us all. He said that the change may be the cause of Aurora's occasionally difficult behaviour, but that he thought the experience of inviting an English mother tongue to stay with them would be good for her to experience. He said that it wasn't that they needed the extra help but that it was just nice to have me here. I said how lucky I felt to be staying with a family as nice as them!

10.6.16

   Both yesterday and the day before I have felt very tired, yesterday with that horrible sea-sick feeling. Last night I slept really well but am still tired today.
   The last couple of days have been quiet since Venice and have involved dropping Aurora off at nursery with Alessio, and then picking her up at 4, bringing her home and spending some time playing and dancing before tea and bed.
   Yesterday afternoon we cycled to the butchers to buy some meat for lunch; a huge array of not only meats but also dishes such as lasagne were laid out in front of us.
   After picking up Aurora we all took a trip to IKEA where Aurora played and we joined in. I was nackered by the time we got home and was grateful when Greta suggested takeaway pizza for tea! It was huge and delicious, if slightly different toppings-wise to English pizza, and I ate the whole thing.



   Today Alessio drove me to a small town called Aquileia where I got to be a tourist and snap some photos of Roman ruins. We had a look inside another church and then did a short walk with views of the mountains and grape and corn fields. The sun came out and it was lovely.



   Friday today so off we went to the grandparents for tea, once again with a wonderful array of traditional Italian dishes; pasta with pesto and olives, tomatoes and mozzarella, meatballs and peppers, and a dish likened to lasagne but made with three different types of cheese, it was delicious.

7.6.16

Day 6

   Today I went to Venice, alone.
   I was late getting up and so it was a bit of a rush to the train, but Alessio was very kind and had made me a coffee and prepared me a bottle of water to take, so after a little bit of running, we made it.
   The journey took just under an hour and a half and I was to get off at the last stop, so it was easy. I dismounted the train with everyone else and followed the crowds through the station and past all the expensive shops to the exit.
   Straight away, Venice took my breath away - the water, the buildings, the lack of cars. It was beautiful. And to top it off, clear blue skies and 26 degree heat. I took out my camera and hung it around my neck, then my phone for google maps. I spent some time walking back and forwards over bridges until I got the hang of it, then I headed to the restaurant Greta had recommended to me for lunch. The restaurant sat by the river, a little off the beaten track and empty inside. I entered, sweating, and then panicked when they didn't speak English very well and couldn't understand me, so ended up ordering a Greek salad.



   After lunch I journeyed across to San Marco, through small streets and over bridges with beautiful views. I kept having to pinch myself, I couldn't quite believe that it was real and that I was really there. It was like something out of a fairytale. I was constantly looking up at the beautiful buildings surrounding me. There is so much to see.
   I meandered along part of the Grande Canal and was in awe of the view of buildings of all shapes and sizes lined up on the other side. I made my way over to San Marco, stopping on every bridge to capture the scene looking down each small section of canal. Gondolas occasionally swept upstream, a man stood rowing dressed in black and white stripes.
   I walked for what seemed like forever in the sweltering heat getting lost in small streets. The houses pressed tightly together, a river running between where a road would usually be.
   Gift shops and places to eat - Pizzerias, gelato shops, cafes and restaurants also littered the streets, windows covered in masquerade masks and Milano glass. I stopped for an ice cream and realised how thirsty I was, despite already having so much to drink.
   I found myself on the other side of the canal where enchanting art stalls stood. I spent a short while flicking through the colourful works whilst my ice cream melted, before finally settling on one to buy.



   At the end of Piazza San Marco sat a fantastic building; Basilica San Marco - the patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of St. Mark. Such detail was in the statues which stood atop the roof, and in the paintings in the arches; it was a work of art.
   I found a cafe for coffee which wasn't too expensive just outside of Piazza San Marco, however I did have to stand at a bar table to drink it, I wasn't allowed to sit down which I found a little bizarre.



   My last stop before making my way back through the streets and up to the train station was Ponte di Rialto - Rialto Bridge. I didn't think much to the bridge itself, (it was under construction). However it was full of tourists and I soon saw why; gift shop after gift shop stood both sides of the bridge, up and over and down the other side. They all sold similar tat; keyrings, magnets, jewellery, that sort of thing. It didn't really interest me and so I made my way up, back over the Grande Canal, through San Polo, the beautiful streets; flowers hanging from balconies, and back up towards the train station, stopping off at some gift shops along the way.
   I stole one last glance back at Venice before calling it a day. I have done something I never thought I would. Not only have I explored a place for a whole day on my own and it not mattered whether I got lost, I have also fallen completely in love with a city. Venice really is something else.

6.6.16

Day 5

   This morning was an early start to drop Aurora to nursery. We then wandered around the market in Palmanova square. The sun was scorching and we found welcome relief in the church; a beautiful old building with high ceilings painted with religious imagery. Jesus sat as a statue in his mothers lap. Every inch of the interior was detailed and magnificent. Colour sprang from every corner and the sun crept through the stained glass windows.

   After a hearty salad for lunch, the rest of the afternoon whizzed by and then it was time to collect Aurora. We ended up at one of her friend's houses as it started to rain. We had four squealing 2 year old girls to contend with. Madness. But all was well as I got to share the gelato :)
   Three of the girls, including Aurora, had their fathers with them which was lovely to see, and one had her mother. When the girls were squealing and throwing themselves on the sofa, their dad's stood videoing on their phones; huge smiles on their faces.

5.6.16

Day 4

   Later in the afternoon yesterday Alessio, Aurora and I took a trip on the bikes to a nearby farm to buy some eggs. We knocked on the door and entered a little farm shop with eggs, asparagus, cheese, salami and cherries. The lady ushered me and Aurora through the back where we met three dogs and a small group of unkempt men and one woman sat on stools who greeted us 'ciao', 'buonasera', as we walked past. We were then met with stables full of milking cows. The pregnant ones were separated and a little further on was the milking parlour; great big cows attached to the milking machine. The lady led us through to show us the machinery. There was that glorious smell of fresh farm milk, the smell that used to be at Grandad's farm when it was time to feed the lambs.
   There were two huge metal cylinders, and a smaller one into which the milk ran. A big bucketful sat on the concrete floor and the dogs waited patiently by the door, licking their lips.

   Today, after breakfast, we drove into Udine, into the mountains. The town was picturesque with yellow and orange houses dotted around. We had a look inside a big church and then wandered through the town to the cafe we had booked for lunch. Greta and Alessio ordered us the famous ham with melon, bread, and a dish which looked like an omelette but instead of eggs consisted of potato and lots of cheese! The waiter brought out the ham on great big plates; one full of parma and the other a mixture, including one kind which was just thinly sliced fat! (Lardo).



Greta and Alessio don't really drink, but said that I couldn't come all the way to Italy and not try the wine, so I had a glass with my meal. Afterwards I tried my first Italian coffee (not home brewed), and it was the best I have ever tasted; such a strong and glorious flavour.

   After our meal we took a walk around Udine and captured some fantastic views of the surrounding fields and mountains - little orange roofed Italian houses looking up at us from the valley.

   Greta and Alessio invited some friends over for tea and their little girl, also called Aurora, who looks like a little Italian doll with her ringlets and big brown eyes.
   We spent the first hour playing in the street with their hyperactive five year old neighbour, Matteu. We raced up and down the road on bikes, scooters, and me on foot (a little too big for a toddlers trike).
   After a quick game of hide and seek, I helped prepare the table for tea and then we ate: pasta with tomato sauce, salad, and for afters - Nutella cake!

4.6.16

Day 3

   Yesterday, after picking Aurora up from nursery, we spent some time playing in the park. Greta was chatting to one of the nursery workers and later told me that they'd asked whether I'd like to spend a day at the nursery to see what it's like! Of course I said yes :)

   In the evening we were invited to Alessio's parents' for tea. We stopped off at a supermarket on the way where they had GIANT TUBS OF NUTELLA. I know what I'm bringing home.

   Alessio's parents live in a small second floor flat in one of the not so picturesque areas of Italy. It was only a short drive to get there. Aurora and her grandparents were waiting at the top of the stairs when we arrived, and the smell of fresh pizza hit me as I walked through the door.
   It felt both wonderful and strange to be sat around a table with people who, only a few months ago, were complete strangers, and now they were welcoming me into their home and treating me as one of their own. This, for me, is one of the best things so far about being an au pair.
   Nana had cooked up a gorgeous array of foods; three different kinds of pizza, stuffed tomatoes, aubergine and ham. She played the perfect hostess, (typical of their generation), serving our food whilst the rest of the family chatted away in Italian. Greta would occasionally translate for me, but it didn't matter that I didn't understand, it was just nice to be a part of.
   At one point Nono (Grandad) looked at me from across the table and said, in a thick Italian accent, 'my nephew... lives in Nottingham.'
   It was lovely, I felt, for him to make the effort to say something to me in English.

   Last night was the best sleep I have had so far. I left one shutter open just a touch and so was woken gently by the sun at 8.45.
   We had breakfast as a family, which consists of cereal, coffee, bread, and cake (dolce). Then we took the bikes and cycled into Palmanova.

   It is so hot this afternoon. We dined al fresco. Later on we will take a trip into Udine, and on Monday I am going to Venice!

3.6.16

Day 2

   Yesterday afternoon we took the bikes and cycled into Palmanova, into the heart of the star. The buildings are mostly 17th Century and beautiful, despite the thunderous clouds looming behind them.
   We visited a little shop for gelato which was exceptionally flavoursome.
   I did stand out with my summery clothes, whilst everyone else was dressed for cooler weather! Apparently this is cold for June. Today it is 18 degrees with highs of 23.

   This morning I'd set my alarm for 7.30 and we were up to take Aurora to nursery, once again on the bikes as it is only a 10 minute cycle away.
   I find that it is hard to wake up in the mornings as the shutters block out all the light! I could sleep for ages. (No change there!)

   I was talking to Greta and she said that Italy, although great for tourists, is not the best place to live. Apparently it was only 70 years ago that women got the vote! She also said that corruption is quite big over here, with it being common for people to avoid paying tax. More common than England it would seem.

2.6.16

Day 1

   I am sat in a garden in Italy drinking fresh coffee in the warm sun.
   The first mistake I made was to not pack any clothes for wet weather. The rain started in the night and continued into the morning. The blessing, however, is that the air is still warm and so there is no need for a jumper.

   I have fitted right in here; the family are lovely and Aurora already calls for me and is happy to have me play with her. She even asked for me to go to the bathroom with her whilst she had a poo.
   'One of the joys of parenting,' Greta said.

   A lot of the language is quite similar to French, I find, and so it is quite easy to pick up some phrases. 'Cacca' means 'poo', as it is in French, so I knew that one straight away!

   Greta is off work at the moment, so it is nice that we get to spend some time together with Aurora before I am with her on my own.
   I'm a bit nervous about driving and picking her up from nursery, which I think I'll be doing next week! It will be nice to establish a routine though, and then I will be able to explore on my days off.