Daphne's Homework

Today I helped Daphne with her homework. Meirav and Saul are in Amsterdam for the day and I was given the challenge of helping the girls understand and accomplish their assignments. So, when Daphne cried out for help my knowledge was put to the test. I went to her side and dreadfully realized she was struggling with her math assignment.

Now I have never been to good at math. In fact I have been quite pitiful when it comes do that dreaded subject. My Mother can attest to the many late, tearful nights I had in high school with this numbers game. More truthfully these tears came before high school too. After acknowledging that the subject at hand was math I froze. Took a deep breath. And then sat down with a pencil and large eraser.

And do you want to know what? It was quite easy to understand. I even taught her a fraction trick that I remember from home school. And we laughed. And we learned. And the best part...the instructions were in Italian. Yep, and I understood it. (Now try telling that to my high school math teachers)

I was pretty proud. Just had to share.

My First Christmas Away From Home

Marie and I in front of her Christmas tree on the 24th after we opened gifts.

I stepped off the airplane into the snowy Germany and my eyes filled up with tears. I was so happy to see Marie. Marie was a foreign exchange student at Ashland High School last year and was my best friend in my French 1 class. It felt so good to be with a person I had known in the states. It was so fun to remember the times we spent together at school and the funny things about Ashland. I loved every minute of being with her.

I arrived at the Wasem house on the 24th and loved seeing a freshly decorated Christmas tree. The Christmas excitement and spirit echoed throughout the home. Marie’s Grandparents came over to the house in the evening just in time to walk to church with us. We listened to a Christmas sermon given by the pastor (listened is the key word because I didn’t understand anything) in a beautiful, old little church in their neighborhood. Even though it was freezing cold outside everyone in the town walked to church and walked home after the meeting.

At home Marie’s Mother treated us to a delicious dinner of potatoes, salad, and bread. After dinner was cleaned up, Grandmother brought out a HUGE plate filled with dozens of homemade cookies. She must have been working hard all afternoon because there were more than ten different kinds of delicious cookies on the platter piled high. While sitting around the table in the glow of the lamp we began to open gifts, sneaking a cookie every once in a while. The Wasem family was too kind to me giving me beautiful and thoughtful gifts such as a travel kit and a guide book to Berlin.

Christmas morning the family slept in and for lunch we met up with the cousins, aunt, and uncles at a Greek restaurant. After lunch we drove to the Grandmother’s house where instead of being greeted with cookies, we were greeted with five different kinds of pies. The whole day was spent eating, talking, and relaxing on the couch.

The highlight of my Christmas day was talking with my family. The Wasems let me call my family in Oregon and I was able to talk to them while they were all around the Christmas tree. I was sweet to hear their voices.

My German Christmas was very different from Christmas in the states, but I still loved and enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you Wasem family for taking me in like a daughter.

Marie, me, and Eva (Marie's twin sister)

Pompeii Trip Part 1

One year ago I thought that in the fall of 2009 I would be at BYU. Never did I dream that I would be walking down an Italian driveway to catch the bus to Pompeii.

For the first time in my life I was going on a trip by myself. I was excited. I wanted to prove my independence and gain more confidence in being completely alone.

At 8:15 am I took a train from Termini to Napoli. Last year one of my dreams was to go on a real train ride. I would have been so surprised to have looked forward a year and see that taking the train had become a normal occurrence for me…even a monotonous one.

I had brought a book to read with me, but I was captivated by the landscape that was passing. This was the first time I was leaving the city of Rome. The green rolling hills spotted with homes captured my attention. I was so enthralled with the quaint Italian life flying by me that I was startled to find I was already in Napoli.

From Napoli I took another train to the city of Pompei (yes, only one i) which was absolutely bombarded by tourists. I walked down a long cobblestone road to the historical Pompeii. For the past two weeks I have been intensely studying about the history of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mt. Vesuvius. I read Pliny the Younger’s account of the eruption, about Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption of 1944, and the history of Campania dating back to some of the first peoples. I had a book (which I had read twice) that outlined every sight in Pompeii and described the features seen there. I felt very prepared for this experience. I walked into the sight and began to analyze everything, recalling facts and accounts.

But as I began walking around I just wanted to soak in the feeling. I reached a point where I no longer wanted to know what every stone was used for but instead I just wanted to be in awe. I just wanted to walk around touch the colorful countertops. To admire the vibrant painted walls. To feel the rough rocks under my hands. To use the stepping stones to cross the road. To imagine this city bustling. To imagine the people who lived in these homes. To imagine their horror when they saw a “pine tree of smoke” exploding from the top. To study the rocks under my feet.

I spent the second part of my afternoon in awe. I stopped analyzing. I stopped worrying about understanding the use of every object and the history of every home. Instead I imagined what life would have been like. I pictured the people who like me had dreams, desires, and sorrows. What kind of men, women, and children called this place home? Did they sit in these rooms as a family and laugh? What kind of games did they play together?

I had spent a total of five hours in Pompeii when the sun disappeared and rain came pouring out of the dark clouds. When the first raindrops hit my face I was disappointed. I had organized this trip very carefully, even to the point of checking the weather to make sure it would be sunny. I rolled my eyes realizing that my only pair of clothes would get wet. (I had to pack light and so in the end I chose to bring my books instead of an extra pair of clothes :-)

But after recognizing the inevitability of getting wet I just enjoyed myself. I walked along the ancient streets with rain pouring down my face smiling. I imagined the people of 70AD running down the wet streets to their home and maybe lighting a toasty fire to sit around. The wet city was magical. The wet stones were filled with life and the city seemed to go back to the time when its people walked the roads. I can’t adequately describe the feelings I had or the way the city beamed. I can only repeat that the wet city was magical.

I left the city at 7pm but not content because I still hadn’t seen the Theaters or the Garden of the Fugitives. I resolved to come back at 8:30 the next morning in order to see what I had missed. For the mean time I dragged my aching feet and soaked body to my hotel.

All of Pompeii was remarkable, but here are a few of my favorite things:

In order to keep the streets clean, Pompeiians periodically flooded the streets with water. The stepping stone in the middle of the road let the pedestrians cross the street without getting their feet wet. The stones were strategically placed so the chariots could straddle them and their agenda would not be hindered.

Me standing on the stepping stones, preparing to take a giant step onto the tall curb.

Rome has made me love the cobblestone roads. Each stone is so different. So much character. Each stone so perfect in its own way. It's just beautiful how they all fit together.

What if you worked in Pompeii?I wonder what the people of 70AD would think about two old men sitting on their sidewalks doing crossword puzzles and reading the newspaper.

Me filling up my water bottle from an anciet fountain.

Mom, you will be suprised to find that there really aren't that many 'frozen people' in Pompeii. Most have been moved to Museums and the people left in the city are all in glass cases.

This counter top capitaved me. The rocks are so vibrant. I can just imagine the woman who told her husband exactly what kind of design she wanted. I love to imagine her drawing out her kitchen and filling it with color.

I absolutley love these ancient resturants. The holes in the counter acted like a thermos, holding pots of soups and other various foods. It's like an ancient Hometown Buffet.

This writing on wall is actually ancient electoral propaganda. Written are the names of canidadte's, their promises for office, as well as praise for their honesty or virtue. There are around three thousand of these electoral inscriptions in Pompeii.

The walls of Pompeii's homes are filled with color. Blues, red, and yellows. Each painting is so different and absolutley stunning. I loved the walls.

Pots. I saw so many pots. Broken pots, large pots, and small pots. They gave this town (and Herculanium) a homey feeling. These pots were used by the people of 70AD. Made with their hands. Just imagine.

My First Day of School

This is where I get to go to school every Tuesday and Thursday. (the pictures do no justice--I will try to get some better ones)

My school is in the middle of Roma just a two minute walk away from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. At 9am I stroll through decorative iron gates into a beautiful courtyard and then head up the stairs which is lined with a red carpet. My classroom is on the third floor; I love to peek out the window and see laundry hanging from the shutters above the cobblestone street.

My teacher’s name is Daniela. She is an animated Italian whose flamboyance creates an excellent educational and yet entertaining atmosphere. Because I am learning with people from all over the world I am fully submersed in the Italian language for the two hours I am in class. Very few of the students speak English and Daniela only speaks Italian. Daniela explains our vocabulary words to us by running around the classroom, pointing to objects, and giving us dramatic interpretations.

October 1st was my first day of school. After just one day and three basic rules I can pronounce just about everything in Italian. What about the exceptions to the rules you ask? Well there really aren’t any. Italian is beautifully phonetic.

Thanks to the copious amounts of homework I already have been given, my Italian vocabulary has seen a huge improvement. I can’t wait to start using verbs and reach a point where I can have basic conversations with people in the city.

It is absolutely awe inspiring to learn this beautiful language is such a beautiful and truly Italian building. I love school.

I swore I'd NEVER do it

In the hallway of my Ashland home we have this funny looking picture of red, yellow, and green leaves. A couple years ago, my Mom had heard about a man named Andy Goldsworthy who creates “land art.” He uses the nature around him to create a design and then takes a picture of it. She dragged my five siblings (luckily I was busy) to Lithia Park where they lined up the red, yellow, and green leaves and snapped a picture. Each time I walked down the hall at home and glanced at the picture I would roll my eyes and mutter under my breath, “I will never do that”.

Thursday afternoon the girls were bored and tired. Each suggestion I gave them was shot down. I found myself racking my brain for a calm and creative activity that would captivate them. Ideas ran through my mind. Cards…no…pen people…done that…drawing…probably too boring………..oh no…land art? I couldn’t even believe the idea came to mind. I pushed it out of the way but two minutes later I decided it was the only thing to do.

I found myself gathering the girls in a circle and telling them about a man named Andy Goldsworthy. I explained his hobby in meticulous detail and to my surprise the girls were captivated. The little voice in my mind was screaming “Are you seriously doing this? You already sound like your Mom. You haven’t even been away for a month!” Nonetheless the girls thought it was exciting…so I continued on. We talked about art ideas, what kinds of nature would work, and the creativity needed to create such a project. I sent the girls off and half an hour later I felt like my Mom taking pictures of their “land art”.

Yael's creation

Daphne's creation

Joy's creation

The girls were thrilled and loved the final product. Andy Goldsworthy’s art saved the day. Thanks Mom.

Proud to Announce

Today I took a shower without having any water spray onto the floor. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was completely ecstatic and thrilled that I didn’t have to spend 3 minutes cleaning up. Hopefully tomorrow will be the same.

First Day of School

Lunch with a Friend

So I’m in Roma…but I’m all alone. It’s wonderful to see the astounding structures and beautiful details that make the city, but sometimes I wish I could stand in the Pantheon with someone I know and love and express my feelings. I want so badly to share the astounding magic of this city with someone.

By Friday I was very ready for a friend. I got lucky. A close family friend from Wisconsin, Marc Cicerone, happened to be in town. We met up at the Vatican and spent the day touring the city. We went through the Vatican museum, lingered in the Sistine Chapel, and then had lunch and of course gelato. It was absolutely splendid to share the delight of Roma with someone. In the afternoon we walked through the Ancient Roman Ruins and went to the Pantheon. The entire day was spent chatting about life in the states, memories, changes, and thrill of Italy. I loved sharing the Roma magic. I loved having a friend.

I Did It!!!

I am proud to announce that today I conquered my fears and managed to find my way through the bustling city! Meirav and Saul dropped me off at church this morning with confidence that I would be able to find my way home(although I had only been on the metro once). I was awfully nervous. After church I asked the missionaries (the only ward members who spoke any English!) to show me how to get to the metro. They pointed the way, and my adventure began. This next part will probably sound like Greek to most of you, but I am so proud I must divulge.

I walked for 15 minutes from the church until I reached Metro A. I rode the Metro until I reached the Termini where I then switched to Metro B and rode until the Colosseum. After 45 minutes of laying on the grass admiring the Colosseum, I walked down the street to Piazza Venezia and then walked on Via Corso to Piazza del Popolo. There, I exited the city center and crossed the street to a train station which took me to Prima Porta where Saul picked me up. And, I did all this speaking in Italian (along with many hand gestures). Today was a magnificent confidence builder.

BYU...or Rome?

I’d been accepted to BYU. The past four years of late nights, tear wrenching math problems, and ridiculous projects had finally paid off. I’d already selected a few required classes to take in the Fall. My AP scores had been sent to BYU and the credits were beginning to add up. I had a roommate, and plans to spend Sundays with my cousin Greg. The only thing missing was housing; I was applying for WyView in two weeks. My dreams were finally coming true.

My world flipped upside down when in April I opened an e-mail with the subject “aupair job.” The paragraph began with a general question about school and then launched the real question. Would I be interested in being an aupair for a family living in Rome? Ever since living in New Zealand I have had an intense desire to see the world and experience its plethora of cultures. Living in Rome for ten months sounded like an incredible opportunity…but could I turn down my freshman year at BYU with a fabulous roommate and all the memories I would make there? Could I live all alone in a foreign country where I didn’t speak the language??

And now I was faced with the biggest decision of my life:

BYU

Or Rome

What do you think I would choose?!?

Unfortunately the choice wasn’t that easy. After nights of tossing and turning, worried parents, days of differing opinions, tears, and tummy aches, I decided I needed to go to Rome.

So here I am, embarking on an Italian adventure. Instead of late night movies and popcorn I will be walking around the Coliseum savoring gelato. Instead of crowded football games dressed in blue and white I will be maneuvering my way through train stations with an Italian scarf and maybe my brown heels. Instead of sitting in a lecture hall I will be soaking in the culture and the language from the Spanish Steps. Instead of dating I will be swimming and dancing with three little Italian girls. Wish me luck.