Life is good

I'm official. Today Cz and I went to the town hall and I got my Codice Fiscale (my tax code) which means I can now start invoicing for the work I've been doing, pay my taxes (30% - ouch!), open a bank account and generally become part of this lifestyle. The one thing I don't actually need is a Permisso di Sogiorni - as a European citizen I'm exempt.

I'm still waiting for the company in Milan to give the yes or no about work next week but with the way the weather's been, I won't be horribly disappointed if the answer is no.

I'm really looking forward to the end of the term (three and a half weeks) and getting back to the UK for Christmas. The next thing after that will be settling into my new home and moving my classes to there - no more being driven to other people's homes and teaching in their living rooms. Interesting as that has been, it is also extremely distracting for the kids (who find it hard enough to concentrate as it is).

Life is good.

I'm dreaming of a white....

Hey people, it's been snowing here. Yes, I know it's been snowing all over Europe but this is where I am so that's what's important to me.

Apart from that, nothing of importance has happened.

Do you want to dance?

All change on the accommodation front.

I had to leave the place I was temporarily staying in as the owner had to come back for a family emergency, so since last Thursday I've been staying with an Italian family who are friends of Cz. I've never stayed with a 'host family' before and the prospect terrified me. I hate the thought of offending anyone through inappropriate behaviour (see, mum, you did have a good effect on me) or making a fool of myself (even though I seem to do that regularly). However this family have taken me to their hearts. I'm learning how to cook Italian style (but I'm still waiting for you to return to Italy for proper lessons, Mr Jam), how to eat Italian style and I'm even picking up bits of the language.

I'll only be here for a week then I can move back to where I was before. I'll be glad to get my 'own' space back but I will miss the communal meals. Having said that, the effort I've put into losing weight (about 2lbs a week since I've been here) was completely voided by two days of meals. The mother M piles up my plate and I don't know how to say no - I'm not being greedy (and I do know the Italian for no) but I don't want to be rude.

In further accommodation news, today Cz and I went to meet a couple who are willing to let their house to me. It has a ground floor sitting room which I can use for teaching, a large kitchin/dining room, one bedroom plus a walk-through sleeping area and a bathroom. I may have to buy some odds and ends but the house is near the station, I like the people and they like me and the price is right. I will be able to leave my stuff there before flying back to the UK for Christmas and be able to move in when I return in the new year.

I am doing a happy dance as I type.

Rubbing down the rough spots...

Yes, I'm still here but I don't have the internet where I'm staying so everything is very sporadic. Work has started and I'm picking up more classes as time goes on.

Went to look at a flat yesterday. It was very nice, good location, two rooms and a separate kitchen and bathroom, even the price was good. The problem? It hadn't been cleaned or decorated since the beginning of the last millennium and the owner wasn't prepared to redecorate if I was only going to be there for 7 months!

All it would have taken was one weekend with plenty of detergent, plus a couple of days painting the walls white (again). I'm considering offering to do that myself.

I'll keep you posted.

Up, up and away...

It is possible that my last post worried a few people - AS WELL IT SHOULD - your whole life should be about ME and my welfare. OK, maybe that's a little strong. I do appreciate it when people read my blog. I try to be honest here which includes at least some indication about how I'm feeling about whatever I'm doing, however the written word does miss out on some of the important contextual information. I may write something as a joke but without the tone of voice, it can come across as a serious statement, even a plea for help. Trust me, if I want anyone's help, I will ask. So my darlings (and you know who you are), don't go getting your knickers in a twist.

I'm alive, I'm healthy and the drugs are still working (see, that was a joke). I've relocated to Vigevano where I'm semi-subletting from a friend of a friend whilst working and looking for something more permanent.

I survived the kids classes but just how long they and I will last is a different matter. I've got four hours of teaching here in Vigevano on Saturday (adults, thank god) and I'm meeting up with some people in Milan on Sunday so things are coming together albeit slowly.

Must go now and eat (the welcome dish prepared by the mother of the woman who's employing me).

Ciao my lovelies.

It's cold outside...

I have to say that this teaching kids lark is not fun. You think it's all going to be colouring-in, playing games and singing songs. Well, it is BUT, how do you explain something in English to a group of six year olds who are still coming to terms with their own language, have only just started normal school and are still learning to read and write?

And the singing. I love singing, but I'm wise enough not to inflict my voice (which is actually pretty good when I don't have an audience) on those around me. However, I have no choice with the kids class, singing is part of the deal and the songs (which are on CD) are pitched at such a high note I swear only dogs can hear them clearly. Today I could end up being accused of child abuse simply because I tried to sing with them - oh, and do the actions.

Nevertheless, things are moving along and on Saturday I have adult classes which will be a great relief. I'm also moving to Vigevano over the next few days, initially into a friend of a friend's flat but eventually somewhere of my own.

Things have been tough at times, not having anyone to talk to (everyone I know is busy working) and no access to the internet where I'm staying (and we did try) but as I said, things are moving.

In the meantime, fry me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!

On the run...

One very quick post just to let you all know I'm alive and well. I start teaching kids today, God alone knows if I'll continue. Will write a fuller post when I have more time (and peace and quiet).

Always look on the bright side of life...

Sorry about the gap. I am actually in Milan, staying with a friend and enduring the worst kind of weather. It's raining, almost constantly and pretty windy, but it isn't that cold. So I dress up for the rain and wind and then sweat because it's balmy - go figure.

I've spent the last couple of days meeting people, being 'interviewed' for jobs and trying to sort out whatever it is I need to do next. There is a lot of hurry up and wait which is, I guess, par for the course, but it has made me pretty anxious.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm placement testing in Vigevano and, hopefully, looking at flats at the same time. I need an address so that I can get my Permisso di Sourjoune (I think that's how it's spelt) and so that I can open a bank account. In addition I need a Codicile Fiscale (again with the spelling) which is a tax code, and I need to open a Partita IVR which means I can operate as a professional.

Luckily I have people helping me do all this BUT they are doing it in their free time, of which they do not have much.

My first priority, however, is finding somewhere to live. My friend has been very generous but I need a place of my own. Wish me luck.

Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye...

Today I fly to Italy. My bag is packed, passport and euros in my handbag, e-ticket in my hand.

It's the first time I've flown anywhere without a contract. I have two job promises (both of which I trust otherwise I wouldn't be doing this) but I've still got to sort stuff out there.

It's the first time I've flown abroad without having somewhere to live. I'll be staying with a friend in the short-term but I will need to find somewhere very quickly (I need my independence).

It is a little (lot) nerve-wracking but it is about time I took this step, otherwise I'll be at the whim of schools for the rest of my working life.

Please, please, please, keep your fingers crossed for me.

Love is all around...

Oh my did I get drunk on Saturday. Not horribly drunk, not falling down drunk and definitely not nasty drunk but not quite able to walk in a straight line drunk. The reason? My cousin got married. We do love a wedding in my family and this was a wonderful wedding.

The bride - blushing and beautiful
The dress - the full meringue
The bridesmaids - fluttering flowers
The groom - nervous and proud
The best man - funny but restrained
The parents - dignified and happy

The church wedding was very Four Weddings, the reception was very Beerling (if you don't understand that, don't worry), rapprochements were made, gossip was exchanged, dances were boogied and much, much laughter was heard.

In all, a damned good bash.

Would you adam and eve it?

The visit to Canterbury was fascinating. We discovered several family members and have managed to fill out the tree a bit. Next stop, the non-conformist records (why aren't you surprised?).

Thank god for the internet. Once I'm set up in Italy I'll be able to continue the computer stuff for my mum. It is getting interesting, people!