“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.” — Anna Akhmatova
What have I been doing in the last few weeks since I haven’t been blogging, you ask? Well, let me tell you:
1. I’ve been working on other writing projects for Panoram Italia Magazine.
2. I’ve been finishing up the first part of the Teaching English as a Second Language course that I’ve enrolled in, in hopes that it’ll give my career a bit of a boost. (If you’re wondering why my career needs boosting, click here to read the post about how I got kindly ousted from my most recent lavoro).
3. I’ve been looking for a job. Need to feed my salvadanaio (piggy bank).
4. And last but not least, I’ve been trying to find a way to get back to Italy. Obviously.
So how did I do? Sono riuscita. I succeeded. In all of it.
Articles to be published in April? Check.
Part 1 of TESL course passed? Check.
Found a job? Check.
Found a job that is interesting to me? Check.
Found a job that is interesting to me and pays me to go to Italy? Check, Check, Check!
Needless to say, I’m pretty happy with the way life is going right now. I’ve still got a bit of time (73 days, but who’s counting?!) before I leave again for bella Italia but the fact that I know I’m going placates my Italylust just a little bit.
So what is this lavoro dei sogni (dream job) that I’ve landed?
I’m going to be the Program Manager for a study abroad program to Italy. Bello, no? (Nice, eh?) Now, I’m sure it won’t all be Prosecco and la dolce vita - I will be working, you know – but it’ll be a great experience all the same.
I’m sure this next sojourn in Italy will provide me with much more fodder for Not Just Another “Dolce Vita”, and I’ll be sure to chronicle the best of my (mis)adventures for you right here!
The Roman Forum
Congratulations!!! I have 57 days until my first trip to Italy, but like you said “who’s counting?”….me every day. 57 until my dream comes true.
Grazie, Thauna! Where all are you visiting on your trip?
Two days in Rome, 6 days in Spoleto (with some day trips), 4 days in Florence, and 1 night in Venice. Rome and Spoleto are with a group and are planned…but the last 5 days are on my own. I would love some tips on planning my itinerary in Florence if you have any.
Hi Thauna, I know it’s been a couple weeks, but here are a few of my thoughts on Florence:
If you’re able, climb the Duomo. It’s spectacular. Also, stop in for a cappuccino at Caffe Astra al Duomo in Via Cerretani. If you’re looking for something leather, barter in the Mercato Nuovo and the Mercato di San Lorenzo. Eat at Il Latini if you can – something Tuscan like wild boar sauce (ragu di cinghiale). If you’re going to hit up the Accademia or the Uffizi, make reservations in advance so as to avoid standing in line. (The Accademia has David, but I like the Uffizi better). If you want, look into taking a boat cruise down the Arno in a traditional battello, and make sure to walk around at night. Hope this helps!
Congrats!!
Grazie, Laura!
That’s amazing Sarah! Glad to hear you’re doing so well… Josie and I are actually going to Italy this summer too, so if our dates coincide, we should plan a reunion! What city will you be living in?
I’ll be in Rome, Florence and Siena…twice. When are you girls going?? It’d be great to see you again!
Congratulazioni on getting everything sorted out. I’ll probably be out of Italy by the time you get back here, so take care of her for me, all right?
Will do! Are you leaving Italy permanently?
I think so! :-O
Che peccato! Big life changes in the works?
How fantastic Sarah-so happy for you! Congratulations. Say ciao from me.x
Grazie! I sure will say ciao for you!
This is amazing, Sarah! Auguri e buon viaggio!
Complimenti e auguri! Sono felice per te!