The Adventure Begins.. Sarge56 in Italy
May 21st, 2013, 08:00 AM
#82
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My husband and I talk all of the time about buying property in France or Italy when we retire. I don't know if we will, but we are going to look and see if it is feasible. You are living the dream we want to one day and I can only imagine how hard it is to leave kids and grand kids. But we only get this one chance.
I applaud you for living your dream and can't wait for my turn. Try to relax and enjoy. If you decide later to come home, at least you had the courage to try it and won't live with any regrets.
I applaud you for living your dream and can't wait for my turn. Try to relax and enjoy. If you decide later to come home, at least you had the courage to try it and won't live with any regrets.
May 21st, 2013, 08:06 AM
#83
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sarge, I didn't know that you were already in Italy..I don't come to the lounge too often therefore I must have missed your previous post.
Don't give up your dreams is only natural to feel lost, confused especially when you are ill.
Don't forget that the pharmacist can also be your friend if your symptoms are not life threatening, the pharmacist hands there are not tied as is the norm here in the US and is allowed to help his customer more with their symptoms.
Drink chamomille tea for upset stomach.In Europe even babies that have colitis or other stomach problems are given the tea to make them feel better.
Remember that tomorrow is another day(domani e un altro giorno) and everything will look different.
I hope that you feel better,
AnnaMaria
PS, steve, I am certain that sarge will do what is best for her ...
Don't give up your dreams is only natural to feel lost, confused especially when you are ill.
Don't forget that the pharmacist can also be your friend if your symptoms are not life threatening, the pharmacist hands there are not tied as is the norm here in the US and is allowed to help his customer more with their symptoms.
Drink chamomille tea for upset stomach.In Europe even babies that have colitis or other stomach problems are given the tea to make them feel better.
Remember that tomorrow is another day(domani e un altro giorno) and everything will look different.
I hope that you feel better,
AnnaMaria
PS, steve, I am certain that sarge will do what is best for her ...
May 21st, 2013, 08:12 AM
#84
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Buona sera friends.
First, let me put at ease concerns for dehydration. I come from a family of med professionals, so I am quite aware how easily that might have happened. Thankfully, the actual diarreah part of this ended after 48 hours and several doses of imodium.
The nausea, however, continues intermittently. I felt reaaly good last night, but then stayed up too late watching tornado coverage. (Alas, the next pull for going home to North Texas- as that system has moved south to possibly threaten my kids/grandkids today/tonight.)
So I awoke again feeling nauseus. Managed a few bites of Rice Krispies and 2 bites of croissant. Back to bed for 3 hrs.
Nephew and I walked to Santa Croce, stopping for lunch. I managed a half cup of veg broth.
We spent some time there and nephew decided he wanted to climb dome of Duomo.
On way back to there, we chose different street and, lo and behold, found a terrific (albeit very expensive) gourmet grocery! PEANUT BUTTER!!! I dont care that I paid €6.75 for 12 ounces. It was worth every cent.
This store had every luscious thing- all kinds of pestos, sauces, dry pastas, many American brands and cereals (alas, no Maltomeal), even Campbells soups, American liquors etc. If you will be spending any time in Florence, and you will be cooking- don't miss this store! All kinds of spices, condiments. Loved shis store.
It is Pegna dal 1860. Via della Studio, 26r. On a little side street behind the Duomo.
@Klondike- your generous offer brought tears to my eyes. Grazie mille, friend. Please know that whether I end up in Rome or Teaxs, you and yours are welcome welcomeanytime and I hope we can meet one day over a great meal! I am humbled.
Stevewith, I do appreciate the information. (I am having to reply on my Kindle, as now my laptop appears to be on the fritz. ) I had the misfortune in 2007 to get my feet tangled up w a young policeman in Rome, following the Pope's audience. An ambulance ride and two different hospital visits(including xrays and eye doctor) later, they refused payment anywhere. Just asked to see my passport.
Time for a nap. Again, my sincere thanks to you all.
First, let me put at ease concerns for dehydration. I come from a family of med professionals, so I am quite aware how easily that might have happened. Thankfully, the actual diarreah part of this ended after 48 hours and several doses of imodium.
The nausea, however, continues intermittently. I felt reaaly good last night, but then stayed up too late watching tornado coverage. (Alas, the next pull for going home to North Texas- as that system has moved south to possibly threaten my kids/grandkids today/tonight.)
So I awoke again feeling nauseus. Managed a few bites of Rice Krispies and 2 bites of croissant. Back to bed for 3 hrs.
Nephew and I walked to Santa Croce, stopping for lunch. I managed a half cup of veg broth.
We spent some time there and nephew decided he wanted to climb dome of Duomo.On way back to there, we chose different street and, lo and behold, found a terrific (albeit very expensive) gourmet grocery! PEANUT BUTTER!!! I dont care that I paid €6.75 for 12 ounces. It was worth every cent.
This store had every luscious thing- all kinds of pestos, sauces, dry pastas, many American brands and cereals (alas, no Maltomeal), even Campbells soups, American liquors etc. If you will be spending any time in Florence, and you will be cooking- don't miss this store! All kinds of spices, condiments. Loved shis store.
It is Pegna dal 1860. Via della Studio, 26r. On a little side street behind the Duomo.
@Klondike- your generous offer brought tears to my eyes. Grazie mille, friend. Please know that whether I end up in Rome or Teaxs, you and yours are welcome welcomeanytime and I hope we can meet one day over a great meal! I am humbled.
Stevewith, I do appreciate the information. (I am having to reply on my Kindle, as now my laptop appears to be on the fritz.
) I had the misfortune in 2007 to get my feet tangled up w a young policeman in Rome, following the Pope's audience. An ambulance ride and two different hospital visits(including xrays and eye doctor) later, they refused payment anywhere. Just asked to see my passport.Time for a nap. Again, my sincere thanks to you all.
not a subliminal msg.
May 22nd, 2013, 04:23 AM
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Good day all. We have arrived at our apartment in Trastavere. The sun was out when we arrived about noon. It was beautiful.
Now, of course, there is a raging thunderstorm. But it's ok. The apartment is terrific. We rented from Rental In Rome. The apartment is the "Inn Trastavere Balcony Apartment".
It is two bed/two bath. Large and has a beautiful terrace that overlooks Viale di Trastavere and the tram tracks. But there is still a lot of green and it is a 30-second walk to the tram stop. (It's just across the street.)
I am having a cup of tea whilst the nephew looks for food. He insisted he wanted to go to the McDonald's around the block, but I tried to talk him out of it. Sigh... American youth. What are you going to do? I hope he decided on the ham/cheese sandwhich we saw down the street.
We will head out after the lightning stops and pick up a few groceries. Then, hopefully, the rain will end and we can go to town.
I am feeling better, but extremely tired. Could not eat this morning, but feeling hungry now. Hope nephew comes back with requested cornetti soon.
Re going home- I'm afraid it is still on the table and high on the list. I am struggling mentally right now to stay the 3 weeks for which I've paid for this apartment. My inclination is to go home with my nephew in one week.
But I will see how the struggle goes next couple of days.
Thanks, friends, for the support!
Now, of course, there is a raging thunderstorm. But it's ok. The apartment is terrific. We rented from Rental In Rome. The apartment is the "Inn Trastavere Balcony Apartment".
It is two bed/two bath. Large and has a beautiful terrace that overlooks Viale di Trastavere and the tram tracks.
But there is still a lot of green and it is a 30-second walk to the tram stop. (It's just across the street.)I am having a cup of tea whilst the nephew looks for food. He insisted he wanted to go to the McDonald's around the block, but I tried to talk him out of it. Sigh... American youth. What are you going to do? I hope he decided on the ham/cheese sandwhich we saw down the street.
We will head out after the lightning stops and pick up a few groceries. Then, hopefully, the rain will end and we can go to town.
I am feeling better, but extremely tired. Could not eat this morning, but feeling hungry now. Hope nephew comes back with requested cornetti soon.
Re going home- I'm afraid it is still on the table and high on the list. I am struggling mentally right now to stay the 3 weeks for which I've paid for this apartment. My inclination is to go home with my nephew in one week.
But I will see how the struggle goes next couple of days.
Thanks, friends, for the support!
May 22nd, 2013, 05:25 AM
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What ever you decide will be the right decision.
Just a suggestion, if returning is best, use the three weeks you have booked as a vacation in your beloved Italy.
I hope you can get checked by a doctor. Bog standard food poisoning doesn't usually last this long. Your symptoms sound somewhat like giardia which is picked up from contaminated food or water. It is highly treatable and often resolves itself but can need antibiotics.
Just a suggestion, if returning is best, use the three weeks you have booked as a vacation in your beloved Italy.
I hope you can get checked by a doctor. Bog standard food poisoning doesn't usually last this long. Your symptoms sound somewhat like giardia which is picked up from contaminated food or water. It is highly treatable and often resolves itself but can need antibiotics.
May 22nd, 2013, 01:28 PM
#94
sarge56, we just returned from spending over a week in Rome (our 75,000th visit), during which time we slept 3 nights in Trastevere (at the somewhat funky, but very charmingly-managed Hotel Cisterna, and then at the amazingly beautiful Hotel Santa Maria di Trastevere, where I want to move in and stay forever!) We usually stay near the Piazza Navona at a place on Via dei Coronari, which we love...but we really, really, really fell in love with Trastevere -- even on weekend evenings when it's packed with wealthy hipsters strutting around on their hours-long passeggiatta.
No matter what you do, please find the time in the morning (before the crowds arrive) to go and just SIT in the Piazza Santa Maria. You don't even have to buy anything (though if your stomach can handle it, the orange juice is as good as it looks, even if it is "trite")...you can just sit on the steps of the fountain in front of the church...I guarantee you relaxing, peaceful moments.
Whatever you ultimately decide to do is FINE. I am in awe of your ability to be so honest about your feelings. On our recent European trip, we visited a city that I did not like at all -- one that everybody and their uncle raves about. I had a hard time admitting my feelings to myself, let alone to the whole world! You are ahead of the game, imo. I am thinking of you.
No matter what you do, please find the time in the morning (before the crowds arrive) to go and just SIT in the Piazza Santa Maria. You don't even have to buy anything (though if your stomach can handle it, the orange juice is as good as it looks, even if it is "trite")...you can just sit on the steps of the fountain in front of the church...I guarantee you relaxing, peaceful moments.
Whatever you ultimately decide to do is FINE. I am in awe of your ability to be so honest about your feelings. On our recent European trip, we visited a city that I did not like at all -- one that everybody and their uncle raves about. I had a hard time admitting my feelings to myself, let alone to the whole world! You are ahead of the game, imo. I am thinking of you.
May 22nd, 2013, 02:00 PM
#95
Sarge, I'm glad that you have finally arrived in Rome. If course your health is top priority - can the US embassy - or the agency who rented you the apartment - recommend an english-speaking doctor?
May 22nd, 2013, 02:22 PM
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Please contact the American Embassy in Rome. They will have a list of English-speaking doctors there. Make an appointment to find out what is causing your symptoms.
That said, I think you should stay through the end of your rental term. That way you can relax by yourself and figure out what is best for yourself. If you decide to return to the US at least you can still enjoy time in Italy knowing you be leaving at the end of it.
That said, I think you should stay through the end of your rental term. That way you can relax by yourself and figure out what is best for yourself. If you decide to return to the US at least you can still enjoy time in Italy knowing you be leaving at the end of it.
May 22nd, 2013, 09:51 PM
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Hi again,
I am happy to hear that you are feeling stronger, but so sorry that the nausea is lingering. I know it's hard to even begin to enjoy a place without being able to savor its smells and tastes and food! I really hope you find the right solution to this -- pharmacy or doctor or just the right meds.
I do hope that you still don't make any decisions this week. I hope you wait until you are stronger.
The thing about that "emotional brick" is that one can never really be prepared for it until it happens in your skin; until then, it's just an intellectual exercise. I also thought I would be prepared for the isolation and loneliness of living abroad because, when I moved here, I had lived 18 years of my 54 abroad (due to my father's work, school, and my assignments). I was an expatriate by birth and by inclination; oh, and of course, I just wanted to live in Germany SO BADLY that naturally there would be no problem. heheheheee. Famous last words.
There is no way to describe that emotional brick or even to avoid it. It will come; I think it is inevitable.
But the thing is, it passes.
I know you're a strong woman and have done some amazing things, Sarge, because of your history in the Marines. I'm just hoping that you can wait a bit more before you decide your place right now is back in the US.
Best wishes,
s
I am happy to hear that you are feeling stronger, but so sorry that the nausea is lingering. I know it's hard to even begin to enjoy a place without being able to savor its smells and tastes and food! I really hope you find the right solution to this -- pharmacy or doctor or just the right meds.
I do hope that you still don't make any decisions this week. I hope you wait until you are stronger.
The thing about that "emotional brick" is that one can never really be prepared for it until it happens in your skin; until then, it's just an intellectual exercise. I also thought I would be prepared for the isolation and loneliness of living abroad because, when I moved here, I had lived 18 years of my 54 abroad (due to my father's work, school, and my assignments). I was an expatriate by birth and by inclination; oh, and of course, I just wanted to live in Germany SO BADLY that naturally there would be no problem. heheheheee. Famous last words.
There is no way to describe that emotional brick or even to avoid it. It will come; I think it is inevitable.
But the thing is, it passes.
I know you're a strong woman and have done some amazing things, Sarge, because of your history in the Marines. I'm just hoping that you can wait a bit more before you decide your place right now is back in the US.
Best wishes,
s
May 23rd, 2013, 06:44 AM
#98
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Thanks, everyone. I truly appreciate the support, advice and kind words.
I felt so good yesterday afternoon. Went out with my nephew; we took the tram to Torre Argentina. Enjoyed the kitties then went on to the piazza north of Navona to pick up our Roma Passes. From there, we did Navona and St. Agnes (I love this church). Then we walked over to the Piazza della Rotunda and did the Pantheon.
From there, we walked to Santa Maria sopra Minerva and spent about 1/2 hour there.
I was feeling pretty good and we decided to stop at a little café across from the Torre Argentina (actually, something like Trattoria de Torre Argentina!). I had pasta with cacio e pepe and it was very good. I was so happy to have an appetite! It was so light on the cacio and pepe, that I thought I'd be fine. There was no sauce, to speak of! A little cheese, a little pepper.
Just after we hopped into the café, the skies opened up. So, though we had umbrellas, we still got pretty wet getting back to the tram. Home and worn, but happy and feeling good.
This morning, I felt fine, too. We decided to go out and get a few groceries. As soon as I walked out the front door- stomach went crazy and I had to run back in to apt. Yep- that intestinal thing obviously not completely gone. (NOW, mind you, I have not had THAT problem since day 2 of this [last Friday].) All of a sudden, it's back.
Unfortunately, after a dose of Imodium, I thought I was ready to give it another go, only to have to run out of the grocery story and, literally, leave my nephew holding the bag.
Alas, he finished the shopping and I am here at the computer instead of enjoying Rome. I have an email in to my doctor to see if he can guide me. I also just put away a yogurt, hoping the good bugs will help defeat the bad.
Nephew has a good map and I've sent him to the Forum and Colosseum. Since it is a really easy route from the Torre Argentina, he should be able to get there without getting lost.
I've taught him the fine art of asking Italians for directions. (K- Don't pick someone holding a guidebook. haha)
We bought eggs, milk and bread at store. I'm hoping I can handle French toast for dinner. We have tickets tomorrow for Vatican Museums and then a Scavi tour after. I must be well for tomorrow!
I want to say, finally, that I have vascillated all day about staying the full length of time. This morning, 8am, some workers started a construction project on the apt below us. That didn't help. And it has been cloudy/raining all day. That doesn't help either!
It is supposed to be sunny tomorrow and I pray it will be. I need that!
Grazie, friends. Buona sera!
PS If any Fodorites are in Rome the next two weeks, do let's try to meet up for a meal or drinks!
I felt so good yesterday afternoon. Went out with my nephew; we took the tram to Torre Argentina. Enjoyed the kitties then went on to the piazza north of Navona to pick up our Roma Passes. From there, we did Navona and St. Agnes (I love this church). Then we walked over to the Piazza della Rotunda and did the Pantheon.
From there, we walked to Santa Maria sopra Minerva and spent about 1/2 hour there.
I was feeling pretty good and we decided to stop at a little café across from the Torre Argentina (actually, something like Trattoria de Torre Argentina!). I had pasta with cacio e pepe and it was very good. I was so happy to have an appetite! It was so light on the cacio and pepe, that I thought I'd be fine. There was no sauce, to speak of! A little cheese, a little pepper.
Just after we hopped into the café, the skies opened up. So, though we had umbrellas, we still got pretty wet getting back to the tram. Home and worn, but happy and feeling good.
This morning, I felt fine, too. We decided to go out and get a few groceries. As soon as I walked out the front door- stomach went crazy and I had to run back in to apt. Yep- that intestinal thing obviously not completely gone. (NOW, mind you, I have not had THAT problem since day 2 of this [last Friday].) All of a sudden, it's back.
Unfortunately, after a dose of Imodium, I thought I was ready to give it another go, only to have to run out of the grocery story and, literally, leave my nephew holding the bag.
Alas, he finished the shopping and I am here at the computer instead of enjoying Rome. I have an email in to my doctor to see if he can guide me. I also just put away a yogurt, hoping the good bugs will help defeat the bad.
Nephew has a good map and I've sent him to the Forum and Colosseum. Since it is a really easy route from the Torre Argentina, he should be able to get there without getting lost.
I've taught him the fine art of asking Italians for directions. (K- Don't pick someone holding a guidebook. haha)
We bought eggs, milk and bread at store. I'm hoping I can handle French toast for dinner. We have tickets tomorrow for Vatican Museums and then a Scavi tour after. I must be well for tomorrow!
I want to say, finally, that I have vascillated all day about staying the full length of time. This morning, 8am, some workers started a construction project on the apt below us.
That didn't help. And it has been cloudy/raining all day. That doesn't help either!It is supposed to be sunny tomorrow and I pray it will be. I need that!
Grazie, friends. Buona sera!
PS If any Fodorites are in Rome the next two weeks, do let's try to meet up for a meal or drinks!
May 23rd, 2013, 07:16 AM
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I hope you feel better soon!
Is there a reason why you just dont go to the doctors in Italy - you have been given information on how to do it and the people you rented the apartment through must be able to help...surely it would be better to know what is wrong (food poisening doesnt last this long I dont think) and then you could hopefully get some medicine and get better more quickly...??
Is there a reason why you just dont go to the doctors in Italy - you have been given information on how to do it and the people you rented the apartment through must be able to help...surely it would be better to know what is wrong (food poisening doesnt last this long I dont think) and then you could hopefully get some medicine and get better more quickly...??
May 23rd, 2013, 02:21 PM
#100
buona sera, sarge.
glad to see that you have picked up a bit of the lingo but sorry that your gut is still giving you problems. that's one hell of a bug you've picked up.
praying for sun and good health for you.
glad to see that you have picked up a bit of the lingo but sorry that your gut is still giving you problems. that's one hell of a bug you've picked up.
praying for sun and good health for you.
