Thursday, June 5, 2008

T minus 4 hours

We leave Naples today and we don't know when we'll be back, but we'll be back. So much to say. I've shed copious amounts of tears over the last few days, slept little (the classic 3-5am grief wake-up), and realized how many amazing, truly phenomenal people I've gotten to know here. We said good-bye to the apartment -- after a knock-down, drag-out fight between The Husband and The Landlady (85 years old and can hold her own against an ex-boxer!) -- to our family and friends. The Husband's family has been so good to me. I feel truly blessed.

Then there are all the hilarious only-in-Naples moments to recount. Like the tour bus parked outside the Villa Comunale that had a naked lady, like the one on truckers' mud flaps, on the side along with the phrase, "pleasure on wheels," a bus hired by a school group from the provinces. Eight-year-olds on a bus meant for Russian businessmen! Or the insanity with the post office, the mixed messages that led to us mailing absolutely nothing back to the States. Saying good-bye to Don Pasquale, to Salvatore the Jehovah's Witness doorman and Gianni the Jehovah's Witness salumiere (prosciutto sandwiches in the carry-on luggage!).

There is a lot I'm forgetting, but I imagine it will all come back to me. For now, loyal readership, arrivederci e a presto. Ci sentiamo dal nuovo mondo.

7 comments:

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

You seem very sad about it. Where are you going now. Hold on to all the memories..you must have lots.

I still have memories of our holidays in sicily and lake como..I will never forget them, and often look at all our photos.

sabauda said...

oh my gosh I didn't realize it was so soon. I wish you and your family all the happiness in the world in your transition to..."the new country"...."the old country"???whatever....all the very, very best....Laurie

Gil said...

Good luck back in NY. I didn't realize that you were leaving so soon. I was hoping to get the address of the restaurant in Vomero from you and surprise my wife and daughter with a meal there.

I will miss your writing and stories about modern Naples.

Anonymous said...

leaving is always sad and memories can make the best of us choke up- but just think of all the new & exciting things waiting for you in USA. You're so lucky to be able to go back with your family and offer the bambina a million and one opportunities!

Kataroma said...

Good luck in the new world!! Buon viaggio!

Rosa said...

Look at it this way - it is the start of a new life. You will build new memories.
Good luck and all the best.
Rosa

Anonymous said...

I recently came across your blog and you've cracked me up as I picture the italian insanities you describe. After 15 years of not-frequent-enough visits to italy, we are preparing for a move to napoli later this year. (We = my spouse and me plus tre bambini under 5, 2 gatti and a basset hound :-) I would love to pick your brain on where to live and any other advise you must have.

jsm206@lehigh.edu