Libreria Acqua Alta: Quirky Venice, Italy Bookshop

Living in Italy certainly has its perks... A short train ride to Venice is unquestionably one. Last week, while meandering over canals and waxing poetic, I remembered this book shop I'd read about when I knew I'd be moving to Italy. Prior to researching the area we were to live in, or anything of significant importance, I Googled, "bookstores in Italy" or something equivalent because visiting every single "must see" bookstore or library in Europe is on my bucket list. Yes, friends, I know where my priorities are.On previous excursions to Venice, my husband and I had no plan, except to "get lost". In the excitement of being in Venice, I forgot about this shop. I don't know if it was the just bloomed wisteria which dappled balconies, the murky turquoise water sparkling in the afternoon sun, the memory of a novel that took me to Venice long before I set foot on its cobbled streets; which contributed to my remembering. Or my desire to walk into a bookshop and find a treasure... Preferably in English, because despite my six-year study of the Italian language, when I read in Italian, it is slow going.A not-so-quick Google + map search provided me the address to la "Libreria Acqua Alta"  which means "Library of High Water", and my husband a mission: to get me to this book shop. A few hours and ninety percent of my iPhone's battery life later, I was there.The Liberia Aqua Alta, calls itself the "most beautiful bookshop in the world". I wouldn't vote it "most beautiful", but it is a welcoming, eccentric, dusty store which makes it's guests feel as though they've stumbled into a place that could only be found in a story. Upon entering, visitors are cocooned in a cacophony of books, welcomed by feline guards who are remarkably tame and take no notice of all the store's patrons. You will find a motley crew of genres ranging from new publications to old second-hand books. I like to imagine how the books came to be at La Libreria "Acqua Alta" were they left behind by tourists in gondolas, found underneath hotel room beds, or left by distracted café goers? Oh, the stories they could tell...You will find books in many languages, mostly in Italian of course, but don't let that stop you. A book from this shop is a perfect memento of your visit to Venice. Pick a book that speaks to you and take it home as a special treasure. I discovered two books. The first was The Allegory of Love by C.S. Lewis. It is a yellowed, 1958 copy, with notes by a former owner who was called Brigitte Rü-something. I can't really read her handwriting, but she wrote Friuli, 1961 on the inside title page. The second treasure I took home was Henry James' The Portrait of a Lady, published by Penguin in 1074. It too is delightfully yellowed but in otherwise excellent condition. I couldn't help but wonder where these books have been, or how long they sat piled on the shelf waiting for me to find it.There are books on Venice, stacked high front and center in a gondola that takes up much of the floor in the center of the shop Yes. You read and see correct. Who needs a shelf when you can store your books in waterproof bins like a bathtub or gondola?On each side of the gondola that monopolizes much of the main room's floor space, are narrow aisles. You'll have to squeeze by other bibliophiles in rapture to get to the back of the store where you'll discover a staircase made of old encyclopedias.You know the ones rendered useless by the Internet... They've been given a new purpose. I can think of far worse walls and much sadder ends to a book's life than that of delighting people from all over the world. It is exciting climbing the steps, wondering what you'll discover...Which as it turns out is just a canal. But it is a canal in Venice.Magic.If bookshops and libraries are on your "must see" list when traveling, you can find La Libreria "Acqua Alta" on Calle Longa S.M. Formosa 5176, Castello 30122.

2013 A Review in Pictures Flipagram

In 2013 I welcomed my husband home after 751 days. Eight months later I kissed him goodbye for what should be 190 days. I kissed him... A lot. Said good bye to family and friends in Miami, fulfilled a life long dream of living in Europe. In Italy I've made some good friends who feel like family, climbed a mountain (sort of), read a ton of books. Wrote some stuff, including a letter to Juliette (and felt her up). I became a soccer mom, sent my baby to Kindergarten, drank a bunch of wine, and even more coffee and tea, and ate way too much gelato. My Gram gives the best hugs and slobbery kisses and I miss them. Oh and I still heart Mr. Darcy!I made this using the Flipagram app and the song is "Sway" by Blue October

Italian Open Air Market Clothing Haul

Open air markets are a part of Italian culture and where you can find a lot of great things at more affordable prices than you would at a mall.  I really enjoy exploring the different markets locally, One can be found on any day of the week and even though they are all pretty similar, each one is a little bit different. Once you go to your local market a few times you also get to realize which vendors you prefer and they in turn get to "recognize" you, so it does help you feel more apart of the community too. Exploring open air markets when we travel is also one of the things I'm looking forward too, especially in cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence.Yesterday was Tuesday and that means that it was market day in Aviano. I met a good friend for a cappuccino and then we went to the market not really intending to buy anything, but more to look around and people watch. The last few times I was at the market, there were two items I kept eyeing but always passed up.  One were these extremely soft sweat pants and a cashmere blend sweatshirt tunic.  I love a tunics especially when they're paired with leggings.  It's my go to outfit on those days where I want to look cute but still feel comfortable. I'm not one to wear yoga pants when not at the gym so leggings and a tunic are my version of comfy. My cold weather wardrobe is pretty sparse so I was glad to get these items to add to it. I also purchased a pair of the sweatpants in grey. This mountain is what I get to look at every morning when I open my bedroom shutters. I still pinch myself to make sure that my living in Italy isn't a dream I'll wake up from.The scarf is a cotton scarf I also found at an Open Air Market earlier in the season. Scarves are my absolute favorite non jewelry accessory and I'm so glad women here wear them practically year round.The sweater as I mentioned is a cashmere blend, made in Italy and the tag says Meily. I paid €21,00. The pants are a non-branded made in china, and cost €8,00. The scarf isn't branded but similar styles can be found all over in the open air markets. I paid €6,00 for it, if my memory is accurate.The boots are Steve Madden Women's Troopa Boot. My bracelet I scored at Burlington Coat Factory when I lived Stateside. My wayfarers I've been sporting since before they were trendy, and yes I need them to see. You can find similar styles at  Coastal.Com.

Using Your iPhone in Italy

If you're moving to Italy and are worried that your smart-phone wont be able to make the trip - have no fear, Italy has all the mobile phones and smart phones that one can find in the U.S.Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the quality of cellular service, as it isn't that fast, and you get a lot less for the money. Also, if you're in a semi-rural area like I do it can be spotty.  "Can you hear me now?" Is no longer funny.Don't fear, using your iPhone in Italy is not impossible.I will say that if you already own an iPhone make sure it's unlocked before you move. If for some reason you find yourself in Italy with a locked phone you can still contact your carrier and see about getting it unlocked, it's just more difficult. There are of course "people" who know how to do these things and you can use your best judgement on choosing a "person" to unlock your phone.There are two major cell phone carriers here. Vodafone and Tim. I have an unlocked iPhone 4 and use Vodafone's prepaid service. I try to stay off the internet while I'm out as much as possible - unlike my near constant "checking" of stuff with my phone when I had glorious AT&T.You can check out the plans they have once you get here, but right now Vodafone got me the best "bang" for my buck. However, had I been under twenty-five Tim would've been the way I went as they have a plan for "young" people that is pretty good.I would avoid a contract if you can. I've heard horror stories about getting billed for all sorts of things - and what not from multiple people who had to learn the hard way and I decided to trust their advice on that subject. You of course can decide what is best for you.If you think you'll just sign up for a plan and get the "free" iPhone, just know that there will be fees and charges, and other things - and purchasing an iPhone outright will be in Euros and therefor WAY more expensive.If you're traveling to Italy and are wondering if your iPhone will work, I'm sure your carrier at home has an International plan you can use, that will probably be pretty pricey, but an alternative is to simply switch out your sim card for a pre-paid one while you're here. That whole unlocked-phone thing will still apply of course.There are places that have Wi-Fi but internet here is no where near as fast as the states and it seems to be even slower on your mobile device at times (this I say from experience.)  Keep in mind, that with aps like Skype and Magicjack calling back home to the states is as easy as dialing a number. I use these free aps to connect with my friends and family back in the States and even to conduct business when I need to call the U.S. However, I found that I get the best call quality when I am literally right next to my router, and even then my phone calls aren't always perfect, so please keep that in mind.Like everything when you move to Italy, you simply need only to keep an open mind, and a gentle attitude. Things here are not like they are in the States. Once you get passed that you're experience will be lovely.love & iPhones,nicoleP.S. I'm like 999999999999999.9 % positive this information would also apply to any other smart phone. But a little bit of pre-move investigative work wouldn't hurt.

Italy and the Squat Toilet

Just over a week ago on one of our first outings exploring our new Italian home I encountered the "squatty-potty". It was at a local restaurant where we were having dinner. The very description of it sounded completely alien to my ears. "A toilet, that's basically a whole in the ground." I imagined a dirt floor and a hole. I was a little unnerved and so had to go and take a peek at the time even tough there was no real "need".I'd heard about horrible public restrooms in places like China, but never in Europe. The only thing I'd heard was that one had to pay to use them here-which I've as yet, not encountered.

When the "squat-toilet" was being explained to me I was told that for "numero uno" you should face the back and for "numero due" you should face the front. When I got in there that made no sense to me. My advice, should I ever need to share the mysteries of your public toilets to the unaware would be to roll up your pants at the ankles if you're wearing them and find any sort of moisture on the floor. Plant your feet firmly in the center, there are grooves there that will keep you from sliding. Pull down your pants and squat low. The squatting low is key to not getting dripped on. The first time I used one I easily went into my softball catcher's squat and it worked great. So far I've been lucky in that all of the public restrooms I've encountered have been clean. Even the one on the train to Venice was not horrible. Though there was no soap, there was paper and luckily I always have hand sanitizer in my purse. I am a former Girl Scout after all Italia.Since my first encounter with your squatty-potty, I find myself acting like a four year old when it comes to your toilets. I’m curious, and feel more than a little compelled to go in and have a look around. A novelty I'm sure will wear off eventually.On my way to the toilette I secretly guess what sort of commode I’ll encounter. Either way you’ve usually decided that squatting is the best way to go about a public restroom since most of your more standard toilets don't have a seat on them. Which leaves me no place to lay my delicate derriere should I so wish; and lets face it, I never really wished to in the States, so why would I here? A fact I’m very glad for now because my disdain for sitting in public has led me to develop excellent squatting capabilities which I was forced began to hone during my freshman year at college. My dorm had a common bathroom on our floor, so I squatted a lot that year perfecting my "technique".Flushing is another matter I find rather confusing. All of your toilets seem to have a different flushing mechanism. It's taken me a few moments sometimes to figure them out. Also, if there's a basket in there I should put my paper in it. Shouldn't I? I suppose doing so is way better than finding out too late a toilet doesn't flush too well.I'd also like to comment on the closeness of the male and female restrooms. I understand space is limited here. I get that. I also understand that most of your buildings were born before indoor plumbing. I will just need a little time to get used to having the men pee at such a close proximity. In one instance the men's stall was right next to mine in the same room. I thankfully had only ventured in to take my son to use the facilities. I can't tell you how quickly I high-tailed myself out of there. Call me a prude American if you wish Italia, but this girl like's her privacy when toileting. Also, why do you leave your doors to your restrooms open? I don't want people (I mean random men) to see me washing my hands, or adjusting my smeared mascara at the mirror. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to that. But I'll keep you posted should I begin to. Promise.I was still very surprised to discover a toilet in the floor. I mean what if I had to sit? Like what if I couldn't stand? What would I do?I still haven't answered that question, as none of the toilets I've visited aside from those on base have a disabled stall. Which led me to pay attention at other public places. For instance at the train station where I had to climb down and then back up a ton of stairs. I spied no elevators at any of the three train stations I've visited so far. Which gives me pause to wonder what does one do when one can not walk on their own here? I'm still investigating that, but if you could help me figure it out without having to ask a native I'd really appreciate it.I never imagined I'd write about toilets...Prego Italia for the experience and opportunity to ponder these differences in culture.  I'm embracing them. I really am, though I can't promise a bear hug in the toilette any time soon!

Moving Abroad A Few Tips

In a few short weeks my life is going to become a whirlwind of activity.My husband will finally be through with his two year remote tour. His homecoming is something we've been looking forward to for what feels like an eternity and that alone is enough to get all of us excited and create a bit of chaos in our day to day lives.However when you add on moving our entire family from Miami to Italy one's life can easily go from a tad bit chaotic to a downright tornado!The key to not having your life spin out of control with any relocation is to be organized.This article on planning your first relocation offers some excellent advice like scoping out the area and checking classifieds for rentals in advance of your move.I've been doing this since almost the moment I found out we'd be relocating to Italy. Doing so has allowed me to figure out exactly what we'll be able to afford as well as how far our money will go. It's also given me some practice in the Dollar to Euro conversion rate when trying to figure things out like cost of living etc.In the Air Force most families PCS during the summer, but we're moving in late Winter early Spring so availability of homes was an initial concern of mine. However, since I've been checking the classifieds regularly since about August I'm reassured that there will be plenty of potential homes for us to choose from.It's been my experience that people not in the military generally think that the government picks up the tab for our move. Though they do cover the cost of moving and other expenses we still need to make sure we have the money to move and any other unexpected expenses that may come up. We'll also need to pay for hotel rooms, food, and travel expenses from airports. Yes many of this will be reimbursed, but one must have the money upfront.Being organized and understanding how long things can take to get done is also important. I'm going to have to organize our movers from two locations (our storage locker) and where we've been living with my in-laws.Because movers will typically pack anything I need to be prepared when they come and have the rooms they are to pack ready to go. I've already gone through my boys' closets and cleared away any clothes they've outgrown. I'll eliminate more clothing prior to our moving day.In the military and for most people moving (especially overseas) we've needed special documents from passports to visas. I'll also need a power of attorney to "be in charge" of our move since my husband will still be in South Korean when the movers come. Keeping track of all of the things I'll need and will have to do can feel daunting, but with detailed lists and having things organized well in advance I'm hopeful that things will go smoothly. 

As someone who has moved quite a bit here are my five tips for a successful move.

1. To Do Lists are Your BFFThere is so much to remember with a move. From transferring or cancelling utilities to small things like going away celebrations with friends. Having an ongoing list helps keep you organized and on task.2. Investigate your new cityAs I mentioned earlier researching the housing market is important, but it doesn't hurt to check out the neighborhoods in your new city, or in the case of a move abroad, learning about the culture, history, or even to begin studying up on a new language. All these things I've done, I've even begun studying for a new drivers license! It also doesn't hurt to look into cell phone carriers and banking.When it Rome folks! When in Rome!3. Keep, Trash, Donate.These three words so simple, so important. Before the movers come or you begin packing moving is the perfect opportunity to rid your life of things you just don't use, won't need in you new home, or quite frankly is just useless junk taking up space.  This is also a good time to consider how long you're going to be with out your items once packed. If it's more than a few days or in my case up to 12 weeks packing can be daunting. It's my mission however to go with as little as possible. I just don't want to lug around so much stuff -however I know this is probably not the most prudent thing to do. However TLF (temporary living facilities) on base will have things like pots and pans and essential house hold items so I won't have to worry.4. Document, document, documents!In the military especially an official move means lots of paperwork which seems to double exponentially for every family member when that move is take the military member abroad. From medical clearance, to schools, to your vehicle. Keeping track of all of these documents is important. As not having one can really put a fork into your plans. However even if your move isn't a military one there is still bound to be paperwork, making sure you know what you need and where it is when you need it is crucial.5. Breathe.Moving is stressful. If you've managed to stay organized and things are going smoothly and even if their not-which let's face it, even the most organized of relocation is bound to have a few kinks. Try not to stress. Enjoy this adventure. Good and bad.love & becoming an expat,nicōle