Language and gelato!

Before I left for Italy, I thought my Italian was ok, decent even.  Now, I find that I may have been mistaken!  Every time I go to ask someone for something, I completely forget what to say and end up speaking very elementary Italian in a very looong and slooow style.  The family that I''m staying with thinks it's very endearing, but I find it frustrating since I know what to say in my head, I just seem to forget it when I open my mouth....  However, I am starting to understand people's conversations a little more, even when they speak very fast.  The exception are the older people who speak in dialect.  Although I find dialects and their history fascinating, it is somewhat difficult to listen to someone's directions when they are speaking in dialetto....

This is just a little setback though, and after I start my class next week, I'm sure my Italian will start coming back!

It's an absolutely beautiful day here in Montecosaro.  Since it is Saturday, the family took me to the nearest town, Civitanova Marche, so we could walk through the open market.  The boots, the clothes, the knick-knacks!  Everything is colorful and cheap, but well-made!  It was difficult not to spend money!  I learned that the area of Italy that I am living in is where most of the well-made shoes in Italy come from.  As a lover of le scarpe (shoes), its a treat to see so many!

In the piazza, there were three little shops that we stopped in.  One was a libreria (bookstore) with lots of old, dusty books.  I bought myself a book for teens with the hope that it would be simple to understand.  We also stopped at a candy store.  It was amazing!  My little student Luca started describing to me all the sweets that were on display, and after salivating for 5 minutes, we bought 4 different kinds.  Fried bread dripping with chocolate, puffs filled with lemon cream, sweet bread soaked in alcohol and chocolate balls.  Plus a small glass of local, sweet wine.... Need I say more?

On the way back to the car, I saw a gelateria and immediately had to stop in for a taste of authentic Italian gelato.  I chose the nutella flavor and, although it was cold outside and by the time I got to the car I was shivering, it was awesome!!!  Very creamy and rich in flavor!

I drove back to the house, which I am still nervous about.  Although the car I have is TINY and very efficient, traffic is a little crazy!  Tomorrow, I will be venturing out on my own for the first time to go sight-seeing, so hopefully I won't get lost!!!

All-in-all a good day so far!