May 14 - 17, 2014 My first day in Italy by myself.

May 14 - 17, 2014 My first day in Italy by myself.  

This blogging business is all new to me, so I really don't know what I am doing, however, the best way to learn something new is to just do it.

With that said, mostly, this blog is for me as a diary, and I am sharing it with you, so read at your own risk... remember you are the one who clicked on the link :)

May 14, 2014.

My Journey in Italy has begun.  The Vacation portion of my travel to Italy was officially over the day Carissa flew back to USA and for the first I was alone in a foreign land, with very little understanding of the Italian language.  Was thankful for the time Carissa and I had together to figure out this 'new' mode of transportation (trains and buses), so when she left, I had a small handle on it.  Without any trouble, I managed to catch the train from the Rome Airport and headed north up the coast to Livorno, where I had unloaded my luggage May 11th, when our ship docked for the day in this port.  I rented a room at a B & B up in the Tuscany Hills about 11 miles out of Livorno.  This picture is taken from the patio of my room.

There is so much I still need to get sorted out regarding finding a place to rent, then getting my VISA.  I was unable to get it before I left the US, as the one thing I needed was a Rental Contract in Italy.  I am here now looking for a place.  The lady at the B & B has been very helpful in her advice in what and where I should look, as there are better places than others, same as in the US.  Good to have someone helping me who is 'in the know'.  Lots to know and think about until I get 'settled' here more permanently.  Understanding the Laws regarding Residence is probably the biggest one.

There was another young couple staying at this B & B from the south of Italy and were also helpful with information about that area.

I arrived with all my earthly possession... anyway all that I was taking on my move to Italy. 

Breakfast the first morning!!

Tuscany.  I am so Impressed!!

It was rainy and overcast on the 11th when I moved my things in, but by the time I returned on the 14th, it was a sunny gorgeous day!

After meeting David and Enrico yesterday, who are working in this area, (see picture below), I have a little better understanding of how things 'go' here.  Makes me appreciate them all the more!  They are out of the area today, and there is no bus service from here on the weekends.  If there was, then I would catch the train down to Pisa and make my way somehow to the meeting there.  Hopefully I'll get it all figured out soon, but for today this is my first Sunday alone.  Looking forward to being closer to the sisters soon!!

So far, I am loving this new chapter of life, even with all it's current snags and hangups.  Only a matter of time and hopefully I'll be a pro at it!

The following pictures were taken on the train ride from Rome to Livorno.

Olive Trees

Until next time, Arrivederci

PS.  For those who are not on facebook, here is the link to all my pictures of my travels to and in Italy.  Maybe with a bit of luck you can get in to see them.  Click on, or Copy the link below into a browser and see if it will work for you.
https://www.facebook.com/carmen.holloway.1/media_set?set=a.10202786287230835.1073741865.1010097220&type=1