Things are moving pretty fast here now. This last week was whirlwind of activity. There are a few photos posted here.
On Monday we drove to Vasto to check out a driving school. This one seemed more organized, and the location is more convenient. It’s right near several shops, coffee shops, and a library. So if Mike drops me off, I’m sure he’ll find something to do. Anyway, I plan to start class on Monday. It’s every week day, Mon-Fri, for an hour beginning at 3:30. Not exactly convenient, but one does what one has to do.
We met up for lunch with Maria, Robert, Paul, and Justina at a favorite restaurant of theirs in San Salvo. Call “La Braceria da Nik e Vale”, it’s famous for lamb and beef. Another fun time with good food and good friends. Justina and Paul left today for the UK and won’t be back for about six weeks. We will miss them.
Tuesday morning was a trip to see our family doctor, Dot. Malatesta, in Casalanguida. I needed to get my scripts refilled, have the health form for autoscuola filled out, and have him look at my feet, which are giving me grief about the cold. No solution from him, but then I really wasn’t expecting one.
Sometimes little annoying things get us sidetracked. This week it was our hot spot. We really like taking it with us everywhere as it provides reliable internet access. But the device was dropped (several times) and the chip didn't want to stay in place. So we finally decided it was time to get a new one. Which meant a trip to Vasto to the Wind Tre store. The staff there are very helpful and even speak a little English.
Since we were already in Vasto, we found a photo booth and got my mug shot for driving school. Another task checked off!
Once those annoyances were accomplished, we took off to Pescara to the Ikea store to buy a desk chair for me. Back at home, Mike lovingly assembled it for me. Only one problem. One of the levers that is supposed to adjust the seat doesn’t work. I am on the fence about wanting to take the chair back, complain to Ikea, or just to keep the chair.
From Pescara we drove to Lanciano to meet with our attorney. We now have official Italian wills (testaments). The only Italian property we own now is the car, but it makes us feel better to know that we have the wills in place should anything happen to one or the other of us.
Thursday was another trip to the dentist. This appointment was to have our teeth cleaned. The hygienist was very nice, and the experience was similar to those in the States. Except for one thing. We have to come back in three weeks to make sure our teeth are okay. As I understand it, they want to make sure that they haven’t done anything to cause irritation to the teeth or gums. Interesting. I’m going to see the dentist then too, to talk about replacing a bridge that I had done 50+ years ago.
With Giuseppe’ s help, we’ve been able to secure an acceptable housing agreement that also satisfies the legal requirements for residency. And Friday was a flurry of activity. First, we met with Giuseppe at his house, and he reviewed our documents to make sure everything was in order. We had to call Maria to have her translate for us, just to make sure we understood everything. Then he drove us to Vasto to register the housing agreement (lease). Then we went to the commercialista to pay him for his services. Then we drove back to Casalanguida to get the documents filed with the commune.
Back at Giuseppe’s house, Angela brought out a bottle of pistachio cream liquor and we toasted to a good day.
Next week we submit Mike’s spousal residence application.
And I buckle down and study, study, study.
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