Christmas and Thereafter

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Gigi in Family, Italy, My Life, Travel Comments Off

mi familia

The days are going by so fast and blending into each other. We have been in Italy just enough time to start adjusting to the time only to have to start packing for our trip home. A lot of bonding goes on when you are in a country where little english is spoken and there are none of the normal distractions. No phone calls, unreliable wifi most of the time, no nada, just each other, talking about everything from the future, their goals and dreams to what retirement looks like for us.

family

You bring these children into the world, but as parents we lay the foundation and express our wants and desires for them, but ultimately it is up to them to make it happen and stay on task. There is not enough “micro managing”,” helicopter mommy-ing” in the world that can make these young adults do something that they don’t really want to do. I’m sure there are many who may not agree with this, but in my 54 years here on the planet, 23 of these years being a parent and countless years observing my friends, family and numerous acquaintances raise kids, you have to just hope for the best and set the foundation, because there are no guarantees or sure set paths or formulas.

family

On this trip of no distractions we talked about everything like, “Yes you are on a nice trip doing “nice” things, but what are your going to do in your life so you too can travel?’ or “What colleges are you interested in based on your GPA?” or “How long to you plan to live in NYC on your salary?”

As I sat across from my children, I could not help but to reflect on how my family has grown up so quckly. We were blessed that everything worked out and we were able to be together. This trip made me realize how much I miss my children and the dynamics of being together as a family. I’m happy that they are both so independant but sad that they are both so far away.

This has been an unforgettable trip full of special memories. Tomorrow is our last day together, and we will all go our seperate ways hopefully to be reunited in the summer.

family

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi in Rome

MECCA-Outlet Shopping in Florence

Posted on December 25, 2013 by Gigi in Italy, Shopping, Travel Comments Off

December 23rd Monday

Today our daughter Amani arrived, my son did not know she was coming, we kept it a secret. Initially she was not going to be able to join us and then everything worked out-so we were able to spend Christmas together.

After a late breakfast we ventured out to “Space” the Prada factory store, I love Prada and Mui Mui, so I was excited at the thought of going to “Mecca”.

Prada Outlet

So after about an hour or so of riding through the Tuscany hills, we reached our destination. The parking lot was full, and lots of shoppers mostly foreigners were leaving with large shopping bags, which got my heart rate up a bit at the thought of the anticipated “deals”. The “space” was the size of a small department store, everything was neat and organized and plenty of sales people dressed in black ready to help. Upon entering you were handed a number which I later learned was the number you gave the salesperson who took the items you wanted to purchase to the counter. Knowing that the dollar is not so strong ie. 100 euro equals 137. dollars, so that item that is 200 euros will set you back 274. dollars, kept me with my phone calculator in hand. The best buys were in the shoe department, they had a 100 euro section,in which most of the shoes were a few seasons behind.

prada outlet

(btw, sorry about the poor picture quality, but they did not allow pics, so I had to take these on the down low.)

I tried on a few shoes, but many of them were similar to shoes I already have–how many animal print shoes does one really need? They had a lot of pretty flats, but I have not worn any of the Prada flats I picked up a few years back, the rest were really “out” there even for me ie. odd shapes etc.. I stumbled upon this charcoal grey suede lace up bootie, which was finished with a glitter heel that I liked, and they were in the discount section.

Mui Mui bootie

Amani settled on a classic nude patent pump, that she was very happy with.

Amani’s shoes

Next on to the purses, everything started at 650 euros ie. 900. us, so for me that is still a nice piece of change, so I moved on from the bags. Now if a person had their heart set on a Prada bag this is a good price, since in the states the same bags start at 1400.

Prada outlet

Prada Outlet

I did pick up a Mui Mui wallet, to replace the one I got 3 years ago that was about 1/2 price.

Mui Mui wallet

Next stop was the Dolce and Gabbana factory outlet, now that was literally a drive-by, everything started at 1000 euros! I love D & G, but the few pieces I have, I lucked up on and got at a really good prices in the states.

D & G outlet

Our last stop was “The Mall“, this outlet is the Rodeo Drive of outlets, YSL, Valentino, Burberry, Prada, Gucci, and Dior just to name a few of the discount boutiques here. By now poor Amani was exhausted and opted to stay in the car and the Reggie-s and I went for it, I was OK browsing until I hit the Valentino store, I love the rock stud collection and was thrilled to find this pair in my size and 40% additional off the outlet price. Yes, its a few seasons back, but I loved it then and I really love it now especially for under 200..

Valentino Rock stud bootie

One thing about fashion, it is an universal language- once the salesperson noticed my fondness for the rock stud collection, she then showed me a animal print rock stud bag, that was also an additional 40% off–had to have it!

Valentino Bag

The other thing about these outlets they are not giving the goods away, and unlike at home where there is always a sale, these stores do major markdowns July and January. I also like that the merchandise is not shop worn, and it appears to be stuff from the actual collections, not something made for the outlets. So if you are “balling” in the designer goods lane, this is the place for you, and if your know your stuff there are deals to be had.

reggie getting his “shoe” on

After all the shopping I was happy to come back to the hotel and take a nice hot bath…

love my bathtub…

My days are all mixed up so I will post when I can…

Xoxo,

Gigi

Firenze

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Gigi in Holiday, Italy, Travel 1 Comment

Cafe

Today after another strong cafe to start the day we walked around Viterbo for a bit, my son needed to pick up a few more gifts for his host family. I love the colors of the buildings, faded ocher, rose, and creamy whites so beautiful, the patina is spectacular. Everything has a history, and is not brand spanking new- all color coordinated like many of the communities back home.

Viterbo

market

Once we were done we went to Reggie’s “home” to say goodbye to his family, once we leave we will not be coming back to Viterbo, we return home on Sunday and Reggie continues on to Paris with classmates for the reminder of the break. Part of the School Year Abroad program is independent travel in small groups within Europe, once you are proficient in the language.

I was excited to see Reggie’s home in the daylight. It is a strange feeling my little son living so far away for 9 months, so of course I wanted to see his abode, meet the guard dog that attacks visitors, see the 100 olive trees, the 3 cats, chat with his grandma and see his room again. He has grown so much in so many ways, not the child who I used to drive around all the time, he now goes to school on his own, has made a host of new friends, budgets his money and stays on top of his school work. Even though he goes to boarding school this is really different, when at home I can get to his school in under 2 hours, growing up is mandatory here.

gate to reggie’s Italian home

Reggie’s host mom, sister and grandma

kitty

We arrived in Firenze just before nightfall, thank goodness for GPS. The holiday decor at the 4 seasons is spectacular…

holiday decor

4 seasons holiday decor

We had a nice dinner at a veggie friendly restaurant in the center of town, although I prefer a vegan diet when at home, when I travel, especially to foreign countries I am a little more accommodating, I admire my vegan friends who are able to make things work worldwide. I just try and politely ask for substitutions and pick and choose things that I’m going to be happy with.

really good salad

candle light dinner

Firenze Street

Tomorrow a big surprise for my son, can’t wait– until then Xoxo, Gigi

Gigi & family

Ciao Bella…

Posted on December 21, 2013 by Gigi in Italy, Travel 1 Comment

viterbo fountain

Well we arrived in Italy, rented a car a drove a couple of hours to Viterbo, the little town that has been my son’s home for the past few months. His host family greeted us and served a delicious vegetarian dinner – fresh pasta, with mushrooms, and an assortment of other goodies. They live on an olive orchard a few miles outside of the town, it was night when we when arrived so we could not see much, but we had some of the olive oil that they made which was a far cry from the Trader Joe’s variety. We exchanged lots of smiles with Reggie communicating for the both of us. Reggie showed us his room and his italian mom and I shared our dismay with Reggie’s messy room- no words needed. We were impressed with Reggie’s command of italian and his maturity, it is amazing what can happen in a few months.

Reggie & his italian family

We checked into Hotel Viterbo, and quickly fell asleep until 1 PM Saturday. Reggie our guide took us into the town, which is a walled city dating back to the 11th century . After a strong coffee we were good to go, within 10 minutes I discovered Milly Shoes, and snapped up these bling trimmed sweeties.

bling bling boots

Milly Shoes

I was amazed at the selection of shops in what I thought was a sleepy little town, much like my beloved Whittier. Between the curvy cobblestoned streets, lined with traditional italian architecture, boutique after boutique what more could I ask for? Next stop was Elisabetta Franchi, a cute store with pretty, sexy, girlie girl clothes at nice price points. I picked up this nude lace gown, that I love–not even worried about where I will wear it, something will come up and I will be ready. Then I saw this cute little “mui mui” inspired bag and could not leave without this, I know I will get lots of use out of it years to come a classic.

the dress…

Gigi & the dress

pretty bag

My guys did their share as well, my poor husband traveled with no jacket, and yes it is the dead of winter, and not our 80 degree Cali winter, so two jackets later he was all set. Reggie shopped for christmas gifts for his host family. I enjoyed people watching, the italians, young and old are so stylish. We ran into a few of Reggie’s classmates, and visited his school and finished the night with dinner at one of the local spots. Our little “boy” told us that he wanted to stay in town and catch up with his friends and that we should go back to the hotel and pick him up later.

I could not help but think about how fortunate our kids are to have traveled so many places, my husband and I both come from humble beginnings, I was in my 30’s the first time I ever traveled to Europe, married with kids no less. Our vacations growing up were going to visit other relatives, and most of the time it was a car trip, I could count the times I had been on a plane on one hand growing up.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.- Saint Augustine

Tomorrow we will leave for Florence.

Reggie’s School SYA

Reggie

viterbo

holiday in viterbo

santa

Hope your holiday is coming together, mine will certainly be different than any other that I have experienced.

Ciao Xoxo

Gigi

Gigi in Viterbo

Reginaldo In Italia

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Gigi in Family, Italy 6 Comments

Little Reggie

A little over a week ago my 16 year old son packed all his worldly possessions in to his suitcase in preparations for his school year abroad in Italy. I chuckled as he tired to stuff as many big tennis shoes as possible in to the large bag, that I could already see was going to be overweight. We traveled to Boston to meet up with the 50 + students who had come from all over the country to catch the flight together to Rome. It was bittersweet, while I was proud of my son for taking the risk to go to another country, learn a new language, become part of an Italian family, I was still sad to see him go. I’m happy he has the intellectual curiosity to even want to do this, to step out of his comfort zone, but I know the separation will be difficult.

Reggie

The room was filled with other glassy eyed parents, listening to cautionary tales the administrators were sharing with all of us, “your child will have freedom, there are no drinking restrictions in Italy, the academic program is rigorous, there is opportunity to travel around in small groups and yes your child will probably be home sick but please don’t call them more than once a week.” After exchanging small talk with random moms who were exchanging tidbits about their kids, it was time to walk to the terminal for check in. 21 boys and 34 girls, from a variety backgrounds, a sprinkling of “brown” children which I was happy to see, all of them already forming little groups laughing with one another, most of them like my son not knowing anybody prior to that day.

departure

I remember last year when my son told me he wanted to apply to SYA (school year abroad), I was supportive, but at the same time not encouraging the process, I’m going to be honest there was a part of me that secretly thought that maybe he would not be accepted. Of course on March 15, as promised the acceptance letter arrived and I saw the biggest smile ever, his dream to study in Italy was becoming a reality. We were in Italy for the first time a few years ago and I remember Reggie said to me then “Mommy one day I am going to live here”.

Alitalia ticketing

I know this will be a transformative experience for my son and Reggie and I as a couple. We will be “empty nesters” for the next 10 months, no distractions of having a child at home to focus on, I will launch my photography shingle, and Reggie will play even more basketball. I just booked our tickets to go visit Reggie for Christmas and I had one phone call from him so far, letting me know how much he loves it there and that he can already speak Italian!

Gigi & Son

Reggie will be living in the charming city of Viterbo, located just north of Rome. SYA will celebrate 50 years of sending high school students abroad. They have four programs, France, Spain, Italy and China and summer programs as well.

SYA

Reggie promised me he would create a tumblr…no time for a real blog. So check him out at reggiechibiitalia.tumblr.com

Ciao,

GIGI

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