The Next Phase of the Adventure - Moving to Italy

The twenty four hour countdown in progress and I am feeling overwhelmed by the number of details to take care of. The good news is, we have our temporary apartment in Naples secured for next week and that means only a few days in a  hotel and then we can go to the apartment. That gives us private living space, our own kitchen, washer, and a gorgeous view of the Naples waterfront. Check out these photos!

5th story deck

We feel so blessed with the opportunity to stay in this lovely apartment so close to all the sites in Naples. It is a great location to get oriented to the area. Within walking distance are all the shop: butchers, bakery, cheese shop, produce, etc. The apartment faces a large city park that goes along the waterfront and is a meeting/gathering place for all generations of Neopolitans. It is one of the nicest neighborhoods in downtown Naples. I could be happy here for the two years but since Johnnie is not a city guy, we will look for a permanent place out a ways from the city.

Johnnie will have no lack of outdoor living space here! This deck actually wraps around the back of the apartment as well. There is room for a hot tub or even a small swimming pool. Maybe we'll host a square dance while we are here....

The apartment is located in a large, ancient Palazzo (not sure what that means) built in the 1400s as I understand it. It has been passed down in this family for many generations. I only happened to hear of this apartment by chance (except nothing is by chance when our Lord is in control, is it?) and was able to see it when I was there in July. The owners are delightful people and I just know our stay will be awesome.

 I just love the open airy feeling of this apartment. Lots of light and a nice breeze to cool things off on those hot summer evenings. God you are so good to me! I am also thankful that the landlord has been patient to hold the apartment for me until my return. She could have easily rented it to someone else in the last month.

In Italy, the Tobachi shop (I think that is how you spell it - Tobacco shop) is where you buy stamps, super glue, pay your utilities, buy batteries and any number of other things. It plays the role of a convenience store in the US.  There is a Tobachi shop nearby.

What a blessing it is to be going this wonderful place!

Next week I process through Immigration in Italy. Boeing has hired a local to go with me and translate. It is apparently an arduous process with tons of documentation and waiting in line. Woe to you if you don't have all your papers in order! I have been warned this will be a long day and to be patient. After we finish at one place -- the Sportello Unico -- then we go to the post office for the next phase. Lord, help me through these steps!