Parlo Italiano!

Now that Carlo and I are starting to entertain, we've decided that we need to go all out with our dinner. So, what does that mean for me??? That means, that I have to go out and buy the Antipasti like cheese and Prosciutto. Since I have no idea what to get or how much to get, I had to ask Carlo to help me.

So yesterday, I went to Sma with my "cheat sheet" of phrases to say. I got to the counter and waited for my turn to order. I was so nervous that I had to pull out my little sheet to read it again so that I knew what to say. When it was my turn to order, I proudly asked the lady for my 2 etti e mezzo of Prosciutto. Then she asked me if I needed anything else, and I said yes and gave her the names of the Cheeses I wanted. When she was done, again, she asked me if I needed anything else and I said, "No, Basta cosi". She handed me my items and said "Grazie". I was so happy and excited that I forgot to buy the Mozzarella for the pizza.

Last night, we had some friends come over for dinner. Stefano is a friend of Carlo's from Elementary school. He came over with his daughter Giulia and his girlfriend Tatiana. Stefano speaks English and Giulia knows it but doesn't speak it much. As Carlo and Stefano were talking amongst themselves I had no choice but to start speaking Italian. If I didn't know the words, I would ask Giulia in English and she would tell me in Italian.

I had no idea that I could actually speak Italian!!... Well, kind of. I have been so worried that I can't speak the language or answer back that I haven't realized how much my brain had absorbed. I still have a long way to go but, according to Giulia and Tatiana, I did great!

Making my home a little more MEXCELLENT!

This past Wednesday, I had the chance to walk around downtown Torino with a sister from my ward. Maeiko has been in Torino for 4 years with her husband and daughter. We had decided to get together and walk around the city. She had mentioned that she found a Cheese shop that sells Cheddar Cheese!! So of course, we went there and to my delight, they also have Feta Cheese!! That makes me so happy. Now I can cross those 2 items of my "Can't find in Torino" list. Next more window shopping and a search for Tex-Mex items. So she took me to another store that has import items. So, if I ever want Campbell's Soup, I know where to go.

*I had to take a picture of the Tex-Mex items I found.

As we walked, I happened to notice a sign in a window that said...."Tortilla de Mais"... which is... "Corn Tortillas". I was so excited that I had to go in. I FOUND BLACK BEANS!!!!! I was soo excited I bought a can, even though they were kinda expensive. (but everything here is expensive) I also bought some aluminum Christmas ornaments!

*These remind me of home! My mom has these in her dining room.

The rest of the day we spent walking to the Asian shops where I found Vanilla Extract and Cumin!!! I didn't buy them just yet, because it's not something I need at the moment. I also wasn't sure if the Vanilla Extract was the same as what I get at home.

Now, if I can find some shortening, baking powder and baking soda.... I can start making some serious food!!

Once I got home, I debated where to put my Christmas ornaments. I decided to be like my mom.... and put them in my dining room.

*above the door that goes out into the balcony

I don't know about you... but I think they make my house look Mexcellent!

Sister Missionaries know how to have a good time!!

This morning, before I went to Carrefour, I got a call from Sorella Smith. She called to say that they were going downtown and do some sightseeing and asked if I wanted to join. I happily said yes and we decided to meet at 2:15.**

** side note- every time I see the Sorelle, they always ask what they can do for me. My only response is the same...."If want to go sightseeing on your P-day, call me and I'll go with you guys."

So, we met at the Castello del Valentino which is located in Parco del Valentino. It is still one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy but, now it's occupied by the Faculty of the Architecture department of the Politecnico di Torino.

Then it was off to see the Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio. This church is at the end of Piazza Vittorio Veneto and lies at the bank of the River Po.

I'm not sure why, but the Church doors were locked so, we were not able to go inside. We decided to head up to Monte dei Cappuccini which is another church nearby. So, we walked up the hill. After what seems like forever.. because that hill was a tough walk... we made it to the top.

Since this church was open, we went in to look around.

The view of Torino from Monte dei Cappuccini

After we walked back to Piazza Vittorino Veneto, we decided to grab some Gelato at GROM. (yes, i do realize I have been to GROM 3 times in the last 3 weeks, BUT, after the trek up the hill... we deserved it and I will not have just plain gelato... I will only have the best!!)

Sorella Oliver & Sorella Smith at GROM

As we made our way to Porta Nuova, we were discussing our favorite Italian treats when we past by the Focacceria. The smell alone was enough to tempt us to stop and get a slice, even though we had just finished our gelato.

Walking through Piazza Castello eating our Focaccia Pizza.

Finally, as we walked through Piazza San Carlo, we saw a water fountain. Sorella Oliver has been wanting to get a picture of herself drinking from the Bull's mouth.

So, first Sorella Smith fills up her water bottle.

Then Sorella Oliver takes a sip.

I'm so glad I was able to meet with them and enjoy the city. This is the 2nd time Sorella Smith has been assigned to Torino and Sorella Oliver is straight out of the MTC. So, it was nice to play tour guide with Sorella Oliver.

Here's one last look at Torino

Crazy Carrefour Shoppers Scare ME!!

This morning, I woke up with the intention of going to the store and buying my groceries. So, I showered, got my Gimi ready and headed out the door. I went to Carrefour (which is like a Wal-Mart) on Corso Monte Cucco. (that's a fun word to say)

Anyway, as I approached I noticed that there were no cars in the parking lot. As a got closer I see people just standing around. Since it's Monday, they open at 12pm.**

**side note- almost ALL the stores are closed on Sundays. Most stores are open on Mondays BUT are usually open half days.

I had 20 minutes until the store would open. No one was really in too much of a hurry to get it so, people were just sitting around reading the papers. One of the managers decided to open the doors but, we couldn't go past the information desk until the store officially opened. So, the lady at Information gets on the loud speaker and says.. "Employees, it's is 11:50. 10 minutes until we open". Five minutes later... "Employees, it's 11:55. 5 minutes until we open". At 12:00...... nothing.

I see it's getting really crowded now. People are trying to squeeze by me just to try to get in front of the herd. One man starts asking the manager what the problem is. "you say 10 minutes, then 5 and now it's 12. what's the problem" I think to myself how funny this all is. I've never seen so many people get so anxious to get their groceries. Finally at 12:10 the lady at Information say.."Employees, the store is now open". All I heard was everyone speaking at once.. saying things like "finally" or "it's about time". People were almost pushing each other just to be the first in line for the cheese counter or deli.

I tried to get away, but I too almost got run over. These people are crazy! Never again, will I go there on a Monday at 12:00.

Doubly Special Shoutout!

This one goes out to a very special little lady and Little man. The lady who took care of me for 9 months until I was ready to come out. The lady who took care of me when I was sick and bought me pretty, frilly dresses.

I watched her cook yummy food and bake delicious desserts. She was the taxi driver taking us to school and picking us up from practices. Took us to church on Sundays and activities during the week.

The Man who taught us how to maintain our cars, cut the grass, and make Pancakes without following the directions. He dances in the kitchen, climbs trees, and makes the best eggs!

The little lady and little man that love us soo much.....





My Mom and My Dad!!

Happy Birthday Mom!! & Happy 38th Anniversay to you Both!!

We love you both and can't wait until you come to visit us!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Yaya & Carlo