Italian adventure - katieandboo

prima
Naples, Italy
Ciao tutti!!
I dont even know where to begin here....I guess ill start from the beginning...when i got here i felt very out of place and needless to say, alone, since no one spoke english. That quickly changed as my roommates started calling me Katy Perry and trying to speak with my (in broken english and me in broken italian). The room set up is, in my apt, two bedrooms and one bathroom (3 girls). In the next door apartment it is same set up accept second room is a very small kitchen, and two girls. the kitchen is about two arm spreads wide and about one deep. With a fridge, sink and two hot plates. Somehow the 5 of us make it work. We eat lunch and dinner together too. Which is very nice and provides extra time for me to learn italian. They laugh at me when I pronounce wrong and I when they completely get the word wrong. I have had espresso at least once a day if not twice. Pasta every day so far and tonight we just went out as a team and had pizza...needless to say I am in carb heaven!!!
Training has been fine I love my keeper coach and my head coach is awesome too, he knows some english but I can tell the girls love him, very funny. And I like my teammates, I think they like having me to try and shoot the shit with in the little english they know. They will try to say something and when it is totally wrong the other girls laugh at them. I however will not be cleared to play until mid december I believe, because of paperwork. Which is good cuz I need to learn italian soccer words.
Their is a little field up behind our apartment about a block and a half away. Their is also basketball girls living behind us and tennis players all around us. Of cours they are Italian and I have only met one basketball player no tennis players. Oh but I also met an american guy who coaches american football over here so that is funny! The city is small and boring, but its Italy. Oh the temp is weird its warm during the day like 55 or so and at night it is down right freezing!! And our practices are at night!! Thankfully we have some pretty warm gear, one real nice big puffy jacket that I am in love with!!
Ok well I should get to bed, but miss and love you all!!
written by  katieandboo on November 18, 2011 from Naples, Italy
from the travel blog: Italian adventure

win
Naples, Italy
We went to Rome on sunday for a big game and we won 1-0!! It was pretty cool everyone was singing and dancing after in the locker room. Our pregame meal was huge, first there was a big plate of veggies, then big plate of pasta, then plate of brescola, and finally a apricot lemon tart dessert thing. Needless to say I was completely stuffed after all that food was glad I didn't have to play. When we got back my roommate and I just grabbed a pizza next door for our dinner. Our basketball friend came over too, viviana. My roommate sylvia was tired and viv was hungover so we were all pretty goofy. They asked me about my scars and I tried to explain in italian how I got them, with a lot of body language ha. Needless to say we were all rolling laughing that night with our horrible Italian and English. Was a fun night though.
Yesterday I went with viv to the city Vomero where she has her therapy. While she did therapy I went to a street that has a lot of shops and had my breakfast at a bar, a cappuccino and chocolate croissant. I just walked around looking at the jobs, although I did buy a notebook finally. When viv met back up with me she bought a shirt for her friends bday. Oh and today it is vivs bday, not sure if we are going out to celebrate or not.
Oh so also found out the team gives us, or is supposed to, money for food every week but they dont. So right now in our fridge we have water butter a pear mortadella ham and cheese. Somehow they expect 5 of us to be able to eat 3 meals off of that. needless to say that is why we eat like poor people, a lot of pasta meals no veggies and picking up pizzas. Hopefully they pay us tonight so tomorrow we can go to the grocery store. The city I live in is actually Agnano so if you look it up youll see its dullness ha. But you can see Vesuvio from here so that is kinda cool.
Oh and last night I was on the Italian news. I am pretty sure I look like an idiot I was so nervous. Its the napoli sport news, if I find the link I'll share it, maybe ;) ha
ALthough we are locked in this area at least my housemates don't work so there is usually 3 of us at least around the house.
Ok I should go run I will add a video and pic too.
ciao
written by  katieandboo on November 22, 2011 from Naples, Italy
from the travel blog: Italian adventure

happy thanksgiving
Agnano, Italy
So we went to the Vivi House to sing happy bday and met a bulgarian so now I have a friend who speaks English. He is one of the basketball players brother who is here till xmas and looking to get picked up on a team.
Oh after practice the other day we went to a pizzeria and watched the Napoli vs manchester city game. Was insane!!! You could hear all the people in the stadium from our House they were so loud. Everytime Napoli did something good or bad the restaurant erupted. Was a lot of fun to be around.
Last night after practice my Housemates and I went to our physical trainers House for dinner. His wife made us baked ziti, Chicken and potatoes, this pizza thing with vegtable cheese and sausage, then dessert. Also 3 bottles of wine and this horrible dark thick licorice tasting drink. It was a lot of fun, we were there for about 2.5 hrs. Oh ya and then they started saying I look italian and like one f their friends. They got on facebook to show me a picture, I didn't really see it but they all agreed I looked like her and started calling me Lara. Overall a great night.
Today I went on an adventure with the bulgarian. We tried to get to the top of this hillside, which we failed. Then walked to a High Point to see the the water and harbor of Pozzuoli, very beautiful. Today is super hot I am guessing 65 or 70!!
I was going to go to one of the younger americans House for thanksgiving but I have practice so its not going to happen.
Ok lunch is served
ciao
written by  katieandboo on November 24, 2011 from Agnano, Italy
from the travel blog: Italian adventure

happy belated to my gma!!
Agnano, Italy
Went to a bar with two of my housemates and some basketball players on friday. Super fancy, also had some food snacks sitting around to eat, pasta fritatta etc. Was a good time had a few drinks and danced then headed home around 3. We finally got paid for food so sat. 3 of my housemates and I went to the grocery store, bought a bunch of food but very little veggies and fruit. When we got back we all changed to go meet our team at a pub. Went to watch the Napoli game and have some dinner. I had their version of the philly cheese steak, was actually very good.
Sunday we had a game at our home stadium which is at the base of a castle and the edge of the water in Baccoli. Very pretty. Our pre-game meal consisted, again, of pasta steamed veggies prosciutto with parma bread water and a fruit tart for dessert. These people can freaking eat let me tell ya. We won our game and made it into the guiness book of world records because apparently they have not lost a game in a whole year. I got interviewed after the game but it was in English which was great, and kinda funny!
Oh forgot to mention that all my housemates smoke so every day my clothes and hair smell like smoke, I hate it!! Think im gonna get lung cancer before they do because of all the second hand I consume.
Yesterday was a good day went for a run up this steep hill and got a pretty view at the top. Afterwards I went looking for stamps, which I didn't find, and discount markets. I found a big indoor market which was cool with all the different vendors. I also found two regular discount markets where I bought mushrooms and tomatoes, oh and I bought 2 kilos of Apples, that way i have veggies and fruit. By the time I got back we had lunch then hung out with vivi then I read a little and it was time for practice. Oh ya they moved practice from today to monday because Napoli has a game tonight so we have the night off. Which I better go get ready for.
ciao
written by  katieandboo on November 29, 2011 from Agnano, Italy

A routine
Agnano, Italy
Wednesday I went up to the field and did a circuit workout, finally getting some sort of routine which is nice. We had simple pasta for lunch(garlic and peppers) good.  Then Maria and her mother showed up with bags of food!!  I think I had a smile the whole time she was unpacking.  Pasta coffee nutella chicken meat VEGGIES!!!  So much food.  Needless to say after prac we had a great dinner, a steak like meat and salad with bread. Oh and wine typical of their region, very good.
Thursday went for a run up my hill and went into an area that was supposed to have a lil lake, there was too many trees and bushes to get through tho. Downloaded some more Italian apps so studied until lunch. Which was incredible!!  We had pasta with carne very good don't know the sauce but light and clear then eggplant rolled sandwich type things. Also a mix of steam/sautéed veggies (eggplant zucchini tomatoe peppers onions) and of course bread!  Needless to say I was completely stuffed and content :)
When it came time for prac I was still full and burping the veggies ha. We scrimmaged against a boys team In the fog. Let me tell you I have never played in such thick fog. Some points couldn't see the circle before the half.  I couldn't tell where the ball was until last min. I could tell when it was getting closer to me because my defenders would be backing up, but it wasn't until a boy broke through on a foot race against a defender that I would really know what side of the field they were on.
After prac we all went to dinner in a town closer to napoli.  Had an assortment of bruschetta (tomato basil, mushroom, cheese and prosc, and one with corn) had stuffed zucchini flowers, mozzarella arugula and prosc, then ur main course.  Sooo good!!!  Again over ate too full. We had this dinner because our one teammate vale is leaving for a while to play in games with the national team.
Today I said I'm not gonna eat but of course that's not true. Been loving my Italian bfasts.  A lot of frezeines cafe blood orange juice and or nutella treats. Sometimes cereal :)
Its dumping right now hopefully it slows and I'll go workout. Have a great Friday everyone!!  Safe travels to my fam!
written by  katieandboo on December 2, 2011 from Agnano, Italy

sick
Not much to report from the weekend even though we had two days off, because I was SICK!! Woke up saturday with, what im guessing, was the flu. Basically layed in bed all day except to walk to the store and buy some fruit and some juice. Then sunday a little better my fever broke, but still stayed around the House and ate. Monday was fitness practice which sucked cuz I thought my chest was going to explode! in the end probably helped kick the bug a little bit. That night went out to eat with some friends and had a very good meal. First some ricotta with bread and prosciutto oh and buffalo mozz. Then had my pizza with mushrooms, very good!!! I love my meals here! Oh and my other Housemates mom was here and she made tiramisu and brought some real sicilian cannolis needless to say they were both off the hook and best things ive ever had!!
Yesterday was very chill went on a long walk to Pozzuoli which was nice and prac. After prac we had to go support our head manager guy at his book opening. So we didn't get to eat dinner until 12!!! I was so hungry and tired they got to see a piece of the true katie, hungry grump!
Oh went to immigration office yesterday too, so now I am all set up and legally officially here! Found out I may not be playing in a game till Jan now which makes me super bummed cuz then I def could have gone home for xmas, super bummed :(
today worked out at the Field its finally nice today. The past 4 days have been crazy rainy and windy! Got prac tonight then off tomorrow so hopefully some fun adventure awaits!
written by  katieandboo on December 7, 2011 from Agnano, Italy

catch up
Its been a while sorry about that just kinda flew by. I'll try to catch up the quick version. Wednesday had practice and after we went to our restaurant to watch Napoli play villa real and they won which is huge for Napoli! Was a lot of fun to watch and got to eat a big salad and some chicken! Thursday we had practice off so I walked to Bagnali to find all stores closed because it was a holiday for the virgin Mary. I hung with two housemates for a while then ended up making my own dinner, chicken pesto pasta, very good. They then went out for dinner and I just went to my room read and went to bed. Ran the mighty hill on friday and made it back just before it started to pour!! Still super congested which sucks for working out but im pushing through it. Had a chill training talked to my keeper coach to try and sort out the mail issue here hopefully get a base address so I can actually receive mail. Sat went to a big grocery store mall area with the bulgarians then went to the basketball game that night, they won! After we met a bunch of teammates at our restaurant for dinner I had another salad and chicken sandwich. We ended up having 9 people sleeping at our house because we were leaving for sicily at 6:30am. We had so many people because some lived too far away it was just easier. After our flight to milan we arrived in sicily and then to the field. We won our game in the last 15 min which was very important win. Then back to the airport for dinner and our flight at 9. I gotta say Sicily cannolis are off the hook I had two in the airport and brought one back to Napoli for the next morning....sooo good!! Yesterday I enjoyed my cannoli and a cup of coffee before I went to the outlet stores with the Bulgarians. Was a lot of fun bought a pair of shoes but spent way too much time there left at 11 got home at 4:30 so I was starving. I was able to squeeze in a sandwich and a workout before it got too dark. My whole house went off somewhere basically as soon as I got back so I just studied and watched shows then made a little dinner for myself, buccatini con crema e pollo, buona! Today had a super hard workout up at my field and found a ball to play with so that was good. Had lunch and chatted with my housemates then study then prac. We had a little fitness and played so it was a lot of fun. ALthough we got paid today, everybody except me. Was a real frustrating night of not being able to speak the language. BUt tomorrow we are going somewhere to get money (i hope) and do something else. Oh and hoping they give us our food money tomorrow cuz we got nothing. Was saying i feel i am noticing my lack of vitamin and minerals because I cramped up twice at dinner with is weird. but who knows.
off to bed night all
written by  katieandboo on December 13, 2011 from Agnano, Italy

Bdays
So Thursday was two teammates bdays so we all went out after prac to celebrate. Sadly I couldn't practice thur and got told to sit till Monday. Having some calf issues. Anyway so we went out to dinner in Pozzuoli and our coach had a set menu. Started with some champagne then bruschetta Normal and with Salmon, some fried mashed potato thing sardines eggplant tuna soup bread and a mini fish dish. All very good!! Then for dinner we had a linguini with clams and oysters in a butter parsley sauce bomb! Also a four cheese linguini very very good! Had white wine a sparkling red and more champagne very very good meal!!!
After dinner prof(our fitness coach) took my Housemates and I to downtown Napoli where we saw the kings of Napoli and a galleria all was beautiful and a lot of fun. We finally got home around 2:30. Friday was low key just watched shows went to prac and did upper body workout. Sat went for a walk to Bangalore to buy lil Xmas presents for my Housemates. At night we all went out to a disco which was a lot of fun one room played typical American jams the other played House music. After the club went and got a piece of pizza I had sausage with cheese prosciutto and a cream finally made it home around 5:30. Great night needless to say! Today just laying low do upper body workout then it's practice tomorrow :)

Verona
Let's see, went to practice Monday only trained for a little and they made me stop. Same for Tuesday only ran 20 mins! Monday also did a workout in the morning then hung around the House. Tuesday had a lot of fun went with 3 teammates to morning therapy then to montesanto walked around looking at shops and wandered to downtown Napoli! Saw a castle and vesuvius and had a nice lunch finally made it back to the House around 5:30 got ready for prac and left. Winter has finally arrived here was 38 at practice but thankfully no rain. Had a few teammates stay the night cuz we had a game Wednesday.
The police were supposed to check my place of residence Wednesday morning so I went to italos at 8(where I'm supposed to live) but they never came so I was stuck there till 5:30 when I got picked up.
Since today we started our vacation the team had a party at a hotel restaurant. So much food, antipasti, chopped up squid Salmon lentils and zucchini bruschetta some thing served on a big clam shell. Then we had a pasta with a broccoli pesto and tomato and risotto with shrimp very good!! Then there was lots of chanting and singing before dessert was served. Of course there was wine prosecco and water also at dessert we had fragilino oh sooo good recommend trying it sometime!! Lasted about 3 hours got home round 12! Went to sleep since this morning I had to wake up at 5! I caught a flight to Verona and am spending the next 5 days with my manager and her family. I will wish you all a happy and safe holiday now as I prob won't write till after the holidays in all honesty I'm acting as tho Xmas doesn't exist since I'm so sad. I know seems silly considering where I am but if you had a family as awesome as mine you'd understand! Peace and love all

happy new years
Happy new year wishing everyone lots of health happiness and success in 2012.
a little catch up, the day after xmas I went to downtown verona with two friends in the early evening. We saw the castel vecchia then just walked around looking at the lights and window looking since most shops were closed. There were a ton of people down town which I can understand because it was beautiful!!
I returned to Napoli and everything as usual. Oh we played against a mens pro team, serie D, they have the same sponsors as us so it was kind of a big deal men vs woman type thing. I got to play too in the first half, got scored 3 times but two were 1v1s and the third was a cross to header. Did make some pretty big saves so for first game in months I was feeling ok. We traveled to Ischia for the game a little island of the coast of Napoli very beautiful and tropical reminds me of greece. After that just been training a little extra and doing practice. For the new years eve I went to Italos house, president or something, where there was a lot of people all family members so that was fun. Two of his older daughters speak pretty good english so that was nice. After a good dinner and some dessert it was time for the ocuntdown, once the new year hit the sky was crazy with fireworks I mean we looked out over the skyline and they were everywhere it was really cool to see. after about an hour the fireworks died down and I got taken home. since all my housemates are gone I prepared nice lunches and dinners for myself. especially on the 1st I made a nice dinner with a nice bottle of wine and chocolate pandoro for dessert which is bombbb!!! I been working a little bit on a health schedule to help get to to peak fitness also writing a little in my book. Today officially worked for my dad doing data entery basically, super slow but helps pass my time.
Oh I forgot to mention one time I was hanging with the bulgarians and I think its the first time I ever got upset about how someone was talking about the USA and so I started defending it and they quickly shut up. Damn proud to be an American!!
Oh and new years eve Italo was talking to me about next year when we are in seria a1 and the people he wants to bring in etc....feel bad cuz their planning on me being here but I still don't know what I want to do. But im not worrying too much when the time comes to decide ill figure it out.
well i gotta get going to practice
written by  katieandboo on January 2, 2012 from Agnano, Italy

last super
Bacoli, Italy
Ok so im gonna start with last nights dinner. Went over to my assistant coaches house with one of my housemates and policano(a friend of everyone). Marcella made a feast!! Since my other housemate didn't come there was a lot of food we had to consume. She started out by making some classic bruschetta, sliced some mozzarella di bufala and put out a plate of ricotta, with some local bottles of wine.
Next was the seafood linguini...had lobster and shrimp with some tomatos it was veryyyyy good!! The shrimp and lobster were a little difficult to get out of there shells but I managed.
Next was sausage and steak...I opted out of the steak cuz I was already getting full. Oh and of course salad with the meat. Finally it was on to dessert which consisted of Fragolino wine and mandarins! Started eating at 9:20ish finished around 11:30. Oh man what a good meal though, oh and Marcella gave Roby and I the rest of the bread last bufala ball and ricotta!
Ok now I'll back up a little, we had a game this weekend which we won 6-0, no I didn't not play, we are hoping for this weekend maybe. Oh didn't go to sorrento either some mix up and lucca never showed. I been keeping semi busy trying to do a workout in the morning go on some walk then training. I convinced the house to buy less water bottles that I would take our waterbottles to the local fountain to fill them up, save a lil plastic and money! Also since we got food money and no car I offered to go to the store by foot and get things. Im just like the houses mule ha. Its about a 45 min treck to the cheaper grocery store so I walk there with a backpack and a bag fill up and head on home.
Oh a friend of Johanna's is arriving today to stay with me for two days, I am quite excited to try and show him around! See how good my tour guide skills and italian skills are!
Oh cut my hair off I posted pics, im not the biggest fan but getting used to it. Although I have to admit I love the practicality of it for soccer and the simplicity of it. For soccer its super light and doesn't get in my face...I use a lot less shampoo and conditioner so I save A LOT!! ;)
Think thats all for now
written by  katieandboo on January 10, 2012 from Bacoli, Italy

tropo freddo
Pozzuoli, Italy
oh man tonight was super cold at practice 28-30 degrees! Although for you guys probably normal considering all the snow your getting...Anywho super cold but was actually a good practice I am feeling much healthier and faster which is great my lil athlete program is working splendidly.
Oh So Timbah came and we had so much fun showed him around downtown Naples, took him on the hike to see Pozzuoli think he had a good time. I also found out just how good my Italian has gotten. My roommates would try to speak with him but when they wouldn't understand they would ask me and I was able to convey in pretty good Italian what they wanted to know.
I went to the American base on saturday, and holy moly that was a weird experience. I felt like I was dropped on some planet or something. Was super excited about everything American I saw and the people would just look at me like I was crazy. For example, I walked into the food court and they were selling girl scout cookies!!! I just about jumped into their laps with excitement saying I'll take two boxes!! Then continued to taco bell, ya i know bad but oh man soo good!! After being submerged in this Italian culture for so long it was like culture shock to be able to understand everyone around me. The reason I went to base is the American families that are on the Primavera team have also created this American League Soccer which is for all americans in Italy so twice a month they meet up for the weekend and train then participate in tournies and such around europe. So I was there to help them coach, think mainly they just wanted to show me off. Met some cool people and possibly good contacts for other areas in Italy for me to visit. Overall great experience and hope to be going back to visit soon. Oh when I returned to the house everyone said how much they missed me all day but how glad they were I finally had a phone so they could text me. I felt the same way :)
We had a game in SIcily again but this time I didn't get to go due to funds I think...but Roby brought me back 2 cannollis soooo good!!
Other than that just been walking aorund a lot, oh and im starting to try out a lot of different wines. Yesterday I brought home a vino rosso frizzante, which is a slightly sparkling red wine, and Roby told me that this is a famous well known wine in Italy and that it is very good. After tasting I would have to concur, very delicious . Other than that have not been up to too much drawing, reading(thats right dad reading) and doing some work for the paps.
Gonna hit the hay hope you are all enjoying the snow back home, be safe!
written by  katieandboo on January 17, 2012 from Pozzuoli, Italy

finally released
Pozzuoli, Italy
Sorry it has taken me so long to post haven't had internet on my computer for about a week. Anyway I will start with the most recent. I got released to play on tuesday, I was coming home from school and Maria came running out of the house screaming your cleared your playing tomorrow (Of course she is screaming this in italian)!!! We jumped around hugging eachother so excited that I could play! So Wednesday I played in a game against Lazio in the quarter finals of Coppa Italia (same as the mens side, italian cup) It was a very intense game both coaches got kicked out of the game by the second half. Yellow cards and fouls were flying left and right in the second half as well. The game ended with a 1-1 score(yes I coulda stopped the goal but was out of position) going straight into pks. My girls were making their shots the other team missed first two made third and I stopped the 4th to secure our win. The semi finals will be in end of May against Torres which is the number one team.
Yes I did start school!! Its really funny, basically I go to a high school sit next to the teacher she gives me an exercise to work on and she goes on teaching her class. She will then look over my work when im done and give me another assignment. I stay for about 2.5 hours then go home and she gives me homework. I think I will go every tuesday and thursday.
Last weekend I went out to dinner with my housemates and four basketball girls that live behind us...because they have the cars. We went to dinner in Pozzuoli which was really good and continued to walk down the strip stopping a bar for drinks. Its really cool this part of Pozzuoli reminds me of venice or miami because there is a big long boardwalk along the water with basketball courts and on the other side it is lined with restaurants and bars, for maybe a mile. The bar we stopped at was an outside bar which is odd considering its winter and freaking freezing but the shots helped warm us up :) We then went to anther bar that was by the port, very small but cute. We pretty much closed down the place finally leaving around 5! The best part of staying so late is that we kinda became friends with the bar tenders owners and the dj. Some of us were mixing music some were behind the bar mixing drinks, all in all it was a fun night.
Last week one night we came home from practice to find the power out in one of our houses, which was the cooking house!! So we all went out to the local pizzeria for dinner. I had the fried pizza which was bombb!!! We also had some good conversations mainly of them making fun of words that I say.
Oh last night after prac we went to have pizza with prof, who is our fitness coach, and then dessert. It was really good pizza I had one with mozz prosciutto crudo and rucola...veryyy good! We talked about the game and the penalties and how someone was pissed they werent on the list to take a pk. Talked about next year and how we'll play games in Ischia. Was a really good night.
Oh last thing there has been a bunch of strikes down here lately...there is little gas, so lines are crazy at gas stations, there is NO and I mean NO fruit or vegtables in the grocery stores, and now they are starting to run out of flour products!! It is quite a sad state we used up the last of our veggies two days ago so now were all back to a strictly complex carb diet. Hoping the strike ends soon but one of the
written by  katieandboo on January 28, 2012 from Pozzuoli, Italy

lazy days
Pozzuoli, Italy
Its your lucky day since for some reason the previous post did not post in Jan 28th you get two postings. So one thing I left out on the last post was that I tweaked my knee the friday after the big game have been sitting the past week and a half just doing therapy and rehab. Thankfully it was something small just a lil sprain. Missed one game but we won so it was fine. Went to the miitary base again this past weekend for the superbowl. Got there sat night watched a Talent show ate popcorn then we had pizza and wine for dinner and chocolate chip cookes!!! NExt day we went to the outlet malls had some chix quesaidllas with quac and margaritas!! oh so good, how I miss the simple things of America. Around 11pm one of the dads and I headed to the pub to watch the game, it was cool they put out a free little buffet with hot dogs chili popcorn and fried treats. We stayed till half time before heading home. Had a great time once again hanging at the base the families are super duper nice here. besides that I haven't been out much been chained to the House due to my knee and needing it to recover. Needless to say that makes me a lil down in the dumps but trying to stay positive and soon be back out to double days and exploring the city. Oh it has also been super cold here the past week has been between 36-42. Even hailed here once, some tried to claim it snowed but im betting it was just hail on the ground. Although Rome got dumps of snow, if you have seen any mens games you have probably seen some teams playing in lots of snow.
Lets see this weekend we go back to Sicily for a game so im going to buy canollis and save so
written by  katieandboo on February 9, 2012 from Pozzuoli, Italy

pompeii
Napoli, Italy
Ok so lets see sunday we went to Sicily for a game and it was brutal, the travel not the game! Woke up at 5 got to the airport to find our flight had been cancelled, then took a 2.5hr bus ride up to Roma where we caught our other flight to sicily then a hour bus ride up to the field near the mountains. Got there one hr before kick off so we quickly got our gear on had a fast pregame meeting warmed up and played...thankfully we won 6-0! ha The return home was simple one flight back to Napoli but first I bought a bunch of cannolis, some for me but the rest for the American families that have been helping me out so much.
Monday mornning I got up early and trekked it out to Pompeii, it was awesome! With the walk to train then train to the right line prob took me about 2.5 hrs to get there then spent about 2.5 hrs there. Sat in the middle of some ruins and ate lunch with a view of Vesuvious on my right and some others on my left. The city was a lot bigger than I had imagined I kept getting lost getting overwhelmed with not knowing which direction to go because there were so many streets, but overall it was really cool. I returned went for a run then to the store to buy some things for a nice dinner. Oh forgot to mention all my other housemates went home cuz we had monday and tuesday off. I made some cod poached in a tomato sauce, used a zucchini as pasta, which I totally recommend because it was delicious!! Also made a caprese salad with some bread broccoli and proseco. Tuesday I went to school learned a lot then came home ran and worked out at the field then relaxed until my coach came and got me. I went to his house for dinner with his family, his wife made big sandwiches with hot dog cheese and crispy potatoes was very good. Then a dessert that reminded me of pylo dough type pastry with nutella inside, also very good.
Wednesday I went for a run studied a lil read and made a lunch with boiled chicken then add lil lemon juice garlic powder pepper spice and salt. Added to the zucchini pasta with a calabrese type sauce and bread it was very good!! Then chicken and broccoli for dinner after a very hard training(but very fun). Oh ya last night I got my package in the mail!! I have enrolled in a PES (performance enhancement specialist) certification class, once I pass I will be certified to physically train any level from amateur to professional. I got very excited looking at the material.
Today went for a run then went to class for a long hard day, then on my way home stopped at the grocery store for the whole house, returned at 5. . They have kept letting me go by myself to the store because when I do we get the most out of our money haha. ALthough it gets a little tough to bring back all the groceries by myself but its worth it to get veggies and fruit! So I also made friends with this barista at a cafe accross the street from the school every day before class I get a cappuccino and we talk about what we have done when were playing soccer next etc. Its a lot of fun because I get to practice my Italian and he helps correct me when im wrong after practice I guess our president is taking the team out to a nice dinner and apparently were getting some sort of gift again. I'll keep ya posted and post some pompeii pics soon :)
written by  katieandboo on February 16, 2012 from Napoli, Italy

it arrived!!
Naples, Italy
Ok so that dinner was AMAZING!!! We went to a really fancy restaurant near the center of Napoli. Coach and I arrived first so as we waited for the others they brought us champagne and we looked at pics of the mens Napoli team hanging above our tables. we had a huge meal starting with individual cheese plates everyone got lil mozz balls and ricotta, very good. Then there was classic fried appetizers the zeppoline bruschetta and something else. then we all got a seafood plate, had a lil salmon cake a small white fish and baby fried shrimps all with this sauce, which was very good! Then fusili sicilliano and riso with shrimp and lemon. Oh not done, then we had a bigger white fish with a side of potatoes which was delicious the slow cook their chicken over the potato so you get some of the grease sooo good. Then finally came dessert, which was a chocolate cake type thing. Oh yes and we did have many bottles of white, red, and frizzante wine. I had to be rolled outa there I was so dang full. Then the president said some nice words and gave all a 100 buck bonus. All in all a great night! Friday tried to recover then saturday I finally made it down to Sorrento! Luca picked me up in the morning and we drove there looked around then drove to positano, where we walked around and looked since everything was closed. Very beautiful old city built on a hill. We then headed back towards sorrento for lunch at his favorite restaurant. Where once again had soo much good food. At this place you have different options you can do the classic app dinner dessert or you can have them bring you sample plates as your meal, we did a combo. They sent out sample plates for apps then for lunch I had pasta vongule and he had ravioli caprese (we split). The apps that came out were a squid and potato, a octopus salad-which is my new fav thing- artichoke and potato, homemade olive oil on toast, zeppoline, eggplant and mozz,and a few others I can't remember. after the lunch course we got desserts to split, I of course ordered the tiramisu-bomb- and he ordered this lemon nut thing which was also very good. We shared a bottle of local wine and finished the meal with limoncello. After this we went and walked around sorrento looking at shops buying some limoncello from the factory then returned to my side.
Actually had him drop me off at the military base where I hung out with one of the families we went cosmic bowling had some beers, good night. Next day went and played soccer tennis with two of the girls in the rain was lots of fun. One of the primavera girls had her first ever seizure and although things are coming back clear she of course has been on house arrest and parent watch. So I came by to say hi and took her out to the tennis courts with me. After tennis courts got cleaned up cuz we were off to the movies to watch mission impossible. Was cool to be in a movie theater have popcorn etc. Oh and before every movie on base you stand for the playing of the national anthem. After the movie They returned me home with a few treats of american cereal.
Monday was my bday and very chill, went to montesanto for the day walked around had lunch then had practice in the pouring rain!! I mean it was dumping but it was actually a lot of fun we ran a bit in the begining then my coach shot on my and I was sliding everywhere, lots of fun. Then a few teammates went out to get pizzas and beer with me at a local place was very good and fun.
Rest of the week didn't do much went to school workedout watched Napoli games had practice. Oh started my personal trainer program so that has been fun and exciting. Then saturday we played at home and won! Got a package from my parents which I had been expecting since before xmas and it finally arrive after my bday!!
Yesterday hiked over to pozzuoli had a chocolate croissant and cappucino walked along the strip went to the port had a nice day out on the town. Getting excited to show my parents around.
Today worked out went and got my official id for Italy so now I am an official resident if the police stop me haha.
Think that does it for now hope all are well!
written by  katieandboo on February 27, 2012 from Naples, Italy

slow slow
Napoli, Italy
Ok so I realize I am getting worse and worse at keeping this thing updated ha my bad. Since the last update lots has happened had two big games both of which we were down first 1-0 and came back to win 3-1. We went to Sicily, to Palermo, was really pretty and a tough game we kinda played like crap, but waking up at 5am traveling all day then playing can have that affect ha. Our most recent game was this past saturday, played the second place team at our home, basically the winner would secure first place. After they scored on a penalty kick, which I touched, in the first half it was a battle. Second half was even worse, cuz oh ya it was windy as all heck, and we were against it. but we got a pk, scored, they had a few more oppertunities, I shut them down. Then we scored and then again in the last seconds scored.
Sunday a bunch of us went to Sorrento for lunch which was really nice and a lot of fun but also pricey meal...but soooo good! Then went to a teammates shop near by and had graffe (which is like a bigger donut) those were also very good. After that we all headed back to Agnano, Oh and let me just say we started lunch at 2 left the restaurant at 5 then left the graffe place at 6:30 so needless to say I didn't have dinner ha.
Oh they had a womans and sports day meeting/confrence that we all had to go too. Every woman get mimosas which is a type of flower.
Lets see another than that we just been working hard now we'll start preparing for our big coppa italia game in may. Oh went with one of my housemates and teammate to watch a Napoli game close to vesuvious then went and played fuseball after was fun night out. One of my housemates and I have been connecting a little more which has been nice. We have very similar tastes and were both in school so we tend to eat lunch together and talk about our days etc. Have gone out a few times with some teammates for dinner which was fun.
Oh I am going to meet up with my friend liz in france this weekend, super stoked about that.
Well I will work harder on keeping this thing up to date, think thats all for now hope all is well!
written by  katieandboo on March 14, 2012 from Napoli, Italy

Primavera
So this past weekend was awesome and much needed! We had it off from games so I asked if I could go travel for the weekend. I got the green light and found out my good friend liz(known since elementary is a pro skier and avid outdoors crazy person) was going to be in Finale Ligure so I flew up north sat morning and met up with her her bf and 4 other peeps. We right away went to some rock walls and started climbing. I have only bouldered indoors so this was very different but fun. I only climbed twice and only one did I make it to the top. It was such a reward, even tho I have a lil fear of heights over looking the ocean and city was truly breath taking!! We then went back changed and headed for the town. Super cute lil square and the bar we went to served food as you drank so we got free dinner! Because I could speak Italian I made fast friends with the bar tenders. I got to go behind the bar pour some drinks and needless to say got a lot of free drinks. We were all having a good time they went Ice skating and one guy split his chin open glad I didn't ha. After a long night and way too much to drink headed to bed at 4.
Next morning we all felt like crap so had bfast cleaned the house then went for lunch and walked around. It was a lot of fun being around people who live the same type of crazy lifestyle an understand your thoughts and worries. What it's like to be away from people all the time. Think that's why her and I have always been such good friends. Anyway I caught a train back to genoa got a hotel for the night and returned to Naples Monday.
One of the American dads picked me up and we went to the base. Basically hung out and I went to the gym but then I went an helped coach the high school team. I told them I would try to come twice a week and coach their goalkeepers. They are both really nice and very quick learned my favorites to teach.
The rest of the week worked out went to class and that's about it. Oh and of course still working on my training certificate.
And it has been beautiful all week spring is here. In the 70s then cooling by night or afternoon with clouds
Hope all is well in the states
written by  katieandboo on March 22, 2012 from Naples, Italy

dead leg syndrome
Napoli, Italy
teammates at bar
Since last we had a game in Bari and won 2-0, we played crappy first half 0-0 then second picked it up after coach yelled at em. Think everyone was tired from travel and the hour time change, prob didn't go to sleep earlier. Monday I took the train out to Aversa where chad, the dad, picked me up and brought me to base. I had a really good workout in there gym then subway :p then went and helped coach the high school team. Afterwards caught the train home and made a delicious dinner. That week I worked out really hard cuz we don't have a real game till after easter. Ran in the morning before classes worked out at the field and had practice. So ran a few triple days and the rest double days. Friday we headed to Sperlonga and stayed in a really nice hotel. The next morning we played this mens team for a fundraiser for them. I had a hard collision and got the worst dead leg I have ever had. I could barely walk or kick, Tried to finish the half but after two goals, cuz of lack of ability to move, my coach finally let me exit. Still super knotted today hoping its better by tomorrow cuz I am already going through workout withdrawls. ANyway after the game we went to the beach where we had an apertiv(?) THen to a restaurant where we got lunch at about 3.
Food was just ok but the location was awesome right on the beach really beautiful. When they were finally done serving us, around 5:30, we headed back to Napoli. Today Just been studying and doing some patient work for the pops.
Oh thursday night after practice there was a surprise party for my housemate, cuz her bday was friday. There was all sorts of mini food items lots of wine and beer and good company. It was a mild night so you weren't freezing sitting outside, so it was really nice. At midnight they brought out the cake and then everyone went home. Was a good week.
This week I am super excted my mom arrives on wednesday then the bro on sunday! Then the pops the following week, so excited to show them around!
Oh also added a few photos from finale ligure
Hope your all staying dry
written by  katieandboo on April 1, 2012 from Napoli, Italy

fam
Had the best time with the family these past couple weeks. Was able to meet each of them at the airport when they arrived. First came mom and we quickly went out on the town walking around trying pizza and gelato. Then we went to Capri for the day which was absolutely beautiful! We had so much fun that day even though we were unable to rent the scooters we wanted we still got around to everything. We also found the cutest restaurant for lunch off the beaten path which was very good, lil family run place.
Then in time for easter arrived mike, we quickly hoped a train up to Siena where we spent easter evening and dinner with out friend Chiara. The next day we walked around Siena went up in the Duomo and Chiara was giving us lots of History lessons about the city. Had lunch with her mom which was of course delicious, then headed out to San Gargano which is a really cool open church, also got to see the true sword in the stone!! Came back had another nice meal with Chiaras mom then returned home for our early train the next day.
I had practice that night so mike and my mom slaved away in the kitchen making chickens flattened and stuffed with cheese and mushroom rolled in prosciutto along with side salads and bread. My housemates and some friends that came over loved it! Oh they also made zucchini patties which are my fav!
Next day arrived my dad, and again we were quickly back out to do some walking around. Took the whole family to my favorite pizzeria for lunch, and they all seemed to enjoy it. Although we had rain most of the time we still got out and saw the sights. The biggest sight seeing days were sat and sun and mon. Sat we went and saw herrcaleum in the rain but it was still really cool. Sunday after my game we headed down to sorrento and positano. Thankfully once we got to positano the rain stopped and it ended up being beautiful for us. Monday we got no rain in the morning as we walked around in Sorrento then just as we were leaving the rain started. Then sadly the fun had to end and they left tuesday morning back for the states.
All in all it was a great time having its ups and downs, as most family dynamics do, but really just a good trip!
ill keep posting more pics too
written by  katieandboo on April 18, 2012 from Pozzuoli, Italy

mix
ok so these past two weeks have really been a mix of emotions. Last week we found out my roommates mom died and all went to the funeral...it was super sad she was the coolest lady always made us call her momma. We all then dedicated our game last saturday to her. We wore t-shirts did a moment of silence, and I wrote my housemates name on my hand(its a thing I do but signifies importance). We won the game which also secured our first place spot so now we are champions of our league and the team will be promoted to serie a1.
The said, now the fun part of the last week. After the game we went out dancing because we won and also because it was one girls birthday. Met up with a teammate and her "uncle" at a club. So don't wanna make anyone worried but that uncle was def mafia. Found out a little later in the night from one of my housemates. He was really cool though we got everything for free of course, entrance drinks, basically anything we wanted. Had a sick BMW Mike would love, super fast. We were supposed to all go to Capri with them yesterday but decided one mafia experience was enough.
These past two weeks really bonded with my of my housemates we talked a lot more and learned more about eachother, so that has been nice feeling a connection. So monday her, Roby, and I went with our asst. coach to her little girls game then to her house where she made us a delicious meal. Was linguine with whole shrimps, and it was soo delicious! We got home late which was a bummer because both Roby and I had school the next day and both of us were late getting out the door. Wednesday Roby, silvia and our friend VIve all went out in the morning and some bfast and betted on some soccer games. Then silvia roby and I went to our coaches for lunch. Had pasta pieces of pizza bruschetta type of steak then strawberries, oh man were we stuffed. He has a lil boy who is 3 so I played with him a bunch and then we watched some soccer games and played playstation. Then the three of us had to go to an event, kind of promo for the team. TO a water polo match then to a theater where they were doing a tv broadcast. The night didn't end till 11:30...then since no one had had dinner one of our presidents took us out to a restaurant, where we were there till 2:30. Thursday was chill just ran and went to class then we hung out at the basketball girls house.
oh and friday we had to go to another promo event. It was for a cruise line which I think could be a possible sponsor for next year. Was some conference but basically we were there for 30 min ate some cake took some pics then went home. All of us laid out after since spring has come back after two weeks of storms. All in all a good week, today is just a low key day as tomorrow we travel for a game.
hope all is well back home
written by  katieandboo on April 28, 2012 from Naples, Italy

League champs!!
so the past three weekends we had two league games which ended our season putting us in first place, league champs, going undefeated!! We are now under tough training schedule getting ready for the Italian cup semi-final against the best team in Italy. We have been playing mens teams for the past three weeks every thursday and saturday. We also had a game on a friday and played against ex seria A players...needless to say that game was a lot of fun because these guys were just so smart on and off the ball, limited themselves from over working. We have done a couple double days so peoples legs are very heavy for saturdays games. Which gives me a lot of action. Also because the boys here are a lot better at younger ages....so even though we are playing U-17 and u-19 teams they are very strong, much stronger than those ages in the states, kinda cool to see.
Lets see went out with my housemates saturday didn't get home till 5am it was a lot of fun. After we left the club we went to get some food and got croissants with whatever you wanted melted inside. I got nutella and these cookies, my housemate got a bueno bar (italian choc and milk bar) and my other friend got a kitkat inside. Needless to say these were delicious and great after dancing.
We also had a big dinner at our house the other night. Pasta with shrimp and zucchini made by my assistant coach who is a phenomenal cook!! It was only 2 euros a head!
Oh and everyone is in a huge penny pinch because the club has missed on pay checks, which is another reason we just made dinner at the house. Keep walking around saying "c'è crisi" I can't share my shampoo or cant go out.
Oh went with my housemate to hair school and she died it a lilttle darker to get rid of my blonde streaks from the sun. That was fun even though it took about 4 hours. Have been spending a lot of time with Roby and Silvia has made things better because I feel like they are my real friends and they know me the best...when I get too hungry they know!
Oh also have found a great fruit truck at the bottom of my hill have been getting really good fresh strawberries melons apples oranges and pineapple! For the most part pretty good price and def cheaper than in the grocery store!
Think thats all for now, in my last few weeks here I will try to write once or twice a week so I can share the last precious days in my dream with all of you.
much love
written by  katieandboo on May 16, 2012 from Naples, Italy

Happy birthday Dad!
Can't remember if I have mentioned but we have been scrimmaging against mens teams to get ready for our big game this coming saturday. We had a scrimmage thursday and sunday. We lost both, but sunday was awful! Lets just say 3/4's of the goals were 1v1s one was a PK and the other tried clearing a ball, that hit my player and the attacker scored. Was a bad day for me needless to say. But it wasn't all bad. Saturday I had gone with two housemates and a few teammates to this little rock beach area in Bacoli. We had to wade across the inlet to get to some rocks to lay on. The few was awesome, there was also a wedding going on up above, we got to watch the bride and groom come in on boat then climb the stairs. The only problem was that it was windy, so half the time I had a sweatshirt on. BUt it was still fun hanging out talking and eating some delicious italian sandwiches.
Sunday wasn't all bad, after the game a few of us went to a place in Bacoli to have a little snack and appertive. My asst coach and i got prosecco with strawberries then I had a cannoli :/
Since the big coppa italia was that night we decided to just go back to our asst coaches house(which was around the corner) hang out and watch a movie until the game that night. I ended up going for a walk after watching two movies...The head gets really tired focusing that long in another language. When I got back it was time to go get some food so we could watch the big game. I got this chicken steak which is like a philly cheese steak just chicken...very good!
Watching the game was a lot of fun because the house was divided half were Juve fans and the other Napoli fans. Oh and other 4 teammates showed up for the game. Needless to say the greater team won (Napoli)!!!
On the way back to the house Neopolitans were out in celebration...people were in the streets chanting Napoli songs or driving in their cars with banners and flags hanging out their windows!! Very cool experience, they truly are a part of their teams.
Oh last week tried to be working out hard and keeping right on my diet buttt...needless to say i can't give up the sweets. I had been working out everyday, mostly twice a day. Just keep giving into the ice cream or other delicious italian delights! Getting super excited for the game this saturday, also super nervous. A team we tied 1-1 they beat 11-0, although I know whatever happens happens, it would still be cool to do really well against them.
Alright I should get to some studying...Oh and I want to wish the coolest dad in the whole world a happy birthday!!! HOpe you really have a great day and do something good for yourself!!
love you
written by  katieandboo on May 21, 2012 from Pozzuoli, Italy

Final
celebration
Ok so haven't really had internet so haven't been able to update. But what an exciting week this has been.
First went to my favorite lil fruit truck got apples strawberries and really good cherry tomatoes oh and cherries all for 3.5 euros.
Tuesday our housemate re-arrived(since shes been at home since her mom passed) and since maria was back we were planning a good dinner for her. After practice we made pasta with clams and oysters it was soo freaking good! We had about 8 people at our house all this week, so its been a little hectic with food. We ate a good dinner then made a little strawberry banana salad with lemon and sugar for dessert then of course talked.
Wednesday after we had a tough practice we had a pretty light dinner because we needed to go grocery shopping(and with 8 its tough to feed) but then we went out to a popular spot in Naples to have a little dessert. I got tronky gelato which is a candy bar turned into gelato. Its a hazelnut chocolate crunchy bar and turned into gelato is to die for!!! Others got gelato fruit and one got a brioches with gelato...kinda strange.
Thursday on our way back from prac found a little little puppy outside our house all by itself. So being a dog lover i took it to our house. My housemate thought its maybe 4 weeks old and it had insect things on it that i had to remove. After about 40 min or using alcohol to remove these things the girls let me bring her in the house. She was so cute but so scared, so we made a little bed for her to lay in and tried to feed her some milk or water. She drank a little bit of milk which was good and then I took her to bed with me. SLept most the night just woke up 3 times to pee and cuz it was lonely probably.
meeting the mayor
Friday we had to go to an event so we had to leave her at the house but I made a little barrier for her with milk water and place to pee. She drank some milk before we left so that made us feel better. Oh and this even was us meeting the mayor!! I'll find the pics and post them later. BUt he was acknoleding us for our undefeated season and playing against torres in the semifinal of the italian cup. We took pictures he gave us medals and was basically done in 15 min. But it was really cool to meet the Mayor made ya feel special.
Saturday was the big day and boy were they a good team. You could def see why they were the three time champion of Italy! After the first half it was 1-0 so we were doing pretty well considering their average against teams this year was 4-0. Second half became 2-0 then we got a pk which my player missed but then few min later scored making it 2-1 I made a bunch of saves some super important some just normal. Then in extra time we scored again to tie it up 2-2 going straight into penalty kicks. After our team had made 7 in a row I stopped the other teams 7 for us to beat Torres and advance us onto the Final!! It was such a crazy game needless to say lots of emotion and what and experience. That night we went out to dinner to celebrate so that was a lot of fun, also our president gave us a little bonus for winning such a big game.
Yesterday, sunday, a few of us rented a boat and went out on the water for the day. We got some sandwiches and just hung out talking got gelato swam a bit and tanned. all in all one great week with a lot of good memories!!
written by  katieandboo on May 28, 2012 from Naples, Italy

rolling
its been a pretty good week. Monday to celebrate memorial day I went to the base because they were having a big feast, also to celebrate a friends bday, and I ate wayyy to much. Ate lots bufula caprese salad cateloupe and prosciutto then phillipeano dishes and three kinds of dessert!! We just watched some movies and hung out since it was raining.
Tuesday John, the dad, and I went to the gym and worked out. After they took me back home where I quickly had to go to the grocery store because there was nothing in the house. Went to my fav fruit stand got an amazing cateloupe, super sweet and juicy, along with delicious strawberries and bananas. Oh and really flavorful cherry tomatoes, gotta say i love my lil stand. Then we kinda hung until practice, Maria arrived back at the house. So after practice we had a dinner consisting of 8, they all ate pasta roby and i had chicken and salad.
Wednesday was super chill worked out a little in the morning we all hung out talked had a late lunch, I reheated/recreated left over pasta which i thought was better than the night before. Then after prac the magic happened. Our vice president decided to take 11 of us out to dinner and boy was it nice! You arrive and there are 3 people to great you then you get in an elevator going down where there are 3 more girls to great and seat you. This restaurant was in Possillipo which is a very nice richy area so you get out the elevator there are gorgeous view and grass which big umbrellas white lounge seating for the bar area and tables in the back..all outside. We sat down and quickly we had two waiters waiting on us hand and foot, if we wanted something we got it. Water sparkling and not arrived first, then a red Bordeaux and white wine don't remember which but delicious. All of us chose the fish menu which consisted of...appetizer squid lightly seasoned with maybe a vinegar lemon parsley, delicious, then mini shrimps also lemon maybe balsamic, very light very delicious, and something in kind of a zucchine purre with thin strips of zucchin kinda flash fried. FIrst course was risotto with shrimp and lemon, oh so very very good...but my fav was the second some sort of white fish, im guessing halibut or halibut family, quinoia withcarrots and celery. but they bring out the whole fish and serve it up on each plate, this fish was huge. Oh also was so fancy that you have a big bottom plate and they just keep changing the top plate. got two diff plates for appetizers then removed brought first so on and so on. then dessert was some nasty white thing so I asked for strawberries. Pretty sure someone said it was about 50 euro a head. Quite the experience because everyone knew him and would come up say hi, as we all sit in casual clothes at this fancy reserved table. Then returned home by 1am a 2.5 hr dinner, although on the way home the moon was beautiful kind of a yellow glow with the shaded spots very visual.
Today, thursday, I had my last day at school which I am relieved and a lil sad because it really means this magical time is coming to an end. Had lunch with Roby and lisa shot the shit now resting for prac. Tonight about 12 of us are supposed to go to Profs(our fitness coach) house for dinner. So I am sure it will be another magical night filled with good memories.
written by  katieandboo on May 31, 2012 from Naples, Italy

heart break
the final
oh the emotion...well I will start by saying we lost in the finals 3-2 in double over time! Now lets recap
thursday night was fun pretty quick, we showed up their was food on the table, all homemade specialties including meatballs!! We hung around for 1.5hrs before returning home to prepare everything for departure.
Friday morning we loaded on the bus and headed towards Rome to Ostia. After arriving at our hotel we quickly had lunch and headed to the practice field. The field was brutal, artificial turf lots of bad spots and it was windy. We were by the water. It was cool to watch in the background trick planes were practicing for the next days events, the republican holiday(kinda like the 4th). The rest of Friday was chill had din watched the mens national team lose to Russia then hit the hay.
Sat the normal pregame routine then to the field in our new kit that said coppa finale on it. As we arrived buses of our fans were arriving as well, walking onto the field they were chanting with flares and flags flying! All the emotion standing in line with the cup standing between you and the other team, you could feel the tension and everybody wanting the battle to begin. And oh what a battle they would score then we would quickly rebuttle. There must have been ten yellow cards between the two teams along with two reds in the over time period. Fouls were being called constantly because everyone wanted to win so bad.
Needless to say they won and we were destroyed. Emotionally physically the girls just collapsed where they were, tears streaming out of so many's eyes. We all came together hugging trying to keep it together, because in reality what we accomplished was huge, a serie a2 team in the final first beating the best team in Italy and coming close to winning. But when your so close you can taste it those words don't mean much. I held it together think mainly because i was in shock trying to wrap my head around the fact that this was my last professional game(unless some great offer appears ;) ). I can't deny, what a way to go out, but still, losing is never easy. It was also cool that even though we lost our fans were still cheering and chanting for us, trying to help lift the heads, let us know they were still proud!
Today i couldn't sleep so I jogged over to my favorite spot for a cappuccino and choc croissant then to my fruit stand where i got 6 peaches 5 oranges 4 bananas and a kilo of cherry tomatoes for 5 euro!!! by the time I got back everyone was up so we split up and headed out on the town. my group went towards downtown where we got fruit and walked along the water. Then we met the other group for lunch, i had grilled octopus and it was delicious! We were waiting around because maria was heading back to her home so they wanted to say their goodbyes! At 5pm we dropped her off and headed back home. It was a beautiful day out on the town very very hot tho.
written by  katieandboo on June 3, 2012 from Naples, Italy

busy week
oh man what an awesome, but busy, week this has been! So Monday morning I hoped on the train to Marias house in Carosino, near Taranto. After four hours of travel arrived to Maria and her cute niece martina, 2. We headed back to her house where food was already being prepared, started with mussels cooked in a lil white win pepper and parsley, delicious. Then we had pasta with mussels, also delicious, kinda like a spaghetti vongole minus the clams. Had some local win some cheese fruit and a little eggplant parm! It was awesome because the whole family was there for lunch minus the older sister, but one sister kid aunt dad and me. Then after we watched our coppa italia final on tv because they were broadcasting it on the sport channel! Was nerve racking but cool at the same time. Dinner the husbands of the sisters both sister and the 3 kids all came over for dinner and we had some sort of meat and vegtables with crostata for dessert! They own their own restaurant so monday we ate all the left over stuff so it didn't go to waste, and let me tell you they can cook!!! I played with martina a bunch talked with everybody and we just kinda hung out, also sharing stories about her mom and how awesome a cook she was.
Then tuesday maria took me for a little tour of her area, taranto and the sea! The color of the ocean was sooo pretty, a very clear blue! We proceeded to walk around taranto center check out the castle on the water and ate lunch before she dropped me at the train station. It was awesome to be apart of their very close bonded family, fit right in. Once i got back to Agnano I quickly packed and was picked up to go to the american base. Was gonna be my farewell day/night with them.
Woke up wednesday at 6am to go workout so that by 8am we could go to the market! This outdoor market was not only huge but a little stressful, people everywhere things in piles...but it was cool I got a few good things super cheap! After we were at the market for about 3 hrs we headed for lunch then picked up a few things at the mall for her daughter. I then barely made it to the post office to mail off a box of my stuff. Caught the train back to Agnano where i ate din with my housemates at we went to our teammates 18th bday party.
Thursday I woke up and went for a quick run then headed to Ricigliano, the town of my mothers heritage! I was a little nervous to go and meet these family members because they only speak Italian and was worried if my italian would be good enough. But needless to say i am soooo glad i went. After 2.5hrs, getting lost a few times, i found my way to a cute little town. Also after winding on small back roads up and down mountain sides and through vineyards! Immediately upon arriving they embraced me with a big hug and lots of kisses, saying how tall i was and how amazing this was that we were able to meet! Thankfully i made it just in time for lunch and it was delicious. We had pasta with sauce and asparagus, a lil spicy, had salami, fresh cheese(ricotta and mozzarella), bread, wine, tomatoes in oil and herbs, then a digestive drink and limoncello(both of which were homemade). The other cool thing is that they have their own vineyard and make their own oil so the wine and olive oil were theirs and it was delicious!!! We just talked the whole lunch about how i was in italy how i liked it how we were related a little about my family and a little about theirs. Also the grandma was there who was 91, and while maria(the daughter) was preparing lunch the gma and i were talking and she just kept kissing me and crying a little because she was so excited, saying how amazing this was. It truly was an amazing experience, I have been wanting to go meet them for a very long time, has been a dream, so I am really glad i was able to make it happen, and that my italian was good enough. The area was beautiful basically between two mountains, green all around, great panorama! They had a pretty big house and a little garden in the back where they also grow a lot of other stuff, just to eat at the house. sadly after lunch and coffee i had to head back to napoli for practice, we decided i for sure need to come back and stay longer so they can show me other parts of the area. So I can't wait to return and learn more :)
After practice we went out with our president for dinner and had mainly a lot of antipasta things, of the sea, and pasta zucchini and shrimp and gnocchi with mussels. It was delicious of course so was tiramisu we ate! After our 3 hour dinner the president kinda drug us to a club, most of us wanted to go home but felt bad so we went. It was of course very exclusive had to be on a list, but we walked right in. Was an outdoor club so thankfully it was warm out. Ended up being pretty fun, he ordered table service and we all just danced and made a fool of ourselves. At about 3:30 people were crashing so he paid the tab and we headed home!
Friday myself and two housemates went to this cute spot on the ocean where we just swam and layed out enjoying the view and company! Now I am getting ready to go to dinner with my teacher from school, a last hoorah! Then I think we may be going out! Needless to say this a week of minimal sleep, which i figure i can catch up on on the plane :)
pictures to follow
written by  katieandboo on June 8, 2012 from Naples, Italy

All over
Although I am finally home I figured I needed to write up a conclusion.
Sat and sun were very chill days, was cloudy so we just went around town getting last min things. Sunday I couldn't sleep so went for a jog out to breakfast. Had a cappuccino and choc croissant which we're perfect! Then later walked along the water and had my favorite gelato before watching the Italy vs Spain game with my housemates. After that we met up with some friends for a final dinner which,although it was fun, I didn't get home till 1:30am. Was very emotional saying good bye to them some even wrote me little letters that were so touching, I am really going to miss them. Living that close for so long spending most of your waking hours together, you really get bonded. Two hours later I woke up to head for my plane and headed back to the great state of Washington.
I gotta say being in the airport, even being back here I still can't believe
this all happened. Sometimes I just think did I dream that, was I really in Italy? Thankfully it was a reality, I do know how to speak Italian, I did play in big games, I did meet Italian family members, and most importantly I conquered a dream! Although it wasn't easy, I came across many obstacles, people saying "playing there is impossible" and that meeting family would be too difficult. But, a little determination, hardwork, and the amazing support from my family, I did it all! I am so grateful for all the amazing people and friends I made along the way, the amazing foods I got to taste and the incredible places I got to see! Italy, along with all the other places I have been, has taught me so many things. Through all the ups and downs there was always a lesson and a growth to be made, and thankfully it all ended positively. I couldn't have asked for a better season to call my last.
That old saying of "never give up on your dreams" really has new meaning. Because once you accomplish them you really feel like you can do anything. "The harder the conflict the greater the victory will be" -Thomas Paine
cant wait to see what the next stage of life has to bring!
so long for now and thanks for following!
written by  katieandboo on June 13, 2012 from Naples, Italy

where we had lunch

start of the hike to the wall

few from our wall...sorta

blue grotta

chairlift to the top

celebration

maria and me

vesuvious

my teachers and coaches

marzanos

castle of taranto

maria vincenza and me....marzanos