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Other entries in Italy

Finally arrived!

It's been months in the planning, but FINALLY I arrived to Italy and was met by my friend and former English teaching colleague, Daniela.  We met several years ago in Hamamatsu, Japan while working at Four Seasons Language School.  As a native German, with excellent English skills, she taught both languages at our school and even had a weekly German lesson off-site that I'd occasionally join in.

During summer vacation 2007, I spent a week with Daniela and her boyfriend, Tatsuo, driving and camping in various locations throughout the northermost island of Hokkaido.  And, half a year later, friend Hiromi and I danced Sevillanas (flamenco) at Dani and Tatsuo's wedding reception.  Later in March 2008, Tatsu was transferred to Milan, Italy with his company Yamaha Motors, and that summer Daniela finished teaching in Japan and followed him to Europe. 

This past July 2009, their first little bundle of joy, Ken, was born and so since February, Dani and I have been planning and making arrangements for me to come and stay with them after my summer travels.  She is hoping to get started on a PhD and will need someone to watch Ken a few days a week, while she studies and writes.  So, I found a language school (to learn at!) and got my study visa to Italy.  Dani and Tatsuo have generously opened their home to me for the next 5-6 months and I will spend my time here taking care of Ken, helping out with meal preparation, studying Italian, and generally being a friend.  Later in October I will add more varied classes to my schedule - possibly some courses related to dance, music, and cooking.  And weekends I hope to visit some neighboring locations - Venice, Parma, Turin, Lake Como.

Photos / videos of "Finally arrived!":