Italian Healthcare

Well, we didn't get through 1 week before hitting the ED in Italy.  Charlotte had a high fever for a few days then wouldn't eat and was very lethargic so we brought her in.  I was there for 14 hours just waiting for her to give a urine sample, but she had nothing in her to give.  She's fine now, but it's definitely not like America's health system.  I'm used to trying something and if it doesn't work, try something else.  Here, it's try this and try it again, and again, and again, etc.  One way and that's all.  They would not let me leave until they had a sample from a bag they placed on her which failed multiple times.  No IV and fluids like I was hoping for.
I did find out though that Italians are very nice and social people.  Everyone in the waiting room talk with one another including 12 year old boys.  This family had purchased a bottle of water and went and found a cup and made me drink a cup of water.  In what tiny Italian I can understand I could tell that they kept asking the nurse about what was going on with my baby and making sure someone was taking care of us.  Then everyone who left, I was the last one in the waiting room, had to say "Ciao" to everyone in the room including a friendly wave to me.  I have also been really impressed with the army base doctor that I've met who happened to see Charlotte's name at the hospital and got us discharged and set up with a new appt on base so I could take her home.  Well done!

Well, we will be out and about soon looking for houses and I will get a chance to take pictures.  This is a beautiful city and I am happy to be here and share it with everyone.

Moving process for overseas

Well, this is the first time I've had to deal with movers and packers.  The whole process is nice, but quite stressful.  We had either a mover or packer every day of the week.  First to move stuff we were putting in storage, next the packer for 2 days for the stuff going with our household goods, then they moved that stuff, then we had packing and moving of the stuff that will arrive a few days after we do(unaccompanied).  I recommend moving the unaccompanied stuff before household goods as to you are limited to 1000 lbs and it becomes a guessing game.  They did a great job and were very patient with my disorganization.  I was always wondering though whether or not I tip them.  I did not and may be the worst person ever.  I don't know.  Maybe also wait to have your new tenants move in so their stuff doesn't confuse the movers.