This morning we were up and at the Questura (Police Station) to meet our relocation person to submit our paperwork for our permesso- After fighting for a place in line (no numbers to take) our name was called and we think everything is in order. We were fingerprinted twice, in two separate places, and were told that we may have our permesso in 4 months or so. The filing system at the Questura was amazing- stacks of papers everywhere- floor to ceiling- and handwritten signs taped all over the place- very chaotic and seemed very stressful for the Polizia as well…..patience in all things!
Una settimana fa (one week ago) we were leaving for Monte Carlo- it is a three hour drive and very lovely. No traffic problems, and we (5 couples from America, and two families from Italia along with two more Italian men that came without wives/kids) arrived safely- one family even brought their Shar-pei, complete with at sparkly purple collar and leash- just right for Monte Carlo and a 5 star Hotel! This is so funny to see-
Our room was lovely, the hotel was great- beautiful sea in front, 4 pools, workout area, amazing food, and very attentive staff. The seafood was the best we have had! We took a tour of the Jacques Cousteau aquarium and walked around Monte Carlo- and mostly ate a lot of food! Our dinner Friday night was at a restaurant on the edge of the sea- and every dish was a seafood treat- with a full moon over the water, it was a lovely evening! (yes, the dog came too- she was very well behaved)
Saturday we drove to Nice, France- which is about a twenty minute drive down the coast from Monte Carlo, and spent the day and night there, just us! After driving around the city, trying to find the hotel, we finally found it! Across from the hotel was a big red circus tent….so, we bought tickets for the evening show! We had a great day walking around Nice, walking along the seaside, eating outside on a street full of flower vendors, and getting blown around in very strong winds! There are some HUGE yachts in Nice and Monte Carlo- many were from London.
notice our hair- quite windy!
After a nap, we walked across the street to the circus! It was so much fun! the seats were very close to the ring- What would a french circus have? Good question! Lions (10 of them) a Zebra, trained horses, tiny trained horses, camels (yes, very large camels that could run fast!) trained geese and ducks, llamas, acrobats, clowns, tightrope walkers, crazy motorcycle guys in a huge metal cage (ball)- it was a family owned circus and even the kids were performing and working. Billy and I were impressed! It was clean, well organized and even though we could not understand what they were saying, it was really a fun night! Two and a half hours of circus! 
It was a nice long weekend- but good to be back home! We will be leaving for London a week from today to visit my sister Susan ! Thanks for checking in with us from time to time- we miss our friends and family- and it is so great to read your comments!
Love from Italia- Jen and Billy
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9
Jen, sounds so wonderful! The picture of the moon over the water is spectacular! Do something with that one, girl!
WOW! I am living vicariously through you blog! Wish I was there! God has blessed you both abundantly. What a gift! Danny and Lizzie should be visiting soon. right? Hope you have a fun time!
No fair – I want to go to Monte Carlo! The pictures are so beautiful – unreal looking. Miss you both can’t wait till August!
Again – I am wondering about this mystery job of Bill’s. It seems to consist of fun travelling!
I was not that taken with Nice and Cannes – and my experience is that those who bathe nude or topless on those beaches are the ones who have the least right to do so! Oy!