I am not going to make the usual apology for not posting since August. Yes I have spent a lot of time in front of the computer, but working or studying for the Italian Driver’s License.
September we spent 9 days in Neustift im Stuaital, Austria at a guesthouse, Gasthof Schallerhof. I highly recommend the place. Tuesday nights they have utensil-free dinner, yes you read correctly. You are served your dinner, which you have the pleasure of eating with your hands.
After returning from Austria I started studying to get the Italian Driver’s License since Italy is one of many countries that does not convert a North American license into the local one. I had to obtain a medical certificate from my family doctor, results of a vision exam from my optometrist, a letter from my neurologist since I have epilepsy stating that I am under medical care and I am fully capable of driving plus a medical certificate from the provincial health. This is all before being able to start “driving school”. Once enrolled in the driving school a person has six months to take the theory exam. There are forty questions, in Italian, French or German, all of which are true/false and you are allowed a maximum of four errors in order to pass. My first attempt at the exam – six errors. Second time, seven. I was doing well at home, averaging two errors but when I went to the provincial department of motor vehicles, I panicked and failed. Price of taking the theory exam, 150 euros ($195), each time. In addition to the 200 euros ($261)to attend driving school theory lessons. Now that the six months has passed I have to do all of the documentation over again. Once I do pass the theory exam, next step will be the actual driving lessons, with a manual transmission. Lessons are 13 euros ($17) for every half hour, with a minimum, by law, of six hours. Then another 150 euros to take the driving exam. At the moment studying for the theory/driver’s license in general is on hold since I am concentrating on working as much as possible. Explanation is to follow.
Italy is still feeling the financial crisis and it seems, for at least the immediate future, no relief in sight. We (my husband and I) had been lucky and really didn’t “feel” the crisis, business for both of us seemed to be going ok or well. That was until the end of November. Thanks to poor financial management on the part of my husband’s boss my husband has not been paid since the end of November, like other employees of the company and also creditors. His boss is in severe financial problems, both personally and professionally speaking. Thankfully since I am taking a break from studying for the Italian driver’s license I am able to work more hours teaching English. I am doing quite well, for me the financial crisis has actually helped me. Many people are needing to learn or improve their English because either they are looking for a job or if they do have a job they want to make sure they keep the job. I do have some students that are even looking abroad since they are unable to find a job in Italy.