I do believe Italy is trying to kill me.  First, I've had a terrible cough, red itchy eyes and a stuffy nose for weeks.  I'm convinced it's city air but may well just be some bug.  Then, I've had a few incidents of what I think may be gallbladder attacks.  I have been sort of over doing it in the cheese department.  I love cheese.  Every region in Italy has their own artisanal cheeses.  There are soft, creamy, almost sweet cheeses and hard, crumbly, sharp cheeses and cheeses for melting and cheeses for grating....I could go on.  Anyhow, I have been having uncomfortable nights after too much rich food so I have to cool it for a while.  Of course tonight we are going to dinner at the home of friends from Germany and we're having Raclette.  That's a big ole chunk of yummy melted cheese that you eat with vegetable and bread.  Sort of a more solid and less elaborated fondue.  Argh. 

We're preparing for our trip home next Thursday.  Grace and I are very excited.  On Sunday we'll be doing an early Christmas with the Grandparents which will be an all day groany affair.  I'll be asleep on their sofa by 4pm.  The school is revving up for it's holiday concerts that start with the little ones on Monday morning.  There will also be a production of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  I love hearing all the kids with their diverse accents up on stage.  The school is decorated and Christmas music plays in the background every morning and afternoon but it is never referred to as Christmas holiday because being and international school means non denominational.  Our concerts are holiday concerts, our fair was a winter fair, the break coming up is the winter break etc.  All that aside, probably 90% of the students are from Christian backgrounds as most are Europeans or North Americans. 

Off to the doctor, (taking a book for the probable wait),  to check to see if this stupid cough is bronchitis.  xxoo me