This Roller coaster ride called life!

Just when we thought things were finally on track today we were thrown another loop. Granted it has worked itself out now we were still very shocked with some news sending both Kyle and I on a whirlwind of emotions.

Today started out fine we were up and ready to go...got to sleep in a bit now that we have some bikes to ride! Check out my new wheels!
                                

Well good thing for the bike because after reaching post I realized I forgot my passport. Now I don't need it to get onto post but with all this in processing I never know when I will so I figured better get it just in case. So Kyle went on to his meeting as i trekked back to our temporary apt. the 20 minute bike ride...decided to let Roo out then head back to post! (most regrettably I never needed it...yay for exercise) Anyway Kyle was in briefings in the AM as I sat and read my book. We had lunch at "The Arena" which is the bowling center with bar and food and games and things of that nature...very good typical American food...nothing too special.

After lunch we made a point to head to the housing office. Once there we were told of a new memorandum that was released recently.

Now here is the important thing for all military wives/families/anyone that is coming to Caserma Ederle. When searching for housing do not assume that you will be on the Italian economy. This is what we were never informed of. There are actually four options for housing. 1. barracks on post -single soldiers and bachelors quarters 2. government family community housing- directly off post reserved for people with kids *3. government apartments- this is what we didnt know was part of housing for couples such as kyle and myself and families with maybe just one kid  and 4. Italian owned and rented houses/duplexes/apts the ones you find on AHRN.

The third option we were never told about which was frustrating because we assumed that since we have no children we would be sent out on the economy so therefore we created our list and have narrowed it down up to this day so we would be ready when the time came to tell them our favorites. WRONG! Before you will be approved for this option you have to be put on a waiting list for 30 days. The government owned apartments that are scattered around town are where you will be placed if there is any availability within those thirty days. Sadly they have now ordered that for any reason if you decide you dont like what they have available and you don't accept the offer than your OHA is taken from you and you have to pay out of pocket!

This is where Kyle and I became upset. At the bottom of this memorandum that all soldiers in our situation have to sign, they go into detail about what will not be accepted as a reason to decline government housing: any pet restrictions, because you don't "like the area", because there is no bus stop or school bus stop nearby, too far from post and no vehicle transport. To me these are very valid reasons not to accept a place but if you do so for any of these say goodbye to your OHA, you are on your own.

So basically accept what we offer you or you et nothing...kinda harsh! While we were there the housing person said that there was a place coming available next month but it was not within our thirty day window at 45some odd days. We had to point out to her that hey we just signed this memorandum saying it has to be within thirty days. After bringing in a supervisor we now have it worked out. We have been approved to look at places off post (because we are so far down the list right now that not much would open up) Here is the kicker, we have to have a contract signed before an opening would be offered to us otherwise we would have to accept said offer of government housing....so now we are in crunch time. We actually have our list narrowed down to five. Monday I will attend the brief to start this process it is simply a race to the finish to see if we can find a place and sign a lease before something gets offered...fingers crossed.

(sorry if this is boring or confusing to my usual readers but I had to put something out there to inform other people coming here because we were never told and I don't wish this same situation on anyone. It is stressful enough just PCSing let alone to another country)


Alright enough about that now on to the good stuff, sorry to those who want pictures and updates of our adventures in Vicenza today was not that exciting. However, while taking Tucker for his long evening walk, we discovered an overlook of the city. I would say we got to the top of about a hundred steps just in time to get a great view of dusk over Vicenza!! Enjoy!

I promise I will take more pictures around town tomorrow with my good camera so you can really see the true beauty of this place!