AWAR

Today was the Fall kick-off event for the American Women's Association in Rome (AWAR). I was invited as a guest by a friend and member so I could check it out. The affair was a garden party held at the home of the Deputy Chief of Mission to Italy. The home and garden were stunning (how nice it must be to land these digs on your overseas assignment) however many of the guests complained because this event has traditionally been held at the U. S. Ambassador's residence which of course is even nicer. Mrs. Thorne, the ambassador's wife was present however and was introduced by the DCM.

It was a beautiful morning and it was fun to be the "new kid on the block" and meet some intelligent American women, many of whom have been living here for 20 years or more. Apparently there are about 300 members of AWAR and about 20% are non-native English speakers (as is allowed by charter). The Association has many clubs and hosts many events throughout the year. According to my friend, one of the best benefits of the organization is the "on-line resource board." It's fantastic anytime you need something ie. a recommendation for a pediatrician or dentist, or to hire a plumber, you just send an email which goes out to the membership and you get dozens of responses.

I feel like I'm getting in to the swing of things here now, and meeting some people. I ran in to several women whom I'd already met through RIS at the event. It was a good opportunity to gossip about the school. The Italians are unabashed in their ability to thread a good story. But more on that later. In fact, there were several administrators from RIS in attendance as they are a sponsor of AWAR. Other schools with representatives present included AOSR (American Overseas School of Rome) and St. Stephens. There were also other sponsors with tables, such as an Italian language school (need that), a holiday villa rental agent (want that), and an English speaking hair salon (will need that too). So I felt like it was a very enjoyable and productive morning.

The service was white-gloved and impeccable, and the snacks were super tasty too. Afterwards, I walked home to meet up with my cyclist husband who was absolutely stoked that on his first bike ride in Rome (meaning not cycling with me, but riding a real bike for a serious distance), he ran in to a former director of a Russian-based International cycling team. Not only do they speak the same language (cyclismo) and will he be a good riding pal for Josh, but he has a son Avery's age and wants to get the boys together so his son will learn English.

You quickly realize that as much as you feel like an "outsider" with the Italian going on all around you. The minute you're introduced as "the American," many want to be your friend for your English skills alone. And that goes for your kids, too. All those people - men, women and children - who have been learning English (and there are a few) want someone to practice with for free. That's were we come in.

After school today, it was time to attend the class meeting for Avery's class. Again, we like his teacher and her philosophy very much. But she did (as a non-parent) have a lot of advice for the parents about what time we should put the kids to bed, limiting their TV time before bed, how much time they should spend on the computer and what they should be eating. It's not that I disagreed with her on any of her suggestions, but it was interesting that these topics were even addressed in a school setting.

This time, because the girls both had swim practice tonight, we excused ourselves from the meeting early (actually we excused ourselves on time, but the meeting was running late) and still - for the third time - after we'd already stood up to leave, the teacher asked if I wanted to volunteer for class rep. before going.

Earlier in the day at the AWAR event, I did get a little perspective on why I've been asked to be a class rep. (now three times). I was also asked by each of the Middle School Vice-President and the Lower School Head to join their respective PTAs. One reason they really want Americans is because not all of the parents at the school speak English; therefore, should they have any complaints to register (which is mainly what this is about) they would first have to articulate their issues in English to an American. As a result, having an American class rep. may cut down on the complaints that get filed with the Board. Also, it's now clear that the position is a pain-in-the-ass, and the old-timers want to get a new, unsuspecting parent to volunteer for the job. Finally, there is the desire to have an unbiased party - not someone with declared alliances, and this is where it begins to get petty and we get to the gossip portion of school politics.

In any case, I'm glad I've now escaped thrice with only a vague and nebulous "assistant" title for the third grade. Judging by some of the parents, they should be in third grade themselves.