Rain. For the person who loves the sunshine, it is ironic that I was placed in the rainiest city in Italy. Coming from Penticton where it rains on very rare occasions, I have always wanted to have use for a cool umbrella so, at least, there is a silver lining. Believe me, after the first day of rain, where I can home literally drenched (bagna, as my host mom said, which translates to bathe), I picked one up the next day. Sadly, this week has been fairly uneventful. School is fairly boring to be honest, I spend much of my time doing my own work on Italian, or inconspicuously napping. At the end of the week, Saturday, in my case, during the German and English lessons, I went into a different class in the school, so I was able to meet some people my own age, and just more people, in general. My English teacher is helping me find a way to make school less boring, and learn more Italian. Also, I met the only other exchange student in my school; Milla is from Finland, and although not a Rotary student, she is here for the entire school year.
On Saturday night, I attended a Rotaract evening. Rotaract is like Rotary only for a younger generation, so everyone was in their 20's. Although I understood about a quarter of the conversation (part of that quarter is when they spoke to me in English), it was worth going because the food was unbelievable. Red wine, fresh bruschetta, a typical Tuscan pasta called Strongili (something like that..), perfectly prepared beef with balsamic and basil, and the best dessert I have ever had (some sort of sweet cream, layered with crushed almond biscottis). Simply amazing. Cultural observation: Starting dinner at 8:30 and finishing at 12am is normal.
Today, I woke up early with the intention of going in an Italian running race, but the downpour swayed my decision slightly. After grocery shopping, we ate lunch at my host grandparents, and I had a half hour conversation with "nonni". By the way, he speaks no English. My Italian is definitely improving, verbally and in comprehension, but it is safe to say that Italian is not an easy language, although my "French" (The quotations are necessary thanks to good ol' Miko and Dunnett) helps slightly.
The best part of the week was trading in the mountain bike I have been using for a old bicycle, and I don't mean old style like the one I have at home that is old fashioned but really new. This one is legitimately old, with one broken brake, chipped neon yellow paint, and a rickety basket. For anyone who knows me at all, it is safe to say that I am in love with it.
Italy is an amazing country, with great food and nice people and I am sincerely optimistic about my (almost) year here. I never though that homesickness would be an issue, but being here makes me completely realize how sheltered my life at home regarding comfort level and friendship. I guess I didn't realize how great my friends really are, until it came time to leave them. If I can make friends in Italy, even half as good as the ones I have now, then I will have an awesome time.
Ciao Mein Noodles ( you're welcome Emily).
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