Has it been one day or one year?

This morning I woke up to the beautiful sun coming through my double-doors/window in my cozy nook. Sometimes I'm amazed to remember I am in Italy, and some mornings it feels as if I have been here my entire life. But regardless, I always feel like I was meant for this. I have always felt a pull towards Italy- I can remember the first time we were personally introduced- and I can remember feeling like I was home. I am curious to see how I will feel towards this incredible country by the end of my one year stint- will I be satisfied or will I have developed an insatiable appetite for everything Italian?

After I made up my bed and got ready for the day, I made myself an espresso and ate a banana. I took care of some ironing and then set out for a morning jog! The other day I discovered a charming side street and decided to give it a try.

The weather was perfect, probably around 65 degrees. I was only gone for about 30 minutes but it was just enough to get some fresh air and get motivated for the day. As I was running back to the apartment I almost ran smack dab into a nonno (grandfather)- he was picking something off of the ground. I stopped and looked down at what he was examining- and I had to laugh out loud. It was a buckeye! A chestnut like nut that is (or at least my [real] family believes) a symbol of good luck. Dad had found one in Florence while we were there and gave it to me right before he left for home- I kept it and put it in a "finding box." They remind me so much of my grandparents. So of course I had to take a couple. Story has it that once they crack open, the luck will come. I'll be keeping them in the sun to induce cracking :)

Below is a picture of "my family" in Reggio! The mom, Marina, is such a beautiful Italian woman! I already feel like a part of their family- they are so welcoming and treat me in no way like a stranger. Tiziano, the dad, is such a treat! and also an incredible chef- I have so much to learn in that department, it will need a post of its own to explain. Matilde is 12, and will turn 13 in October. It is an interesting age to say the least. She "dislikes" English, especially speaking it, so my main priority at the moment is expanding my Italian vocabulary. Yesterday Marina left for Milan on business and so we were at home alone, I was in the kitchen ironing, and she came in and said "I need to go out for something" in ENGLISH! This is huge. Normally, she would ask in Italian and point to the door, but she spoke to me- I feel like what I imagine a proud parent would feel. And it doesn't end there. After we got back from the errand, she came into my room and asked me what pizza I wanted for dinner (in English). A little later I came to her and asked if she wanted to watch a movie after dinner (HSM 3 OF COURSE!) She said "I don't have that one" but she was so excited, we both were. After a while I was on the couch and she walked upstairs to her room, came back down and handed me HSM 1 and 2 and asked me to pick the one I wanted to see. Her dad suggested to her that we go over some English in her English workbook after dinner, but I told her we could just watch the movie in English and that would he her "homework" for the day (this has been approved by Marina). She was so relieved to say the least. I know it sounds so silly to get so elated about these things but they really are huge strides!

This one is for mom: an Emma dog in Reggio!!! I squealed when I saw him. I tied to pet him but I don't think he liked that very much... But he was there just long enough for me to snap his photo.

More delicacies from Florence:

At Home in Reggio

Dad and I arrived in Reggio nell'Emilia Thursday morning around 10 am. Tiziano met us at the airport with open arms and a van to pick us (and all of my bags) up from the Bologna airport. Of course we were checked at customs, but got through okay. The drive from Bologna to Reggio is so beautiful! Lots of rolling hills, farms, and cottages. Once we arrived in Reggio, the first order of business was to pick up Sophie from the groomers. Sophie is the cutest, sweetest, loveliest toy poodle in the world and I love her.

After we dropped of dad at his hotel we moved all of my things into my "room". It is much more like a hallway into the laundry room / my bathroom, but it is all the space I need and I feel extremely comfortable there. The home is beautiful and very open- white walls with splashes of color everywhere. That evening we had a fantastic dinner with the whole family.

Tiziano is a wonderful cook and specializes in fish. We had smoked salmon first, followed by two courses of tartar, and finished with a potato, zucchini, and rosemary soup with mussels. We finished off the meal with a shot of walnut liquor- sweet and yummy. After dinner we were both so tired that I was shown how to make up the bed and I passed right out!

Friday morning I woke up early and organized some things in my room. After a breakfast of Special K (with berries), soy milk, and green tea, Marina showed me my responsibilities around the house. Since Matilde is 12, and will be 13 in October, they consider my title "big sister and house manager." My responsibilities consist of making sure the house is in order and also being there for Matilde. I also get to prepare the meals! It may sounds intimidating, but it is not at all. They do not eat extravagant meals at home- the most basic food imaginable. Salad before dinner and lunch, and then either a protein or a carbohydrate- never both. Today I made salad with carrots, tomatoes, and radishes, and then ravioli with spinach. For dinner we will have salad and then eggs. I am going to have to get Matilde help me learn the ropes! She likes to cook too so that will be something fun we can do together.

After lunch dad and I walked around the town and took care of some errands. I walked with Matilde to the pool at 5 and went back to pick her up at 6:15. I think she goes two times a week. That night we went to a traditional restaurant with the family. It was so delicious (of course).

Saturday morning we woke up and took a train to Florence to see Meredith and Caroline! Meredith is living in Florence, and Caroline is in Rome. It was so great seeing them this weekend! It definitely started me out on the right foot. I was able to eat at my favorite restaurants in Florence that I discovered while studying abroad- Boccadama, Open Bar, and Hemingway- the most fantastic chocolate bar!

Sunday morning we went to the Duomo for mass and it was great! I was so happy that dad could experience that during his short visit to Italy. I am so happy that he was able to move me in to my new home for the next year! It made the transition much more pleasant, and I feel so comfortable here now. I love my little "nook".

That afternoon dad and I took a train to Bologna where we had to go our separate ways. I am going to miss him and mom so much but I am hoping they will be able to come visit in the spring! Thank you to all who have sent me e-mails!! They have been so incredible. It is always nice hearing from friends and family back home. Continue to stay in touch!

Ready or Not...

14 hours of travel, followed by 92 days in Reggio!

After weeks of [attempted] mental preparation, the journey finally begins. I am feeling much more confident and at ease than I had expected. I know that having Dad with me is a comfort that I don't even know the full extent of. At the moment we are flying to Charlotte- hello Brooks and William!- and then on to Frankfurt, Germany, and then finally on to Bologna where we will meet the Capelli family at the airport. We are still unsure of how we are getting to Reggio, about 40 minutes away- hoping it is by train and not a small compact- I'm not sure how it would fit both of us and all of my luggage (2 carry ons and 3 massive suitcases). I know I will be kicking myself for over-packing but I am my mothers daughter after all. It will be a miracle if all three bags make it to Italy.

Upon arriving to Hartfield Jackson, we encountered a lovely surprise! Adam was on his way to Peace Corps training before he officially left for Logo. It was so wonderful getting to spend time with him right before we both departed. Just thinking about him gives me courage to tackle my own adventure. I am so proud of him!