Day 11

Today...MAGNIFICO. We started off meeting the mayor of this town. She was incredibly nice, and they were SO welcoming. They had our flag, welcome signs, snacks and all to make us so at home. We talked for a bit, then we got a tour of the middle school. We got introduced to a class, and they were so fascinated with us. It was like being a celebrity...it's so funny! Then, we went to the elementary school where we were once again so warmly welcomed but like never before! There were many classes of children out front and they serenaded us with a group song, played their little flutes, and one teacher played the guitar. It literally brought tears to our eyes. Children singing is just precious as is, but it was so incredibly welcoming---I can't get over it. We introduced ourselves to this large crowd, and it was like a red carpet event. It was quite dramatic in a good way! We went inside for a small tour and an introduction to a classroom. Soon enough....it was time for lunch! All I can say is WoooW. It was a three course meal, no lie! First, we were fed a large bowl of pasta, second, we got meats and cheeses, lastly, we got a fresh baked pie. It was so generous and so good. The hospitality was very much appreciated! 

Afterward, we finally got into the classrooms to do our lessons. It was more of a challenge this time because these children didn't speak as fluent English as the ones we met before. They would ask questions but I could not answer... Anyways, we did the Where's Walrus lesson with them and it was a success! We did this lesson with another class as well.

When it was time to say goodbye, the children made sure to get their goodbyes in. We would here "Americana's!" from every direction. It really is an experience to be a foreign person in another town/country...
We made it home for a rest then had dinner with Dr. M's friends. When I say I fell in love with this family...I mean I fell in love! First of all, they are the cutest and SWEETEST people ever. They are so generous, giving, and loving and they just met us! Anyways, I tell you we had the most natural and home cooked meal EVER. Cochi's wife provided us (get ready for this) fresh bread along with homemade balsamic vinegar, homemade pasta noodles and meat sauce, locally made wine and cheese, homemade chicken with gravy and roasted potatoes (to die for), salad, and for dessert...homemade cherry pie and a mint torta. Did I mention this was all homemade along with freshly grown herbs and spices?! Yeah...We were spoiled. This lady was so kind to do this for us, I could've cried tears of joy and thankfulness. We wined, dined, and chatted before going up to see Cochi's balsamic room. He thoroughly explained the long, time consuming process of how to make legit balsamic vinegar. I usually don't like this stuff, but I practically drank his.

Needless to say, today was beyond wonderful and I am thankful for this kind family and them showing us an incredible, authentic Italian meal. BON APETITE! :)