My first day in Italia started off weirdly. The Italian customs officers did not check the visas of all forty-some students. They just opened up a random page of the passport, put a stamp on it, and gave the documents back. How strange.
On top of that, all the passengers herded around the baggage claim carousel like a giant pack of hyenas, failing to catch their own preys. I had to let my bag circle around twice before I got enough reach to lift my 50-pound (23 kg for my fellow metric system users) bag. Not a fun experience when you are jetlagged after a red-eye flight...
Then, we got on our bus for our 1 hour drive to Viterbo and complained about the lack of air conditioning (and trust me, you want some in Italy because it is normally 90oF (30oC) and humid outside). I was very exhausted, but once I arrived at Viterbo to meet our host families, I grew very antsy. Jadzia, my friend back from Episcopal, was there (her mother teaches Art History at SYA Italy) to reassure me that not knowing much Italian is okay.
She was right. From the first moment I met my host parents, they welcomed me despite the language barrier. In fact, they greeted me with typical European kisses on the cheeks. They brought their 7 year old son, who loves holding my hand. He does not speak English and I do not speak Italian, but we make an effort to bond with one another through games. The grandmother (nonna) does not speak English as well, but I hope that one day I pick up enough Italian to talk to her. My host family owns a somewhat run-down house (not an apartment that most families own) with a mini garden, a playground, and a backyard. Their house is also high in altitude, so I get to see the entire city of Viterbo right outside my window. It is pretty sweet. Plus, their dog (Piozono) is so quiet and obedient. He just lies down and whimpers until I make an effort to pet him.
I think I can proudly claim that my host family is one of the best. Knowing that I love playing guitar, they bought a guitar just for me! Delighted, I played them a song from the musical ONCE. They also grow most of their ingredients, including tomatoes, eggplants, eggs, and others. Plus, they make their own beer, which they offered during supper.
The first day of school starts tomorrow. I hope that I get to know more friends!