Ciao!!Finally! I can update you all. I do not have much time however I hope to figure out soon how to post pictures. Life here in Brescia is great. Of course I miss everyone at home but every day brings new experiences which make life here intriguing and challenging. The language barrier has been a struggle but I continue to learn new words daily. If only I can learn to form sentences!
The Materossi family as promised has treated me as one of the family. They are generous, loving, and such a fun family. Caterina has warmed up to me after discovering I play Uno, hopstoch, games, dance, and basically act like a little kid! We communicate with gestures and of course the Italian-English dictionary. At times this is frustrating but we have fun anyway.
The scenery is beautiful. The architecture amazing. Their home in Brescia was built in 1734. The windows are 15 ft tall as are the ceilings. There are even a few frescos on the ceilings. One, in Caterinas room is of a mother and baby, possibly the Madonna and Christ. The vineyard is breathtaking as well. There is a huge pool, and the lake is within walking distance. The alps can be seen from their vineyard, very good for the eyes.
The food is so delicious. I have tried a few things I did not particulary like for example I literally spit out a delicacy, three-year old cheese that is expensive and a favorite of Cesare. I tried cow tongue, horse, and a few other different foods. Some favorites are melone, tomatoes, zucchini with pasta, pizza, and gelato. I am offered wine with lunch and dinner but usually only partake at dinner. The lunches are 2 1-2 hours long and usually I can take a short nap. A very nice way to live!
This past weekend I went sailing on the lake with Caterina, Cesare and one of his friends. I also went to Venice on Friday with some new Italian friends. We had a lot of fun. At the university in Venice, you can actually order alcohol in the middle of the campus. We had a spritzer at a cafe around the corner but this is just an example of how different things are here. Another difference that is not so attractive to me is the men wear speedos at the pool!
We will move to the vineyard in about a week. For the past few weeks we have gone to the church-youth daily activities. This has been a good experience to meet teenagers and get a perspective on how they think and how they have fun. They are very demonstrative with their emotions. They hug, hold hands, kiss, and dance at sproadic times. They also love American music, it is nice to hear familar sounds.
I must go but hope to update more regularly. I miss you all and thank you for your thoughts and support. Love, Nat