Goodbyes have started. My biggest goodbye so far was to the elementary school students. I have learned so much from the children and I have also taught them along the way. Since it was my last visit on Monday, I brought the children special candy from home; I gave a variety to choose from: Bottlecaps, LemonHeads and Fruity Good and Plenty. In class, we talked about Halloween; the students drew pictures of their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoyed their American candies. Just before I was about to leave the children all asked for my signature. I signed each of their agenda books on the May 8th: the day I will leave Italy. Some of the students even asked for my address; I gave it to them and I hope we will stay in touch. It’s remarkable to me how attached I feel to the children and I’ve just known them for a couple of weeks. I will certainly miss seeing them every week. I’m leaning now, more than ever, in the direction of becoming a teacher because of this experience. As the saying goes “Everything happens for a reason” and so I think one of my reasons for coming to Italy was for me to realize my love for teaching.
My last weekend was spent in Sansepolcro. It was very relaxing and I got to check things off of my to-do list. I was able to finally purchase the Sansepolcro ceramic piece I’ve been eyeing for about a month now. I organized my room and even started packing. It’s going to be interesting trying to fit all of my souvenirs into my suitcase, especially with the less than fifty pound weight limit. Probably one of the most accomplishing events was Kelsey, Kim, Hilary and I walked the Corso on Friday and Saturday night. This is a very Italian thing to do because every weekend the Italians walk up and down the street, talking to each other, meeting friends and admiring the window displays. It was very entertaining to people watch; in our Italy Today book, Bella Figura, one of the chapters describes how Italians dress nicely because they want to be looked at. This statement was definitely proven true this past weekend. Most were dressed in their best. My favorite outfit was a plain black dress and she styled it up with a pair of gold high-heeled shoes that resembled Dorothy’s from the Wizard of Oz.
In addition to people watching, walking the Corso also set the stage for Kim’s love to finally introduce himself. A few weeks back, Kim and her Italian ragazzo met at La Scorpione, the discoclub in Sansepolcro. He asked her to dance and Kim declined; ever since then they have eyed each other every time they’ve seen each other around Sansepolcro and it’s been almost every day. That’s right, she sees him almost every day all around Sansepolcro; I think he is looking for her. After waving to Kim from across the piazza Friday afternoon, he finally got up enough courage to talk to her on Saturday night. It was really adorable to see Kim use her Italian knowledge to talk to her ragazzo, Francesco. The same night, Kelsey charmed Francesco’s friend, Paolo. The friend wanted to know if Kelsey was married because he thought she was really pretty. Paolo even put his arm around Kelsey, which of course lead to endless jokes made on Kelsey for the rest of the weekend. To quote Dr. Webb, this was definitely an “enchanted evening.”
In addition to participating in walking the Corso, this weekend the group also experienced La Scampanata, an incredible, amusing and extraordinary occasion. It’s comparable to Meredith’s Cornhuskin’s saying “You just have to experience it.” This event is really difficult to describe but I will try. La Scampanata is an event that takes place in Anghiari at the beginning of May. Males must register to participate. Then, on the day of the event, the participants arrive in the main piazza and check in before 6 a.m. Friends make it a competition to make those participating late...The last person to check in is carried throughout the town while the townspeople cover him in various kitchen items (flour, eggs, etc.). On the first of May, Kim, Kelsey, Hilary, John Rose, Dr. Webb and I left Sansepolcro for Anghairi in the wee-hours of the morning, around 5:30 a.m. We arrived and braced ourselves for the event to come. We were nearly surrounded by people in yellow shirts that read “La Scampanata 2010.” As we waited for the last person to arrive, I took many pictures. The atmosphere was extreme; there was music playing, the sun rising and anticipation mounting. Nearly 6:10 a.m., the last person arrived and the food tossing almost automatically began. This was one crazy event that extremely hard to describe in words because it was so much fun. I can’t believe that such a bazaar event can be so entertaining. I have come to the conclusion that this event was my favorite morning in Italy.
After spending three months in Italy, I know feel as if I have three homes. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I love Pittsburgh, I will always look forward to return to that city to visit, and a piece of my heart will remain there forever. Second is my current home on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Even though at first I had a little trouble adjusting, Manteo definitely ranks as high as Pittsburgh. Lastly is Sansepolcro; this town is like Manteo, a small town, except it has a splash of Italian culture. I can’t believe in this short amount of time, I’ve met know so many people. Almost every time I walk down the main street, I spot someone I know; it’s a really good feeling and this makes it all the harder to leave.
As I’m getting ready to leave there are a few songs that are repeating in my head. One of which goes like this…
“I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led To those who help us most to grow
If we let them And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...”
–For Good from Wicked: The Musical
Well, I do believe this is true. I do sense people come into our lives for a reason and show us something we didn’t know before. I know I’m going to find it more difficult to leave Italy because I’m going to miss the people so much. Megan encourages everyone with horizontal spirit fingers. Kim has fascinated all of Italy with her head to toe fashion and captivating accessories. Kelsey has shown it is possible to fall asleep just about anywhere. Kayley shined a new light on the importance of school supplies and how it’s always possible to add more. Lilly knows everything is “phenomenal,” especially macchinas. Shannon has growing love for dogs with each passing day. Hilary taught us the most important part of a meal is dessert. The “ghost” that occupied the room next to the parlor was all-knowing and knew how to solve any household problem. Also, Dr. Webb and John Rose are two of the most outstanding people I’ve ever met. They love each other very much, care greatly for their “granddaughters” and just want the best for us. All the girls and professors here have definitely left a handprint on my heart and I will remember them forever. This has been an incredible experience filled with ups and downs, but we all made it through and learned a lot along the way. For example, how important it is to know what the word “oveste” means, how important it is to have a watch with the correct time, a working alarm clock, snacks for road trips, and a smile no matter what happens. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed, but the memories made here will last a lifetime.
Now, the other song that is constantly running through my head is the song, “Who says you can’t go home, there’s only one place that call me one of their own, I’ve been all around the world and as a matter of fact, there’s only one place left I wanna go…Who says you can’t go home?” – Bon Jovi
I will miss Italy but I know this is not the final goodbye, I will return one day. More than anything, I am looking forward to seeing my mom, dad, two brothers, sister and my boyfriend waiting for me in the airport. Until next time, arrivederci Italy!
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