Life comes at ya fast!

It's almost 11 on a rainy Wednesday night in Florence.  I just got back from one of the best dinners I've had here so far - and it was only a 5 Euro student dinner at the English speaking church nearby. Tricia and I had been once before, but were bummed because they ran out of food and had a guest speaker that gave a terrifying talk about the declining safety of Florence after dark. (Not fun!) But we know a few girls that go to the Wednesday night dinners pretty frequently so we decided to try it again. With a fabulous multi-course meal and the company of the guest speaker (a 60-something University of Florence political science professor) at our table - it turned out to be a wonderful evening.  

Roberto (the professor) wanted to hear all about our lives and what we were thinking of Florence and our experience as a whole so far.  He was excited to quiz us about our favorite restaurants, sights, and memories of Florence so far, as well as things that we are missing from home. Finally we were able to hear about his life, and it's a story that absolutely melts your heart. He kept referring to his wife Cindy who he said is American and very involved in St. James Church (where the dinner is held). We came to find out that he had studied abroad in the United States when he was in high school  - and had fallen in love with a girl at the school that he attended in Dayton, Ohio. He took the girl to prom and was heartbroken when he had to leave to go back home. Back in Italy, he was only allowed 2 long distance phone calls a year (a rule from his parents) and he had to schedule the times to call her. 10 years after meeting, they were reunited in California and started dating again and eventually married. So there we were, sitting in the presence of Roberto and Cindy - the lovebirds who started their romance during his one year stint in the States.... it was the sweetest thing to hear Roberto tell us about the love of his life in his rolling Italian accent.

The food was great too by the way - my stomach is officially stretched from course after course. We started with a primi piatti of cheese, fruit, and salami. Next were TWO pasta dishes, a meat and vegetable course, and then 2 desserts and espresso. Oh dear - good thing it lasted about 3 hours so we were able to take our time to enjoy the meal that was prepared by 2 of the Italian cooks who work at the American consulate.  On a student's budget, I can safely say that I do not normally eat this way! :) 

I just have one class in the morning and then a long weekend to enjoy Florence and possibly take a trip up to the Lake Como region. (Yes, of course I'll be on the lookout for George. Clooney that is!) 

Wishing all at home so many blessings!

Love,

Katelyn