It Journal
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I was invited to join Rossella, my nextdoor neighbor Lisa’s sister, for a long walk this morning. Her sweet daughter Elettra went with us. It was quite a language lesson for all of us. We agreed that I would speak Italian, and they would correct me. Then, they spoke English, and I corrected them. Elettra, who just graduated from high school, has beautiful English; and I could understand her mom without any difficulty, but I corrected some grammar and pronunciation with her. I could see the difference between Elettra’s English learned in school and Rossella’s English learned in experiences of babysitting and working where she would occasionally hear English. Both of them were appreciative of my tutelage. As for my Italiano, Elettra put it right, “You are improving!” That was nice of her, and I did try very hard, but it was very helpful to me for them to correct me. I can tell that I have studied more lately than I did at first. Maybe I should spend more time at La Traversina!!!
On our travels, we went into a honey store in an agriturismo. Beautiful honeys (none were lavender, Monica), so I asked if we could see the hives. She told me her husband left this morning in a truck to take the hives to the mountains because it is so hot here, and the blossoms are blooming in the mountains. It made me want to go see the hives in the mountains!!!
We also stopped at Cascina Monchiero Agriturismo that was lovely. Luciana was very interested in Peter’s future plans to bring groups of people to the countryside of Italy, and she showed us the 4 lovely rooms, two with kitchens and an extra single bed and two with balconies. All had wifi. The restaurant balcony was very large, and there were places for maybe 25 people to eat inside or outside. I’m eager for Peter to get to know that place.
I was wishing I had paid more attention to where we were; then suddenly, I realized that we were on the road to San Matteo that is just at the end of the Pronto Soccorso (Emergency Room/Hospital) road. I could drive back to both locations easily! There’s just one turn to the left where the sign to “Pocapaglia 4km” (POH kah PAH lya) is. Simple! And, it’s not too far from the Little Grand Canyon! That’s another story!!!
Also, on this walk, we talked about Elettra and the 15 year-old twins meeting our nieces Valerie and Victoria while they are here at the end of July. I hope that works our. Their family goes to their house in the mountains a week each July, and they are not sure when they are going this year. Rossella told us she hoped that Peter and I could join them in the mountains during his time on vacation in August! What a sweet invitation! Peter has some details to work out with a big school assignment before we can commit to that lovely trip.
I wished for my camera on our ramblings this morning. I definitely learned my lesson that it is worth carrying the camera to have the pictures later. I did gather some fliers and books from both places where we stopped, though.
We have another date to have tea with a friend of Rossella’s and to walk on Friday evening. The friend knows a lot of people who might be able to help Peter in his tours. It’ll be fun, although Peter’s class goes until 7pm on Friday, so I’ll be his roving reporter!
Thanks for the great walk, Rossella and Elettra!
Colleen
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