Thursday, May 15, 2014

Day 11 Bra: Mensa/Pirates/Lisa's Birthday


Italy Journal
Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Day 11 Bra:
Mensa at the University


We met Sara Silvestri to take her to the Mensa at the University to have lunch with Francesco! We ran into a few people we knew there and were amazed at how many people we saw that we did not kow. Of course, the University has changed a lot! We saw out in the portoco on our way in many easels lined up and ready for the Lexicon of Sustainability Pop Up Show! Later I went to a meeting with Elise at the Slow Food International office, and she was so enthused about the work we are doing with the Lexicon. She said it fit the mission of Slow Food to a T!

Lunch also included a surprise visit with Valeria, whom we have been trying to see, without much success. We enjoyed a short visit with her at lunch, and we planned to meet again when we return in September. Paolo was also there, and he helped with suggestions of people he should talk with about his tours.It was good to see him. In addition, notice that I raised Francesco right! I found him busing the table and cleaning up! Great job,Francesco. I’m very proud of you!

Another surprise meeting at the University dining hall was with Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food! He greeted us enthusiastically. In my broken Italian, I reminded him of how much fun we had at his Christmas dinner when we were here for the year…wonderful food, lots of great songs. He looked mischievously at me and said in English, “And I sang very beautifully!” He is famous for not ever speaking in English, but he’s also famous for joking around. We all laughed together! It was a special time.

Aperitivo with the Pirates


Our Italian friend and tutor Sara invited us back to Antica Magnolia to have aperitivo with the pirates! Both Leo and Lucia were dressed up and had swords ready to slay any leg that got in the way. Nonna Renata joined in the fun. That was also a special time with special friends. See you all in September!

Lisa’s Birthday Dinner at Alfieri


Ending this busy day with a birthday celebration for Lisa at Alfieri Restaurant was perfect! We all looked around when all of the lights went out, and we said, “ Ah, only in Bra!” Then Anna came out with an incredibly delicious chocolate cake with raspberries in it. Lisa was surprised, and everyone in the restaurant joined in singing Happy Birthday in English! Then, we heard the happy birthday song played on the intercom! We hope you have many more happy birthdays, Lisa!

Love to all, Colleen

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