My first two weeks in Italy!

16th, 17th , 18th of August..

All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go. Time to say good-bye. Well I was pretty strong and I didn’t cry but actually it was the most difficult period for me to say good-bye but anyhow I managed. As soon as I entered the airport, the staff helped me out with everything starting from the luggage till my gates. As it was the first time for me abroad and that too alone, I was little bit scared but airport is the safest place because you have a lot of security  J 

I boarded the plane and had to pass my 8 hours and then I had to take a connecting flight of Venice from Munich (Germany). I had 4 hours to wait on the Munich airport. I was fun to roam around!

Finally the time for Venice flight. It was almost 1 hour flight. I had an overview of Venice and its damn beautiful.. So my final destination was Cordovado but my host father came to pick me up on the airport. Well I was actually confused about the cheek to cheek kiss- the way people meet. I didn’t know whether it was two or three but then I found out that it was two!

Cordovado is just so beautiful. It’s actually amazing because here after every 5 or 10 km there is a new town! I reached home and met everyone. I met Asterix  (dog) and Michele (cat). I also met Nonna (Grandmother) Enne in the evening.

Well the best part is I haven’t felt homesick yet..and I also don’t wanna feel it! J I went to the beach with Luca and Giorgia and also played basketball with Luca and his friends!

21th August

Packing for my camp in Verona which is 200 km from Venice. I met my host family in Verona- my host father Michele, host mother Paola and my host siblings- Mariella (who is 15), Marco(12) and Sarah the cutest is 7.

22th August

I met all the other students of the camp- Monika from Ruthenia, Michaela from Austria, Chelsea from Switzerland, Teodor from Romania and Pablo from Spain. They all knew little bit of English so it was nice talking to them.

22th August

We visited the Verona city and parts which were of Roman period specially known for its beautiful architecture. After lunch we went to have a guided tour of police it was almost similar to the Indian police except their emergency number is 112. Evening was with the family back home.

23^rd August

Woke up at 6:30 and departed at 7:15. We were going to visit the Cheese factory and winery. Grana Padano is the most famous cheese in Italy and we visited it's factory. It was produced from the cows' milk and the factory contained more than 40,000 rolls of cheese. Each containing 4 kg of cheese. They have to sell it after 3 years of production. The older the cheese is much nicer does it tastes! We also saw the yard of cows. It was funny ‘cause when we said ‘Ciao’ (Hello) to the cows they looked at us as if they wanted to kick our ass off! But these cows are huge as compared to the Indian cows and also black & white in color.

After lunch, we went to the winery. We tasted the grapes and it was much sweeter than the usual ones. They also offered us some wine but I just smelt it. I still remember the 4 D’s of Rotary- No DRINKING, No DATING, No DRIVING, No DRUGS.. So I didn’t taste the wine! J Evening was with the family back to home. After dinner, I went with Mariella (my host sister) for a walk around the city. I was a nice walk. Thanks Mari.. J

So winding up now. Hope you enjoyed reading this. Meet you later. Till then take care and thank you..

Arrivederchi!

A good beginning!

Ciao to my new blog!

I am Grishma from India, district 3060 and I’m going to Italy (district 2060) for long term through Rotary Youth Exchange Program. I am going to stay there for 11 months in a village called Cordovado which is just 50 km (approx 31miles) from Venice! Cordovado is a town of 2700 people whose origins are of ‘800 per year which is considered a historic village and is listed among 100 most beautiful villages in Italy!

Let me introduce to you my Italian family. My host family consists of my father Mr. Andrea Pontarolo, who works in the field of building and has his factory-Pontarolo Engineering in San Vito, a shop in Cordovado and one Cervignano del Friuli (Pontarolo Commercial)…not just that, he is also a chairman of Rotary Youth Exchange District 2060 and a member of Rotary of San Vito at Tagliamento, my mom Mrs. Mariella, my elder sister Camilla graduating her college and my elder brother Giorgio who graduated high school

I’ll go to a high school called “La Fillandiere” which is in San Vito (8 km from my place and I can reach by there by train). Being a vegetarian, it would be difficult for me to address this problem but I will definitely learn some vegetarian recipes so that it becomes easy for all of us.

As Italy is the first opening for India, I’m the first girl from India. So there was some problem in completion of my visa but fortunately I got my visa on 4^th of august. It’s a good news and I thank all of them who helped me directly or indirectly. Special thanks to Mr. Andrea and the Italian embassy for their sincere efforts and sending us all the required papers for my visa!

I leave India on 17^th August. I’m very much excited for my amazing experience in Italy. Actually it’s a mixed feeling because I will miss India and my friends and family a lot! But how can I forget about my adventurous year to Italy!

I will wind up now! I’ll try to update my blog whenever I get an opportunity! Till then good-bye, take care and thank you for spending your precious time reading this! J

Arrivederci!