Treviso = Round 2!

Today was pretty awesome! We left for Treviso around 11:30 and got there about noon, it is the biggest town before Venice on the highway. We parked the car and started our LONG walk to the restaurant for lunch to meet the cousins from Sicily. Angelo never told me that they were my age so I was pretty happily surprised to see them! Angelo and Rafaella came to the north to see the Muse concert a couple days ago, very jealous! They are brother and sister, cousins from Angelo's father's side. Gianna told me there are only 4 names in the family...two of them I can't remember but the others are Angelo for boys and Rafaella for girls. They just keep naming their kids the same names! Angelo said to me that even if he had a son, he would stop that tradition because there are just too many Angelo Giambalvo men in Italy! They were very nice to talk to and spoke English well! Angelo told me that he was in an Italian rock band and so we talked a lot about music. Rafaella and I talked about college mostly because she is going to a different college in the fall in Switzerland! She was very surprised that most American teens leave their parents house at 18. She said that 90% of Italian teens stay with their parents until they are married, even when they go to the university. I think that is more common for southern Italy, not as much here. I can't tell you how often I hear them talking about the big differences there are between northern and southern Italy. There seems to be a big difference in the culture and lifestyles. Anyway, I thought our lunch was pretty good but they were definitely not impressed! They didn't like it at all and said they would never come back. I thought my pasta was good! Some sort of green noodles and lots of cheese! We started walking back to the car and took breaks to shop and take pictures. It was a VERY long walk back but it was worth it! Mom, I found you a nice tablecloth that was at like a Macy's looking place. It was like 5 floors of everything you could think of! It was on clearance of course, and I couldn't resist to get it for you! We said goodbye to the cousins and then drove back to the house. The girls and I fell asleep in the car and then got home and quickly took a shower before dinner. We ate outside and had a great dinner with a light salad, tortilla things, and cheese. Oh yeah, and LOTS of watermelon! The fruit here is delicious! We had a really nice conversation about me being here tonight. Angelo said that he was talking to the cousins today about how much he and Gianna have enjoyed having me here. I was so happy to hear it because I am thrilled that we all have the same feelings about this experience! They asked me if they could have me stay all year long and I said I wish I could! As amazing as Italy is, I think I would miss my family and friends way too much! Gianna and Angelo asked me about my blog and Gianna said that I was a wonderful writer, just from my emails to her before I arrived. She said that they struck her and she knew that we would be great friends and connect right away. I feel so blessed that this situation has worked out so well. Everyday, I never forget where I am and how lucky I am to be here! I have this amazing new family that has exceeded every one of my expectations! I had the best feeling before I came here and knew that it would be wonderful but I never imagined it to be this great. Nat, I just can't wait for you to come and see what I'm talking about. I told them today that the blog just doesn't do it justice, you have to see if for yourself! Mom, we need to come here someday and I will be your personal tourguide! If I do ever get married, I have saved a few places for that to happen! There is a castle on the hill, in the mountains where the refuge is, or at my favorite restaurant in the hills! Then, all my friends and family can come and meet my new family here! Well, all this is a far away dream but if this summer could happen for me, I have faith that all my dreams could come true, right? Ciao for now and sweet dreams!