Final reflections...what we learnt about Italy and eachother

Travelling always is a learning experience - from which washing machine setttings to use, to how to order the food you want and how to budget so you can shop effectively. It also teaches you how to deal with other people and learn to be independent. And of course, travelling makes you appreciate home and all that is special in our lives.
Some people were very excited as we approached Adelaide, while others are already planning their return journeys. It's a big wide world out there waiting to be explored...

 

 

 

We learnt that Xena is a prolific reader and is a founding member of the Roof Terrace Book Club. She is also often 'starving' and can eat an impressive amount, showing appreciation for Italian cuisine. Some gelato flavours didn't do the trick though, especially once she learnt that crema meant custard, not cream. Xena also added to her candle collection and revealed her musical talents. She soaked up as much Italian culture as she could, and we appreciated her enthusiasm especially in her favourite place, Pompei.

Stella was the souvenir collector of the trip, never foregoing an opportunity to browse. The idea of a budget was a bit challenging and she learnt a valuable lesson about looking after your passport. Stella also discovered that rosemary on roasted potatoes would not poison her and we hope that one day she branches out and tries pizza - even if she has to add extra ketchup!

Chelsea was the baby of the group, celebrating her 15th birthday in Florence. Hopefully she will always hold special memories of that day. Displaying her impressive piano playing skills during the pausa at the uni, Chelsea also took up every opportunity to learn more about Italian culture. Her quiet enthusiasm was appreciated by us all, and she won the 'most sensible luggage' award.

 

 

Tony was literally the big brother of the trip. Luckily for the girls, he displayed an excellent sense of direction and of course, was called on to help many times with unwieldy luggage. Tony took up many opportunities to soak up Italian life, providing fashion advice for others in the group. Along with being a pancake master, Tony was also a founding member of the Roof Terrace Book Club. His enthusiasm for prosciutto will undoubtedly continue into the future.

 

As the fellow pancake maker, Stephanie also showed enthusiasm for Italian cuisine, even commenting that the pasta at Al mangiar bene was as good as her nonna's. Stephanie enjoyed the many shopping opportunities that Italy presented and was enthusiastic about many sights - when she could be persuaded to close her iPad.

 

Samantha certainly showed enthusiasm for many of the sights Italy has to offer and single-handedly tried to pull the country out of its financial woes - although her luggage will no doubt continue to cause her problems. Organisational skills have some way to develop - from remembering to bring your passport to the airport and looking after your belongings, to not locking your keys inside your apartment. It's all a learning curve!

 

We learnt that Tania sometimes likes pasta with her cheese and that the addition of parmesan improves almost any dish - except gelati perhaps! Along with her fellow shoppers Tania did her bit for the economy and no doubt will be requiring the use of the Maltese postal service for her excess luggage. We hope that she has a fanatastic time in Malta with Samantha as she catches up with her family. 

 

Claudia is now known as the scarf princess and collector of snowdomes. She always took every opportunity to soak up Italian language, life and culture - molto bene!!! One of the highlights would be her animal encounters on the walk from Spello to Assisi and her impressive ability to fall asleep as soon as she stepped onto any form of transport - usually on Courtney or Lauren. She also won the 'selfie' photo competition, only just edging out Nancy. Clearly reluctant to leave Italy, I have no doubt that she will be back one day soon.

 

Courtney made many friends in her classes and was the most conscientious when it came to doing her homework. Like Claudia she is also already planning her return journey, if only to restock up on hot chocolate powder. We also learnt that she has a weakness for buying shoes and is a fan of the Sisley brand of clothing.

 

Lauren discovered that zucchini is edible and that she is a competent chef's assistent when required. She spent much of her time on the roof terrace or 'doing a Juliet' by hanging over her window in search of a good wifi connection. On our trips away she was always interested, soaking up la bella vita.

 

Julianne was the only experienced European traveller of the group and as such she was well prepared to soak up the atmosphere. She is also a founding member of the Roof Terrace Book Club, spending her afternoons up there with a good novel and a cup of tea. Rather shockingly, Julianne also admitted that some churches and even some religious art 'weren't too bad'.

 

Finally, grazie mille must go to Ruth and Nancy for all of their help on this trip. I hope they enjoyed every moment - especially the food, the shopping, and of course the very hot cappuccini with the Nutella bomboloni!