After returning from Spain and before leaving for San Giovanni in Fiori for Easter, I had the opportunity to go see Il Papa again! I went with two friends here in my program and watched him come through all the crowds through his pope-mobile! Honestly, I still pinch myself that this is my reality for another month or so, I can go to the Vatican any day I want to see the Pope.. crazy!
But the next day I left for San Giovanni!
I arrived in Crotone on Thursday (4/2) and was met by my cugina (cousin) Altea and zio (uncle) Franco at the airport! I was a little nervous, because the last time I saw them I was around 12. But they were instantly welcoming and wonderful :) When I first saw Gianclaudio I was in shock! He is only 14 and already taller than I was! Haha a huge change from the last time I saw him!
That day we just hung out at the house at first and had lunch with Gino and Mariuch! Then they drove me around to show me the town and then I went to watch Altea's volleyball practice.
The next day they took me to the cemetery where my grandma's family is buried and then they showed me the house my grandma grew up in! It was all so surreal and a little overwhelming to be there without her or my parents because I know they would love to be able to come back. We went and got our nails done, and then that night while Altea was at her volleyball practice, I went with her friends to a birthday party! It was kind of nerve racking to go without her but everyone was very friendly and was so interested in my life that I wasn't nervous for long. Everyone wanted to know about me but only knew a little English, I'm sure it was funny to watch them ask questions in Italian and me answering in English! That night the family and I went to dinner and then Altea and I went to watch a reenactment of the Passion of the Christ in the center of town. It was beautiful!
Saturday we hung out at home and then Altea and I went out with her friends to La Prima, a popular street where the young people of the town go out before and after aperitivo. I was surprised though at how many people smoke! Everyone was smoking! (Not gonna lie, I was concerned about second hand smoke lung cancer..lol) But it was so much fun meeting all of her friends.
Easter Sunday was very casual, we stayed in our pajamas while we ate our Easter lunch- antipasta, lasagna, lamb-cooked two different ways, fish, fruit and dessert. SO MUCH GOOD FOOD! They were so nice and got me a necklace that is popular in southern Italy and Mariuch got me a beautiful crystal necklace too! I also got a hugeee Kinder chocolate egg with a surprise inside!
Overall the weekend was amazing and I am so happy I was able to spend time with them! Tiziana made me feel so at home, she took such good care of me! It was so nice to be around family when I haven't been for so long. Even after only 5 days I feel so close with them and I hope I'll have the chance to go back soon! <3
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