ciao!

I am in italia with my mama in what is definitely the biggest trip we have ever taken. We are swapping houses with a family here and are thus staying in their place for free. The website is called homelink.org use it! We did not really know what to expect. We are doing a non-simultanious exchange which means they are here right now! We are staying in an aprtment that they own down stairs from their apartment. it is perfect. the fist day we arrived they picked us up from the airport in venice and took us home! we napped and when we woke up they had made us lunch (spagetti with pomadoro (tomato) and basil) and made us sit and tell them all about ourselves and drink wine! they are already like family. That night we went to their daughter in laws birthday party and met their entire family, about 25 people who were all eating together. they are all so sweet and we have had many laughs trying to navigate italian and english and learning about each other. Their daughter is 26 and she and I have bonded over many things including but not limited to the politics of the US and amy winehouse. She is planning to come to atlanta to visit when she can. We have gone to Venice twice and it is as i have always heard.. completely breathtaking. the age of EVERYTHING is really what is getting me the most. I somehow so easily forget how young the US is and then i am here and i am hearing voices from so so long ago everywhere I turn. Went to Verona (our fair) and Elena (daughter of this wonderful family) and i rubbed the breast of the statue of Juliet.. its supposed to bring you luck in love. then we stood at "juliets" balcony marveled at everything. this place, this history.