ARRIVAL IN ITALIA!

MARCELLA:
Stepping off the plane into a new country after a long flight from New York to a new city half way around the world was quite a feeling of excitement. The entire discussions prior, the anticipation of traveling abroad and the unknown was finally here. A warm welcome was waiting for me at the gate as I hear Marcella, Marcella! Chiara and I waited for Tom, an assistant engineering professor also from Chico. Outside the airport the city was bustling with language I did not entirely understand. The drive to Contigliano from Rome was beautiful, with large fields of sunflowers and rolling hills and mountains covering a sweeping landscape of green. The city of Contigliano is a magical place and driving up to our bright pink hostel, I knew already I wanted to live here forever. Mimmo our adorable hostel host led me to my new bunk as I settled in and absorbed my new home. A few short hours later the rest of the group arrived and immediately I was ready for an adventure. All of us sat down and experienced the best pasta I have ever had, and of course the portions are enormous. Italians defiantly like to eat! After lunch the group met up with Chiara and we strolled our new city of Contigliano. The faces of the people are content and happy, their lives simple and slow. I love it here. My camera was out in full force when I noticed a small puppy lost in the street. After some time of him warming up to me, I scooped him up in my arms and we decided to name him Buddy. Later in the evening we discovered an outside bar in a big grassy park. We sat and chatted for quite awhile when we were told of a pool down the street. Matt, Marissa and I ventured down to a huge pool and went swimming till later in the evening. After a long day and another great meal from the hostel, all of us decided to head to the park until late in the evening with great conversation, or an attempt at translating. I fell asleep with an enormous smile on my face and thought to myself, I am here in Italy and I love it.