On Tuesday, we went to visit my friend Roberta and her family in the wonderful town of Bevagna. Roberta and I met through a mutual Scottish friend of ours who also attended the University for Foreigners. We became fast friends and she even visited my family in the US a couple of times.
Roberta's son, eight year old Matteo, was very outgoing and wanted to learn everything he could about Lucas and Nadia. Lucas stretched his Italian/Spanish as far as it could go that day giving him an idea what it would be like to live with a family aboad. Perhaps one day in the future?
Roberta and her husband, Lucca, took us around Bevagna and we were smitten. It has a very well preserved center piazza which absolutely glowed in the afternoon sun.
We also had an interesting tour of a medieval house and learned that one way of showing off your wealth back then was by displaying your wine goblets, salt, and oil.
Towards evening we went to an agriturismo in the hills above Bevagna. It had it all - a stunning view, play area, and two friendly dogs.
The food was some of our best yet.
Roberta, Lucca, Matteo, and Elenora were so warm and hospitable. We are hoping for another reunion in the not so distant future.
On Wesnesday night, we met up with one of my students from my time in Perugia. In addition to attending the University, I also tutored students in English and taught horseback riding. Roberto was one of my star students and always impressed me with his knowledge of obscure indie American bands. We met his lovely wife Isabella, a journalist for the local paper. They were both very patient with all the kids in tow as Emanuele also joined us. It was great connecting with them - we are certain we would share their company often if they lived in the US.
Finally on Thursday afternoon, we met with Emanuele's parents and brother (I also ran into his sister Silvia several times on the streets of Perugia. She is now a teacher at the University - pity I did not get a picture of her!).
His parents were so good to me when I lived in Perugia and their hospitality was just as generous. They loved meeting the kids and hearing about our trip.
With Emanuele's mother
Didn't get a pic of his
brother and father. :(
Later that evening, Emanuele and I toured some of my old favorite streets in Perugia and had dinner at Il Gufo - one of my favorite restaurants in Perugia. It's still there on a street taken over by local artists. Emanuele's talented brother, Francesco, has a studio there and I got to see some of his work. He would fit right into Portland.
Emanuele's brothers studio
It honestly felt as if no time had gone by and we picked up right were we left off - a sign of good friends indeed.
Ciao e Baci
Nancy
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