First of all, thank you for your comments and emails, they are so nice to read, unfortunately our time on the internet is so limited we may not be able to reply, but the blog we will do.
Our train was 50 minutes late into Torino, and our new found cousin Giovanni was waiting for us at the train station. This is a cousin that Jon found on the internet and that we have never spoken with, but only seen pictures and emailed with over the internet... he was there waiting for us as soon as we got off the train, waiting with hugs and "Hello, welcome!!" Giovanni is very good at english, and so from then on it was a mix of Italian and English. There is so much to say, Iàm not sure what to write!
We have had the most hospitable hosts (our cousins Giovanni, Rosalba, and Nicola!) They took us on a tour all around Turin. It is a very beautiful city, and very lively. We had our first REAL italian pizza, and saw real gypsys!
I have drank too much coffee on this trip, and all the round abouts and crazy driving literally has made me feel so barfy after I get out of a car.
Last night was an incredible night. We went to Nicola and Giovannis parents house outside of Turin. Their names are Maria and Ennio. They are so awesome, and had a feast prepared for us that just kept on coming. After we had eaten the doorbell rang, and then the flood of people came. PEOPLE AFTER PEOPLE! We didnàt know that there would be more people coming. But they all came to see us! It was incredible, they were all somehow related and people brought pictures to show us, and lots of stories. It was overwhelming... but incredible. It was an experience that was so special for Jon, to be able to know so many members of his family that he didnàt even know existed before. They were so welcoming, and interested in knowing us. We got addresses of all of them, and we took A LOT A LOT of pictures, and so did they. One lady was SOO SHORT. Last night I tried to write down how everyone fit in the family in a family tree type of diagram except that I used multiple pages as they all have 9 and 10 siblings!! There was 3 kids there and they were so so so beautiful. One boy looked so much like alessandro, the same eyes!! He is nine and is called Thomas.
We leave from Torino today at 6pm and head to Milan to visit Jons uncle Michele and one of our italian teachers from canada, Valentina. More adventures to come! We really miss everyone, it is incredible to be away, but we sure do love our home, our people, and our family.
ps. I feel like my english sucks now because I am constantly trying to speak very simply and also speak italian. Jon is doing really well with his Italian. I am struggling along but am able to communicate which is so neat.
I will try to upload some pictures now, no guarantees, but I will try. Ok I just saw it only uploaded one picture but it is f (from left to right) Ennio, Maria, Giovanni, Nicola, Rosalba, and Jon. Ennios father is brothers with Jons grandpa.
pps. tell us what is going on at home!
I was so excited to see a new Blog post this morning from the Prencipe's! Sounds amazing. So nice to have sooo much family, i'm sure it feels great to feel so welcome somewhere so far from home! I almost thought for a little that Jon wrote the blog because there weren't too many capital letters and exclamation points! LOVE YOU!!
ReplyDeleteHow amazing to meet your family Jon! It sounds like you are both having the time of your life. Congrats Heather on your Italian!! I can't wait to hear about your trip to Milan - the Duomo is amazing!
ReplyDeleteLove to you guys and we're all thinking of ya,
Ang, Dino and Alex
Wow.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing and we are so happy for you guys to be able to meet Jon's family...Mom is very happy for you Jon, and we all wish we were there with you
have fun and kissesmand hugs to everyone
Be safe
HELLO J&H!
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds amazing, full of love and food, PERFECTO! We can't wait to have you down to Victoria to see more pictures and hear all about your travels. We've settled into our new place and I've survived my first week of school. Did you think of me when you saw the Gypsies? What were they like, did they try to sell you things? Love and miss you both!
K&R
Possibly the coolest story ever, Heather! That pictures is amazing, you can actually see the family resemblance! What an awesome adventure. You are very lucky!!
ReplyDeleteHeya Heather and Jon!!
ReplyDeleteWow sounds like a great visit to Turin. Good work on being able to communicate!! You're going to be a regular Italian speaker soon! Jon you're going to be fluent if you're not already!
So cool that they put on a big party to introduce you to the whole family.
How was the pizza?
Love you both!
Very Coooool! So glad you guys are enjoying yourselves! xo
ReplyDeleteCiao Jon e Heather!
ReplyDeleteE' stato bello conoscervi. Qui abbiamo trascorso un bellissimo weekend con voi. Quando potete tornate a trovarci. Prometto che saprò parlare meglio in inglese...is not a bugia :)
Buona continuazione del viaggio e buone vacanze!
By....Nicola
Wow !.....sounds like an awesome adventure, and the food must be amazing. I'm sure Hon's chinese is long forgotten.
ReplyDeleteHeather.... I showed Aki the picture of you on the fireplace mantel. He got all excited and then punched me in the gut..........LOL
Have fun...Love Uncle Rob
Walks in a park,
ReplyDeleteFresh air for a lark,
A hill and a view
Just for you two!
The World swims on by
Blurring images to the eye
Let it wash by with no worries
No need to be hurried.
It takes time to live
And you've chosen so well
The memories you create
Will be endlessly swell!
Love and stuff,
UncleTim
Hi Jonther, I am glad to read via the experience you guys have and remind me what Europa was. Family, Food,Feelings,PASSION,Gypsies,PASSION,not hiding emotions,PASSION.Show must go on.Ciao ragazzi.
ReplyDelete