Sunday Funday

Happy Sunday!
     Just a quick update on things here. Unfortunately this week I don't have exciting pictures, but I can promise in my next post (likely to come next Monday or Tuesday) will be full of fun pictures from my AFS/Intercultura camp in Torino. I leave for camp Thursday morning and return to Sanremo Sunday evening and I cannot tell you how excited I am to spend time with my fellow exchangers! My time with them is always so fun and I learn a ton.
     When I get back, there will be English students staying with my classmates and I may tour Genova with them. Hopefully I can spend some time with them while my Italian classmates study hard. Here in Italy, the English taught is that from England and the vocabulary can be fairly different from American words. This is my chance to be a translator!
     My host mom made my first Spanish meal on Wednesday -- tortilla de patatas. Delicious! I am still waiting for a completely free day where we can dedicate 5 hours  to making and eating a paella! The seafood here would be perfect for it. In other Spanish news, my friend Naroa from San Sebastián might visit me here Italy during her break in April.
     Yesterday I went to the mountains, and the valleys and tall trees made me feel right at home. The temperature has been cooling off in general here (unfortunately the humidity makes the cold more bone chilling) and it was even cooler in the mountains -- it felt like an autumn trip to the Rocky Mountains! I went with a new friend who was born in Georgia (yes, the birthplace of Luke Bryan) but has lived here for 12 years. It was fun to share stories of America and Italy both from an American girl standpoint. We plan to celebrate Halloween with costumes and a "spooky dinner" and also to make a large Thanksgiving feast for our families. There will be a whole turkey, mash potatoes, green bean casserole, and you can't forget the pumpkin pie!
     Today we are going to celebrate my host uncles birthday, and I am showing the whole family how to make my Aunt Ruby's famous tortillas! Aunt Francesca will be cooking up the rest, and I can't wait to see what is in store. I heard it might be an American brunch though, with pancakes and the works. What a shame! I have been saving room but I am sure they will still have to roll me out of their house and into the car!
      My new Saturday morning activity is going to the animal shelter with my host mom, brother and aunt to take food and walk a different dog every Saturday. The shelter is very sad and they are struggling to stay open because the community has stopped funding them. I am happy to be able to help in any little way I can though. Charity is very fulfilling!
     I don't have time today, but I can tell you that there is a post in the future just about Italian driving.  My mom and I agreed there is enough material that I can dedicate a full post to it! Perhaps I will also share a recipe with you all so you can have a real taste of my experience.
     The Broncos are still undefeated, Baby Garcia is getting ready to pop out any day, my nephews are rockstars in school and sports, Aurelia has a best friend named Adriana and my Ashlyn is walking. That isn't all the great news from Denver but just a few highlights from my loved ones!
     I hope you all have a fantastic Sunday and rest of your week.

Tanto amore,
Adriana <3