3 Oct. 2004
Torino, Italia

I sit in some European car next to two blonde headed girls and watch the city turn into Italian countryside out my window as Italian words float through my ears and weave in and out of my brain. Some I understand and others I only vaguely recognize the sound of. A half an hour is over and after a dirt road we arrive at “Nonni’s” house – the parents of Paola. And having met them only a few days ago in Torino, I am greeted with the rest of the family with kisses and warm words of welcome. The afternoon sun warms my back and I turn to take in such a landscape before me. A pasture of sorts of green and sun falling on the grass. The house sits, old and loved and showing its Italian heritage in style and the aura it simply gives off. I am quickly introduced by Bea to their dogs and then led to the chicken coop where two roosters also live and where Nonni get their eggs. Then it is to the downstairs bathroom to meet the two turtles that are the size of a man’s hand and the rabbit that has the tendency to bite. Talking and chatting, there are bikes for the girls to ride and Nonno picks a fig from the tree and peels it for me to eat – I try, never having done so before – and am delighted with the sweet flavor that fills my mouth. I am introduced to Paola’s aunt who lives next door in a tiny house that is connected to their grandparents. She is a joy and so excited to show off her beautiful garden. She speaks to me through Bea who translates back and forth for us. When I ask to take her photograph, she is surprised and exasperated that I would ask such a thing when she looks like she does, which is lovely. The girls and I play games on the sun-bathed lawn and Federico and Paola pick lettuce from the garden for this week’s salad – talk about fresh. Checkers are played and then, as evening falls and the air becomes crisp and cool, the swings, slide and seesaw are tackled. Federico comes out with the Frisbee, enticing Bea to play with him.

Before dinner begins, Elena and family of husband and two boys and one girl arrive. Paola’s sister, Elena, welcomes me and warmly introduces herself in Italian. I am met and introduced, though not a single world of English is spoken except for maybe “hello” or “hi.” But that’s ok, I didn’t expect even that much. And as I sit surrounded by 11 family members, all speaking loudly and over one another at times in the beautiful Italian language with course after course being served to me (five, to be exact), I am reminded that no matter what language or culture, families are truly all the same for the most part. I also realize that even though I cannot understand hardly a word that is being said, I know what is being spoken about and what is being laughed at – I read the eyes and gestures that remind me of my own family and friends at home and the language barrier already begins to break. Hmmm … how nice. And so, dessert is had and the adults talk and the cousins play and giggle and let the America girl tickle them. The night ends late and the goodbyes are finally given outside in the chilly air. And next time I hope to be able to understand a little bit more and maybe actually contribute to the conversation (though that might not come for a while). But for now, we are back in a warm car with sleeping girls and a new week awaiting.