Clear and cool

Ciao, i miei cari amici. :) I think that's right.

Zippy line: The day ended better than it started. It was beautiful and clear outside, so after English class and lunch Justin and I went exploring by having a lovely walk to Mendrisio.

Tonight's Feature: My lovely bed in La Pabiana. My bed is comfortable in the extreme. It is low, and the frame is made out of wood. It has convenient rollout drawers underneath it. But best is that it is firm but soft, with a massive European pillow that covers the whole width of the bed, and has a marvelous down comforter. All of that is white. It is a wonderful bed.

Today was up and down. But more up toward the end, as has been the pattern. We had English today, and we discussed our short story, "Death in Venice." I had picked up some themes as we read, but the most fascinating thing I learned in class about it was that the whole book portrays a "descent into passion"--an intellectual northern European becomes more and more ruled by his passions until he allows them to come before protecting his own life. As for Italian, I believe I have derived the most benefit and enjoyment so far by observing our teacher and listening to her wise and gracious perspectives on culture. She is great. She has a very tactful way of communicating the differences between European and American culture and how we should act accordingly.

After class Justin and I walked to Mendrisio. Several other people also went, but they rode the train. The weather today was ABsolutely lovely, especially considering how foggy and chilly the past few days have been. Today the air was pleasant and you could see the huge mountain in front in perfect sharpness. So we walked. There was a bike path we followed, and it went beside a lovely, clean little canal thing a few inches deep with water. In Mendrisio we found a cool mall and ate our first Italian gelato, or ice cream. :) It was so good for us to get out and move and breathe fresh air, since we sat still and worked all day yesterday. It was also good for our hearts to be outside in the beautiful day and to have time to talk together. I think it takes a lot of talking to keep a relationship healthy. :) We dealt with a lot of "stew" and both feel better for it. Good stuff. Now I am going up to Pabiana to do homework and laundry.

posted by LizC @ 1/19/2005 02:15:00 PM