First Days in Lanciano

by Adrian D.

So I was asked to write a bit about our first few days of travel and as I approached it, I found it a bit of a struggle to start, as I am unsure whether to consider the beginning of this incredible journey from the moment I left my parents in the airport, or from the instant I landed in Pescara. To be honest, I think it’s the moment I was set free from my parents, and feeling the revolutionizing sense of freedom, responsibility, and plain old awesome.

The flight seemed like it would never end,  sleeping for five minutes in the entire 8 hours. The exhaustion was overwhelming, but the excitement was overpowering, forbidding sleep. “Ladies and Gentlemen you have arrived in Pescara”, from that moment on adrenalin boosted my energy, allowing me to stay fully awake through the day.

Once everyone collected his or her bags, we got on a bus, and drove half an hour to our residence located in Lanciano. The bus ride was surprisingly loud, with new friends being made, and old friends reuniting. Everyone was excited for the month to follow.

Thus far, I have had the time of my life, and I am sure every other student has as well. Being introduced into this new culture takes a bit of getting used too, especially the meals… breakfast…. What breakfast? It’s just an espresso and a croissant, nothing like back home. But that did not stop the boys. The first day we decided to buy 3-dozen eggs, pancetta, some bread and nutella. We ate like kings on the first morning; it was a bonding experience.

The following day was the first day of classes, and I was curious with respects to work load, teachers, and classmates. It turned out to be a great day overall, starting the day with 8:15 assembly and singing the Canadian national anthem. In the evening we watched a documentary about the Battle of Ortona in World War II, an area we were scheduled to travel to the following day.

Overall, the first couple days have been an experience on its own, learning so much, meeting so many new people, and making new friends. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the weeks to come.