Arrivederci

Day 17

I had to teach at 8:30 today, so we got up early for breakfast. We were allowed to pick from the better side of the hotel restaurant today, usually we are only allowed to pick from a certain side of the hotel. We taught grade four for two blocks, Melissa came to watch our first block and we taught the favourite things lesson and then went outside to play some games. Once the period was over, the kids all gave us hugs and were really sad we were leaving. Next we had grade three for two periods, and taught them weather and seasons. It was nice because we got a chance to talk to the teacher but also very bittersweet. Kylee and I walked to the bakery behind the school and got cannolis and crème puffs that were super delicious, then walked to the market for the last time and got flowers for our teacher. 

Once we got back to the hotel we had to sort out and organize the gift bags for teachers. We got ready for the ceremony and Kylee, Justin, Angela and I took a cab to the Primaria school where the ceremony was. We set up the room with Canada balloons, flags and other decorations. The principal said a speech thanking us for all of our work, and a few other people from the middle school and private school said a speech. Then Maria called us up by groups for our certificates and they also gave us a book and a beautifully packaged box of confetti. We then presented all our teachers with a certificate and their gifts (a Canada bag with a bunch of Canadian stuff inside.) 

After everyone received their certificates, we made a slideshow of some of the pictures we have taken of us with students. Then we presented our song/dance to everyone. Although I forgot the lyrics to most of the songs, it was great and everyone loved it! Then there were snacks (tons of canollis) and drinks to follow. Shannon, Kylee and I walked back to the hotel to change for our dinner, which was a surprise four-course meal for our final meal. First was brushetta with fresh mozzarella cheese on soft foccocia bread. Then we had a cream pasta with basil and ground beef and our main course was green beans with chicken and cheese. After they took away our last course, they came and brought us all champagne (actually so good and tasted like apples) and gave us bags of confetti and then our dessert, which was like a chocolate chip cheesecake. It was kind of emotional knowing that this was our last night in Sulmona. As much as I wanted to leave to go to Rome, I knew I would miss all the kids, and the hotel and Sulmona. 

A group of us decided to go out for some drinks as it was our last night. We went to one bar first and we got an Italian shot, which was layered to look like the Italian flag. There weren’t very many people at the bar, and there were two girls singing karaoke in Italian so we decided to leave and go to the other bar where the other girls were.  There were a lot more people at this bar, and there was karaoke still in Italian but it was much better at this place. We got them to put on Barbie girl and we all sang along to it, and a few other English songs. Overall a very fun last night in Sulmona!!