Cesenatico, Be Mine Forever

This past weekend, I skipped a few days of school for an Intercultura orientation camp in Cesenatico. Anything involving the word "orientation" has AFSers betting on if it will be a good time or drive us crazy with boredom. Either way, I packed my bags, enjoyed some Nutella and banana for breakfast (yuuum) and went on my merry way to the train station. Just my luck that the buses would be running extra slow that Thursday morning, right? I'm proud of how calm, cool and collected I can be but punctuality is extremely important to Italians and I was not about to miss my train! I don't even care how I looked to everyone else on the bus as I called Torstein (Norwegian AFSer) begging for help... all in panicked English! Oops. Way to immerse yourself, Nat. Fear not, my little readers - I made it to the station with time to spare.

 Once we arrived at the Cesenatico station, we found the other students quickly. Seeing the kids from the Rome orientation was like reuniting with old friends. Is it strange that we're this close and it's the second time we've technically met? Weird.

Walking to the hotel was no problem - it gave us a chance to catch up and wander around with our eyes wide open.... how can so much beauty fit in one place?! Since it's October, the tourist season is over and the beaches are empty. AFS has basically taken over the town for the weekend.

Our Hotel

Off the top of my head, I can remember students from Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, Honduras, Colombia, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Thailand, Japan, China, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada and United States. Hmm... am I forgetting anyone? Probably. Oh well. Any Intercultura student can tell you that the volunteers have quite the reputation for their love of games. I guess with 40+ teenagers you have to keep them busy somehow. During the weekend, we have counted a total of 20 games and "energizers." This began as soon as we arrived at our hotel and didn't end until the last hour in Cesenatico.

Our favorite game was on Friday night. The volunteers teamed us up (three or four girls per guy) and said, "Alright, you've got one hour to turn them into a woman." I was so proud of all my boys strutting their heels and rocking their make up without shame!

On our last night in Cesenatico, the volunteers organized a Talent Show. Of course it sounds like a real drag but it was actually really interesting as it gave us a chance to sneak a little peak on everyone's culture. There was origami, singing, Brazilian and Thailandese dancing, Chinese writing and so much more.

I think this camp came at the perfect time and for all the right reasons. When I see my Bologna friends, we are always too busy having a good time to discuss the struggles of our experiences. Cesenatico gave everyone a chance to relax and analyze the good, the bad and the different. It's amazing how different we all are but yet how similar we all feel.

I thought this feeling would fade by now, but I still find myself waking up every morning knowing this is exactly where I'm meant to be in my life right now. I have zero regrets. This is my dream. Now don't get me wrong - I miss my American friends and family and culture, as well as the familiarity that comes with living the same life for sixteen years. Also, I just really want G's Burgers and a McDonald's fruit smoothie... is that too much to ask for?! I know this is how I feel but this weekend gave me a chance to really express and reflect on it. I'm happy. The funny thing about this language barrier is now that I speak less, I think more. It's like I know myself even better! I can feel the wisdom genes of Karen Miranda rubbing off on me a little bit. or maybe it's the crazy genes... it's hard to tell now.

Torstein - Norway

Ela - Honduras

Aurelie - Canada | Marie - Germany

Tanrin - Thailand

Ivan - Russia

Daisuke - Japan | Alessandra - Venezuela

Being with students from other parts of Emilia Romagna made me realize how important our local chapters are. I really love my Bologna AFSers.... they are my third family! Right after the Miranda's and then Carla/Luca/Fede. You guys are the best :)

Another really great person from Cesenatico was the man who owned our hotel. Whenever we grabbed our room keys at curfew, he said goodnight to everyone. His friendliness and dedication to his hotel made it clear that this place was his home and his life. It makes him so happy. Also, I immediately have 10 respect points for any man who wears a bow-tie every day. That's just a baller status. We were treated like princes and princesses and ate like them too! The last night, he made us this cake and told us how great it was what we were doing, wishing us the best of luck.

Coming back to Bologna felt like coming home, I was so happy to be back in my own bed with my family! I slept and slept and after slept some more but the fun and importance of the weekend was well worth it.