Forever Young

Just a couple of little amusing comments we have received that we thought would give you an insight into our unique standing in the Italian culture:

With Samuel entering his first year of elementary school in the fall, we have had meetings at two different schools in order for us to make an informed decision on which one to send him to. One would think that all public schools are set up the same, but that is not the case. There are some drastic differences. We have the choice of sending him to school for 30 hrs./week or 40 hrs./week. One school is in walking distance of our house but does not have a cafeteria so we would need to pick Samuel up each day and bring him home for lunch and then return him for the afternoon. Don't even ask why they can't pack a lunch and eat it at school...the concept does not exist here! Classes would be all day M-W, and half days on Thursday & Fridays. We will be sending him to this school because 1) less class hours per week 2) within walking distance 3) smaller class sizes and 4) it is mostly attended by kids that live in our neighborhood, which is on the outskirts of Leini'. We are thankful it was an easy choice for us.

After the meeting yesterday Jonathan approached the teacher to ask some more questions about the school and she immediately began the conversation with the comment: "You are not old enough to have a child in elementary school, are you?" He smiled cordially and then said, "He (Samuel) is the oldest of three." The jaw drop always makes us laugh.

Also yesterday when Jonathan was picking Emma up for school someone was asking why she was leaving so early for the day. Jonathan told him that she eats lunch at home with her brother.

Man: Oh, are you her brother?
Jonathan: No, I'm her dad.
Man: No way! How old are you?
Jonathan: 29. And actually she is one of three children.
Man: (jaw drop)

One would think that meeting other parents through our children would give us some good peer contacts. Just so you know, it is rarely the case here. So there is your cultural insight for the day and why we shall always be "forever young" in Italy!