November 26 2016

I just came back from a great weekend in Siracusa!

Thursday after school, Andrea (my friend from Canada who lives in the city over) and I took the bus to Siracusa. Each of the people from out of town was hosted by a Rotarian, or by the host family of one of the twelve exchange students that live in Siracusa. After dropping off our things and getting ready we met the other exchange students (27 in total) and Rotarians at a hotel for Thanksgiving dinner. Before eating we had a gathering where we talked to a reporter from the best selling newspaper in Siracusa, and the article was published the next day! Once the turkey was ready the eight Americans were each given a knife so that we could each make a cut into the turkey.

The article!

Cutting one of the Turkeys. It's a little hard to see, but next too me, Hutch is about to stab the turkey.

The dinner wasn't exactly right but it was still good. 

Me, Courtney and the Brazilians; Sabrina, Ana, Pedro, Carolina, Tori .

The Americans.

The next morning we all met up at the Greek Amphitheater and an ancient cave, carved by hand, called the Orrechio Di Dionisio (The Ear of Dionisio). There was a specific point in the cave where the echo was amazing. Our tour guide simply breathed loudly and we could hear the echo.

The Amphitheater.

Flag picture!

Orrechio Di Dionisio

After exploring we went to a little market and and had some lunch.

The market

Sampling some ricotta cheese with spices.

We were then given some free time to explore. We spent a lot of time at the port and by the water, but also spent some time looking at shops and in the city center.

The boats.

The port

The five boys.

Sitting at the waters edge.

Group Photo, We're missing some people, but I'm hoping to get sent more group photos soon.

The main church in the center of the city. The Rotarian hosting and organizing the weekend, Pucci, lives in an apartment directly across the street.

To end the night we met up at Pucci's house and talked to some of the future outbounds. We were treated to Tori playing some of her music which is truly beautiful. We then went out for pizza!

It was really nice to spend time with the other exchange students. It's defiantly a very different experience for the exchange students that live near each other. Andrea, Carolina, and I are the only exchange students placed in cities by ourselves. It was nice to spend time with people who are experiences the same ups and downs. I am hoping I will be able to spend more time with them as the year goes on.