On the bus today, a lady came out of her way to greet Anna. We saw her the other day on the bus, and she was so sweet to Anna. Today, I didn't see her, but she saw us and lumbered to the front of the bus to say hello. She then drew a banana out of her bag - clearly something she had brought along for herself - and handed it to Anna. How kind. I'm telling you, Anna is the Italian-grandma-whisperer.
Today, we had great weather. I didn't even need my coat! Absolutely beautiful! When we were done at the hospital, we finally went inside someplace Papa had been itching to go: the Castlevecchio. We pass it everyday on our route, but today, we finally went inside.
The Castlevecchio was built in the 1350s and was operated mainly as a defense for the city of Verona, but also was a residence for the ruling family of the day. Inside, they have set up a museum with sculptures and paintings from 1100s through the early 1900s.
We saw the dungeon, the armory, and many rooms. We understand that when Napoleon was conquering Europe, he used the Castlevecchio as a place to house troops. All this history comes to you courtesy of Papa. I didn't read the inscriptions. I just walked.
Anna did not appreciate the Castlevecchio at all. She is very over old rocks and old paintings. She DID recognize that one of the paintings was a nativity scene, and she signed "Away in a Manger." I liked that she was able to apply information she knew to something she had never seen before.
What Anna loves most about Italy are the creameries. For those who have never been here, let me fill you in. About every 5th store is an ice cream (gelato) shop. They have all manner of flavors. The taste is creamier than American ice cream, and some of the flavors are the same, while others vary (apple or pear ice cream, anyone?). Even in cold weather, the Italians enjoy their ice cream. Deep inside, Anna must be part Italian because she believes in the "an ice cream a day" philosophy.
Today, I wandered in a children's shop to look at the beautiful Easter (Pascua) dresses. The lady told me the price, and I about fainted. Then she said "These are beautiful Italian things! Made in Italy! NOT from China! Not cheap!" Okie dokie. Perhaps insulting the quality of things made in China to the mom pushing the Chinese bambina was not a great sales tactic. I would have to agree - the things made in Italy are truly exquisite. I see the clothing and jewelry and shoes and handbags in the shop windows, and they are classic, tailored, well-made, gorgeous. They would surely last a lifetime. Then I see that one handbag would cost my whole flight to Italy, or more, and I wonder, "what do these people DO for a living?!" Truly, I want to know!
Tomorrow, we will go back to the hospital, but we're hoping this will come to end by the weekend. We would love to have a few hospital-free days. We hear there are throngs of people in Rome for the papal election. We would have loved to see Rome, but it's too far from where we are to be done in a day, and with all the people there, I'm not sure it would be a good idea for the recovering Anna. Instead, I think we may try Venice. It's only an hour by train, and the train tickets are inexpensive. People who have been to both places tell me that Venice is worth the trip, so I think we will plan on going. In fact, I have some adoption friends who are stationed in Germany, and if all works out, I think they are coming to Verona and on to Venice, so that will be a fun diversion.
Please keep praying for Anna, for her emotions and spirit, as she is still not 100% back to her old self. Please pray for the upcoming activation, and of course, please remember Grandma and the girls at home.
Good night!
Amy
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