Friends are angels sent from heaven.
I was going to write this post whenever I felt the time was right...Well I feel tonight justified its reason to be written.
When I first arrived in Italy, I was immediately adopted into my boss' family. It was a quick transition from complete stranger to a close family member. We spent the weekends together, ate meals together and really got to know each other. I feel like I've known their entire family for years! It has been a great feeling knowing that I have family just around the corner. I thank their family for everything and for making me part of their family.
I had a family immediately but I didn't have any friends, per se. I had a few friends but not a group. The group is essential in learning Italian. Since only a few people speak English it forces me to try to speak Italian. In February, a new student arrived at the school and enrolled in my course. I didn't know how this student would help me make friends. But he did. He had a group of friends already set in place and they hung out regularly. The group in total is around 15-20 when everyone comes together.
They are all very welcoming and kind individuals. I got to know all of them one to one when we would go out. I am very thankful for having them in my life. They somehow have made my life in Italy that much better.
Usually in Italy, the birthday girl/boy provides a party for their guests whether they go out to a restaurant or stay in. For my birthday, they did everything. I just had to clean my house :) When they arrived they had a lot of food! They had decorations, wine and snacks. They threw me a party! :) I had a great party thanks to them.
They have taken me places. We have gone numerous times to Naples. I have seen all the hot spots! I even attended a Naples match! They have provided me with a lot of culture, which I love and memories I will never forget!
This last weekend I even went to the beach with them. We had a lot of fun. We also have a lot of parties or gatherings. It is either somebody's birthday or just a random celebration...this is Italy after all "ogni giorno รจ una festa."
Tonight was a random celebration. It was a seafood extravaganza night. But luckily for me, 4 others don't like seafood so we also had pizza available. The seafood looked fresh and amazing and I am sure anyone who loves seafood would have loved the food they had tonight.
I was very bubbly and enjoying the company all evening. I was even handed a couple of small glasses of white wine while I took many pictures. All of a sudden throughout the course of the night, my stomach started to hurt so I went to the bathroom. As I was in the bathroom, I started to feel like I was going to faint. I got very hot and felt very sick. This has happened before so I knew I would get through it but I didn't know how long. I always feel scared when this happens so I was immediately thinking of who to call for help. I was thinking of the girls at the party since I would feel more comfortable a girl walking into the bathroom than a guy. I was waiting hoping it would pass when one of the girls knocked on the door and asked if I was ok. I told her no and that I had a problem. She saw my face and I heard her feet running across the tile floor. The next thing I know I hear people in the room with me and they are talking to me. I am trying to understand but I am going into my tunnel and they seem so far away. They were putting damp cloths on me since I was very hot and feeling my pulse. The next thing I knew, I remember seeing guys in the room. I thought, "oh crap! There are guys seeing me in the bathroom" but the thought surpasses since I was feeling awful and didn't have a care in the world except to feel better. They tried carrying me outside so I could have some fresh air but I asked to sit on the couch since I was so tired. I wanted to sleep. They asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital. Everyone came and tried to help me. Another guy who was there who I didn't know started taking my pulse and asking me questions in Italian. Surprisingly, throughout this whole ordeal I was using my Italian. Not sure if they really understood me but I felt good knowing I could communicate in desperate times. They started lifting me off the couch when I told them I needed to return to the bathroom. I had escorts and personal caretakers. Then they gave me an antibiotic. They said it would help the stomach. I did feel better quite quickly. Afterwards, I sat outside and I was being fanned by a couple of the guys in the group. They made me feel like a royal highness. :)
I started feeling better so I reminded them we needed to make marshmallows since it was dessert. We roasted marshmallows then made s'mores. They all said they liked it!
Overall, I feel cared for and protected with these friends. For example, if we are in a dodgy area I feel safe knowing the guys will take care of the girls. :) But also, the reminder that if I need anything to call them in any situation. It feels good to know I have friends looking out for me too.
I want to thank all my friends for everything you have done for me, especially tonight. I am quite embarrassed as well but oh well we are all human. :) You have all been so kind to me and glad you all came into my life. You have all exposed me to new experiences and opportunities so I thank you for that.
Thank you all! I love you all (like a friend) ;)
