Goodbye Tivoli!

We finally began the host family portion of our trip in Tivoli. I was lucky to stay with a journalist for the Il Messengario and his wife, a teacher. Raffaela and Caterina were such gracious hosts, as was their son Giovani and daughter Maria Carolina. X Their home was beautifully decorated. Unfortunately the paper wasn't open in the morning for a tour so we invited Lacey over and Caterina showed us how to cook carbonera and saltimbuco (jump in the mouth). So very cool! The kitchen is small by American standards, but we all fit in and she showed us how to roll the meat with ham and special cheese and how they like their pasta cooked. We discussed social media and health care in america over lunch, along with a million other things.  Great conversation though confusing at times because of translation, lucky for me Lacey can speak spanish and that has been so helpful!!! 
They let me relax and rest, which was much needed, but took me in as one of their own. We toured the town, ate pizza and drank a local beer (biera) which was VERY good. 
We left this morning for Reiti, which is a beautiful town nestled in some mountains of which I can't think of the name. So green and gorgeous. The people here are very welcoming and excited to have us as we are the first GSE team to come here. We met the mayor of the town, toured a few historic sites, heard wonderful speeches about the town, and THEN!!!! Had a truffle tasting. Best part of the day! 
My hosts here are also amazing, though they cannot speak English at all, and my Italian is very limited. We try to communicate, but their actions speak more than words. So kind! They have a son, but he left a bit ago to play Texas Hold 'em style poker. ( he can speak some english)  
Tomorrow is another day and I can't wait to see what's in store!