ITALIAN TOUR: ZAPPONETA – DAY 15 to 17: NO PLACE LIKE HOME

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

For those who follow me on social media, know me in “real” life or have seen my previous post ‘In Love With This Little Town | Zapponeta‘ – you would know that after spending a week in Zapponeta, a small town in the south of Italy and was Blessed with an amazing family. I am officially Italian now.

I couldn’t wait to get back, so when I knew I was going back to Italy I knew I had to return to Zapponeta.

I arrived in Bari quite late so I spent the night in a hostel and got the first train to Zapponeta (well.. a nearby station). For some reason, I was a little bit nervous to see everyone again. I missed them so much and was a little unsure if the feelings were as mutual. I had nothing to be nervous. My Mama gave me the biggest hug and told me she missed me and asked me to stay longer. My heart melted, I love her.

After being picked up from the station, we headed home and after an hour we went to go and meet with some of the other families I met while I was here in June. It was lovely, having people be so happy to see me really made me smile. They mothers are amazing, so sweet and showed me so much love. I was also super happy that the kids were happy to see me and gave me great big hugs. My little Barbara little ran across the road to give me a hug when she saw me.

Ruggiero turned 13! I was so happy to be celebrating with the whole family; cousins, grandparents – the full works. It was a lovely afternoon was lots of food. I literally ate so much. The cake was so good, I had to two slices Lool. After the birthday lunch, I was stuffed and had a nap once we got home. I was woken up 2 hours later to my little princess Barbara. Honestly, the sweetest, prettiest and funniest girl. Despite the language barrier, we had a lovely evening together and did a lot of laughing (and more eating).

My first night was actually the last night of summer in Zapponeta. The kids were going back to school the next, all the events that took place in the piazza were done – so they ended summer in a big way. There was a funfair which was SO MUCH FUN! Bumper cars is by far my favourite thing ever, it just made me laugh so much. Literally having Italian kids knocking into me left right and centre, the funniest was when I was the passenger and my brother in the driver’s seat. It was crazy – haha.

The concert was not really my kind of music, but it was still enjoyable and I loved seeing my parents really enjoying themselves. I am a huge fireworks fan and I am glad my first fireworks display of the year was that one. It was incredible.

First day back at school was a party. They had a fancy dress and a welcome into primary school for those in their first year. It was adorable, there was a proper ceremony and they Major of Zapponeta even gave them a welcome speech. The kids only have school from 9am to 12.15pm, so while they were at school I was with my Mama’s sister in the piazza. There was a wedding so we watched the Bride’s entrance along with others in the piazza which was beautiful.

Even though I was only in Zapponeta for a couple of days, I had the most amazing time and I am glad I got to see all the kids again.

I literally had the most amazing couple of days in Zapponeta and I wish I could have spent more time there with my family. I am so grateful and thankful to have been given a family that welcomed me into their home and treated me as one of their own. I genuinely love them all and they aren’t a host family to me. They are my family. And everyone I’ve have met in the town has welcomed with open arms. I definitely want to brush up on my Italian so that I can communicate better and without Google translate – haha.

I’ll definitely be back soon rather than later (: