"Speaking" Italian!

Fortunately some group members were set up to live with preexisting italian students in their apartment. Upon arrival, two italian boys from Nick's apartment were there with a helping hand from the get-go. Internet problems? No problem, Nico can speak broken English and help! Door opening issues? Do not fret, Maurizio can help out. These two italian boys have been lending us a hand from the star...people in both apartment buildings! So anyway, Maurizio offered to cook dinner for a few of us last night and it was a meal and a half! First of all, Jordan and myself have been attempting to cook pasta in our room since we've arrived, but we have had multiple issues with olive oils and correctly tasting sauces. So, when Maurizio offered, we were thrilled! (Not only did he offer, he WANTED to cook for us!)
We arrived and the table was set really nice and they gave us a warm italian greeting. They told us to sit down (we offered to help but they refused and refused!) They gave us small pizzas that they made for an appetizer as we sat and waited. Then came the spaghetti with great tasting pasta sauce! It was such a treat to eat a good plate of pasta since being in italy! Then Maurizio gave us potatoes AND italian sausage...it was amazing! Not to mention, we were not allowed to refuse food. They put food on the table, and we had to take some of whatever it was! (Italian personality!) Another italian personality we experienced was that every time a new food item came to the table, we had to use new plates....I said, "No! It is more cleaning work you have to do, I can keep the same plate!" They refused like no other! Maurizio pointed to something in the other direction (gullible me looked) and he took my plate away and put a fresh one in front of me! Such gentlemen they are! Anyway... after dinner (and a finally stuffed feeling in our stomachs from good italian food) we sat and chatted. We showed them what we are learning in italian class an they helped us with homework...and more! They taught us some tricks, words, gestures, and even italian games. It was so amazing to learn so much and be in the presence of italian kids our age.
Then...italians cannot forget about dessert! They brought out some soft, creamy, rich gelato ice cream....offering strawberry, vanilla, and tirmasu. Jordan and I got tirmasu and Nick got strawberry mixed with vanilla. It was the topping on the cake of a great dinner. Amazing is an understatement when describing italian ice cream/ gelato. It does not even compare to the ice cream in America! We joked saying that our spoons get bent when attempting to eat ice cream from a container at home, while here, it is so soft and creamy!
Finally, once dinner was finished, we sat and talked and joked for a few hours! We arrived around 8pm for dinner and did not even leave until after 12am! We compared cultures and just enjoyed each others company. I enjoyed the italian culture of enjoying themselves taking their time and eating and enjoying the experience. They also would not let us help with cleaning! They are so hospitable! Having Nick be paired with those guys has been a blessing. Next time we told them that we are going to cook them eggs and sausage for breakfast because that is something they find repulsive! We are excited to show them an American treat! We will let you know how it goes!
~Gwen