Busy, busy, busy

Though we’re only five days into the summer programme, our students have already shared some wonderful experiences.

We ran afternoon classes on Friday and Saturday, so that our students and teachers had time in the morning to rest after the long flight. Friday was interesting for our students, as we celebrated Canada Day – in Italy. Later that afternoon, we went to the beach in nearby Fossacesia to catch some sun and swim in the Adriatic.

Saturday was a busier day. After school, we visited an agriturismo, La Massaria di Sarchiappone, just outside of Lanciano. Agriturismi can be found all throughout Italy. They are small working farms, usually family-run, that have been restored to offer services similar to a B&B. To be recognized as an agriturismo, the majority of the farm’s income must come from agriculture and the food served must either be from the farm, or grown locally. Sarchiappone also runs as an Educational Farm, allowing school groups to visit and learn about local agriculture.

One of the owners, Nicola, took us on a tour of the property. We learned about the family’s farming techniques, which had been passed down through the generations.

He also told us about what it was like for his grandparents during WWII, when buildings on the farm had been taken over by the Germans and used to store ammunition. He then took the group into the woods, to show us the cave his grandparents dug out, to hide the family during bombing raids.

Afterward, we were treated to a lovely tasting of cheese, prosciutto, bread, and olive oil – all made on the farm.

We then had an exciting evening, as Italy was playing Germany in the Euro Cup. The piazza was filled with supporters to watch the game on the big screen. It was an exciting game that led to a shootout, but unfortunately, Italy lost. Still, what an experience!