Parent Update - David and Leanne Rowbotham

Thu 12 Mar 2009

Alexandria Rowbotham, from Burpengary QLD, is currently on a year program to Italy. Her parents sent us this update to let us know how well Alex had settled in Italy with her new host family upon arrival in Turin.

The students had their long but uneventful, 3-legged journey to Italy, and it seems they were all good friends by the time they arrived. Alex and William sat together on the Singapore-Paris flight, probably because they were the same age. They were all a little lost at the aiport in Paris, probably because they were splitting up at this point, and needed to rush to make their flights. The twins hadn't really said goodbye to each other, so Alex said she encouraged them to have a moment together before boarding and going their separate ways. This journey will be a larger-than-normal life-changing experience for them, being twins, no doubt.

Upon arrival at the airport Luisa (Alex's host Mum) let her use her mobile to send us a text. I was quite relieved to know she had reached her destination. There was trouble with the suitcase, which turned up some time after they had arrived at home. From Alex's account (we received a long, chatty email this morning) the three Aussie students arriving in Turin were warmly met and greeted in true Italian style with all the kissing. How lovely!

Anyway, lots of welcoming, and flowers even, for our little traveler from her host Dad, Maurizio, who is currently working in Germany. By all accounts, the host family has genuinely welcomed Alex and she says that her family and Turin are both 'lovely'.

She said she slept well the first night, and has been eating ever since! Latte and biscuits for breakfast, and minestrone soup, for starters at lunchtime. She is trying out her barely-there Italian, but they all speak very good English apparently, except perhaps for Luisa. Alex thinks she will probably learn more Italian at school so that's fine too. She is happily sharing a room with her host sister, Giorgia, something she has not done for many years but it will be a good experience for her. She is pretty adaptable in her ways fortunately!

Overall, Alex seems to be having a wonderful introduction to her new home and family as far as we can tell. I have such good feelings about this family, and have thanked them profusely for their generosity. I believe they are good people, they must be to open their hearts and home to this little Aussie girl.

Thank you for all you have done to get Alex to Italy. I truly believe, despite all the tears and sadness at saying good bye, that this will truly be a wonderful experience for Alex, and we are so happy she has been afforded this fantastic opportunity to develop her outlook of and appreciation for humanity.

Once again, our thanks to you. Grazie mille!”

David and Leanne Rowbotham