Today, the kids started their first day of school. Most of the primary-aged kids in Italy now wear a grembiule to school, the traditional Italian school uniform. In blacks or blues or pinks, these uniforms fall to the knees, are puckered at the sleeves, and may have white lace around the collar. This morning, as we walked to school, I was very much reminded of Harry Potter, as all the kids looked like they were attending a wizard convention, flying along the cobbled streets of Mantova as their cotton and linen smocks floated behind them. My kids slipped theirs on before entering their school, and at that minute I wanted to hand them each a long wand and a magical jelly bean. Neither were nearby so kisses and well-wishes had to do.
Since it was a short day, we picked up the kids at 12:00. Michael, on his way to a lunch meeting for work, quickly ran to Nicholas' teacher [who speaks no English] to ask my list of questions. Michael came back, questions answered, and with a smile.
"She said he had a great day."
I felt my heart melt. At that moment, out popped by little blonde son, arm extended.
"I got bitten by a kid," he said and held up a red-marked forearm.
"I hope you hit him back," Michael said, shifting his work bag from one arm to another.
"Nooooo," I exclaimed, thinking about our school rules at home where even a fight of defense will get you sent home.
"Well, actually I did hit him, in the chest," said Nick, not more than a little proud.
"What did the teacher say?" I questioned, thinking that we were about to have a "sit down" with school officials.
"Nothing. The other kid got in trouble for starting the fight. But, I made a new friend, too. He's very nice."
The girls arrived soon after: Madeline hand-in-hand with a pretty brunette and Allie smiling as she walked near a girl from her class.
Everyone agreed it was a good day, that the school was lovely, that the teachers were kind, and that we would be OK here for the year.
Michael went to his work meeting, and I walked home with the four kids, handing them biscuits while the three tried to tell me about their day over the 12:00 pre-lunch din of motor-bikes and cars, listing all the events of the day with energy and happiness.
Could it be possible we have started life here, or something like it?
Bravo!!!!
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