Natale!

Christmas in Italy was very different than how we have it back at home in Australia.

 At home it is usually hot, and we eat lunch outside under the shade umbrella. We eat baked ham, about fifteen different salads and a special Christmas ice cream for dessert. Natale was different. We ate inside, having the yummiest risotto and fish for lunch. Natale really started for me the night before, when we attended midnight mass at Padova's fabulous 700 year old cathedral. We went because the spectacle was so interesting to see, rather than for any sort of religious reason. There were hundreds of people there, all to see the Catholic ceremony. After the ceremony we went back to Giulia's house, where I opened a very special present that Mum hid in Melissa's suitcase for me. It remains the only time Mum has been able to surprise me! Christmas morning, Giulia's Papa took me for a bike ride around Padova, showing me all his favourite places. Then came lunch and a trip into town to meet up with some friends. It was certainly an unusual Christmas with me but one I will never forget!