LUCKY ME

I’m already starting to feel the benefits of rubbing Colloeni’s goods. I don’t know if it’s going to help my polo game but it must have had something to do with how awesome last night was.
After training last night (7:45 to 9:45), I took my shower, changed into my layers, and headed over to the restaurant where I have dinner every night (pizza or pasta). Looking around I saw the normal crowd which I’ve gotten to know and said my customary “Ciao’s” (I always thought saying “Ciao” over here was like saying “aloha” in Hawaii; just trendy and done more for the image of the culture than actually a part of normal conversation. Wow was I wrong; they use it like it’s going out of style. When you come across a group of people it seems like u are supposed to give everyone a “ciao”, and when you leave you double it up with a “ciao ciao” kind of like our “bye-bye”). After setting my bag down I went over to talk with Sergio- who is THE MAN!
Sergio runs the restaurant that is located at the pool, he is also the acting head coach of our team. Sounds kind of random but our head coach is also a player so Sergio who has played and coached water polo for around 40 years is our figure on the bench. Although he never works with us at training he is heavily respected by the team and jumps right in there to give us extra guidance and coaching during the games. He knows his shit. His English is very good and I always enjoy our post practice chats. He found out my nickname, “Bus” and loves using it. “Hey Bus, how’s it going man?” My favorite words that he says is definitely, “Hey Bus, Have you ever tried …….? Here try some!” He is always having me taste different cheeses, meets or drinks. It’s obvious why he quickly rose to the top of my favorite people over here.
Tonight he had an extra little smirk in his smile. After getting some ice for my shoulder (which is sore but will be ready for season) he exited the kitchen carrying a plate and started smiling. He began singing “Happy Thanksgiving” to the melody of the Birthday Song as he brought out a hot plate of three large, beautifully cooked turkey legs! I started laughing; this was so thoughtful and amazing of him. I sat there with my team as they ate their pizzas and I had my Turkey (which is not common by any means) and we had a great Thanksgiving feast. It definitely made me realize that no matter how much I miss home and my family I know that they are going to take great care of me here. I am truly lucky and thankful to have such amazing people surround me during this experience abroad.

Bus #10