Honorary Consul Visit: Fresno

Finally, after the crazy-making stacks of paperwork had finally been completed, we got to drive down to Fresno to submit the paperwork to an honorary consul. Fresno. I know. Luckily we had an early morning appointment in Fresno so we didn't bake to death in the heat....when we told the barista at the coffee shop that we visited that morning that we were from really northern California---where it was cooler---he said "Ohhhh, that's why you guys are so chill. Everyone here has been going crazy from the heat!" We definitely struggled to suppress a laugh with that one. Anyway, I have to admit that I was a teensy bit nervous going into the appointment---we had spent over a month getting ready, and I was really hoping that we had everything that we needed. Plus, the appointment was in one of those really fancy law offices, with gold vases and marble countertops and such...a little intimidating. So, it was much to our relief and surprise when the honorary consul stepped out of his office in shorts and bare feet, apologizing for his "casual Saturday" attire. The appointment went without a hitch, and I am proud to say that if everything goes well, the paperwork that we submitted should have already been mailed to the San Francisco Italian Consulate, and if my application is approved, my passport with an Italian visa should arrive back to me in several weeks! Every step that gets checked off of the list just gets me closer and closer to Italy, and I am getting more excited with every little milestone!

A Little More Info on My Host Family

Over the past few weeks I have been fortunate enough to get in contact with my host dad, Alessandro, via Facebook. I sent him a few photos of my life in Bayside, and to my excitement, he sent me some back. I've gotten a lot of questions about my host family, so I figured I'd share the photos here!

This is my whole host family. In the back are Alessandro and Ilaria, my host parents, and in the front on the left is my host sister Alice, and on the right is my host sister Clio. Clio will be going on exchange to Mexico next year, so unfortunately I will not get to know her very well.

My host parents!

This hilarious grumpy-looking cutie is named Meringa.

And I'm also excited to meet their dog Chanel! 

This will be my host school next year!

I'm ecstatic to finally get a glimpse into my life next year...in the less exciting paperwork realm of things, we are getting closer and closer to applying for my Visa.....the amount of paperwork and craziness since it's for a whole year, I'm a minor, and I'm not even going with my parents is crazy(our stack of completed paperwork at the moment is nearly 2 pounds), but I know that it will all be worth in in the end.
Arrivederci a tutti!
~Trula