Wednesday Afternoon

We enjoyed ourselves emensely at Elena's School. We had lunch with the students (pasta, veal and peas) and got to spend some time talking with some of her colleagues. The two classes went well (see previous post) aand we had lots of fun with the high school students. We also read "Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by Mo Willems. The kids really loved saying NO int he right places, and telling me he should NOT drive the bus, especially in Italy! We talked about the book, and I left the next 5 versions for them to use with Elana in upcoming weeks, and I had brought some temporary tattoos of Pigeon that I had gotten at NCTE. All but one of the high school students wanted me to put one on them. It was really fun! I can't find the photo on the iPhone or iPad, so they are on the camera, which right now I cannot get onto the blog... Technology!!! I'm too old for all these changes! (Ok, not really!).

The students in the second class really liked singing Head and Shoulders... and when I said the first class had sung it better, the competition kicked in! They sang it louder and faster, and we all laughed! When we were getting ready to leave, some of the students broke into a rendition of something that's  to the tune of "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain" (which seems appropriate in a town that is in the ALPS!

Grazie Tanti, Elena for a lovely visit to your school. I think next time we need to spend more time with you there!

We then boarded a bus to take to the small town of Cogne, which is north of Aosta, for a visit in the Alps, at Grand Paradiso Park. It was the first National Park in Italy. We stopped at the Roman aqueduct, Pont D'Ael, and Augustan Bridge, which is more than 2000 years old. The arch crosses the Grand Eyvia Torrent. They have built a walking path inside it, which has a glass floor, so you can see all the way to the bottom. It is a bit frightful, and I videoed my way across, behind Schuyler. She did great, and coaching her through took MY mind off how weird it felt. There are beautiful waterfalls and streams.

Again, my Aosta Angel, Elena, found this as a point of interest and she recommended I make the arrangements for the bus to take us there on our visit to Cogne.

We arrived at the park after seeing many waterfalls, high snow capped peaks, and steep drops off the side of the road... It was amazing scenery, and we were so amazed to see the hight, the size of the rocks, and the many streams coming down from the spring melt.

We arrived at Congne, at the Bellevue Hotel, which is something out of a Hollywood movie. The setting is at the valley where two huge mountains meet, with a white mountain in the background behind them. We walked for a while, but the photos I took are... Yep, ON MY CAMERA. 

We met Elena's Cousin, Laura, at the hotel, which she runs. We had tea, coffee, and the most chochlatey hot cocoa I have ever had. Laura served us a delicious torte and cakes in front of a roaring fire. She was wearing an Alpine dress, and spoke perfect English. She studies in Oregon for a year when she was in high school, and then spent a year in a Swiss school learning how to manage a hotel. It is an elegant place, built in the early 1920s, and caters to the wealthy. The town has decided not to become a tourist place, and treasures the business they get from skiers in winter and hikers in spring, summer, and fall, but does not want to become a commercial center. 

She was absolutely gracious, and what a view we enjoyed as we chatted. She had to leave for an accordion lesson, and one of the staff gave us a tour of the spa, pools, lounge, told us about the milk, wine, or hay saunas they offer, and showed us several of the guest rooms. Elena's dad's cousin, (Laura's father) has hand selected every decoration, antiques, and piece of furniture used throughout. It was like a dream... Yes... I would be happy to work there to enjoy such beauty!

Photos to come when we get back home!

We returned to Aosta to a dinner at the Crazy Cow, which was just beyond our hotel parking lot, with Elena. We have spent lots of time together, and she has been such an asset to our time here. We have a new friend and will miss not seeing her for a while! We enjoyed (ok, not everyone) some local dishes, especially with Fontina cheese and local mushrooms. 

It was another enchanted day. 

Tomorrow we leave for Venice. Thank you, dear Elena. Your research into Valdosta, Georgia made our paths cross, and I will always be grateful. Will definitely stay in touch with you. Grazie!

We were unable to make a connection with the new mayor, who was only sworn in last week. He wants to meet us next time, so I left the Valdosta banner with Elena to guarantee a VSU return to Aosta!