“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.“ Do you know who said that? Winnie the Pooh. I love this quote. So simple, yet so touching. I originally started writing this article in Czech, but I just couldn’t find the right words to express myself. It seemed easier in English. So here I am. It’s been quite some time since I last checked in on my blog, but I am back. Feeling a little sentimental and grateful. If you’re not in the mood for that… well, there’s the door. Just kidding… You’ll love it. 😀
There are many things that I am leaving behind, but since this is my travel blog, I will stick to that topic. Those who know me personally or follow my Instagram may know that there was someone who came into my life last summer and made it even more joyful and colorful. No, not a guy. Hah. Not really… I am talking about my Italian family, who I actually met in Prague but spent my summer time with in Antagnod, Italy.
Three little bichos came into my life and introduced me to the crazy life of Italians living in Prague. Marta, Phillipo and Bianca. The main characters of this story.
Last summer, I had decided I was done with au pair experiences. I´d had great time with past host families and felt ready to try something new. However, destiny had its own plan and I ended up scrolling through the app again, looking for a new family to spend my summer with. It was already the end of May, and I did´t think I would find anyone that late. But a profile popped up in my messages saying that I seem to be a perfect match for their family and that they would love for me to come to Italy with them in August.
After a video call and a personal meeting in Prague, the decision was made. They were so sweet, so cheerful and full of love. So there I was, taking a flight directly from my Paris trip to Milan. I traveled by bus to Turin, where the family picked me up. Six of us headed to the north to the mountains with the whole family singing, talking, and laughing. They made me feel like I was a part of their family right away.
I was exploring the local culture in a small village in the mountains. Walking through the meadows and hills every day while listening to the cow bells. The parents I stayed with were also on a vacation. From time to time, the father had to travel to Milan to check on a project, but most days we all spent together – going on trips, walks, family gatherings, and visiting friends.
You might be wondering why I was there at all. Why did they need me while they were on a vacation? Well, after this summer, I can tell you that three small kids can be a bit challenging. I was there to give the parents a bit of a break. I took the kids to the park, to the library. I played board games with them or just told them stories and fairy tales.
Every day, we gathered on their porch for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, sharing meals and life stories.
Once a week, I had a day off. I usually took my book and sat down in the meadow, just living in the moment. One day, I went on a wonderful hike to Monte Zerbion. It was breathtaking, literally. The weather was flawless. I reached the top, red as a sunburnt tomato, and looked out across the valleys. Later, I realized that I had also seen the one and only Mont Blanc. When I returned home, a tiramisu Pippo had made was waiting for me. Perfect, right?
I taught the kids some basic Czech phrases since they live in Prague. Phrases like „Ty jsi krásná a šikovná.“ (You are beautiful and talented), „Můžu jít na tvůj záchod? “ (Can I use your toilet?). When they asked me what my favorite Czech song was, I could only think of the song „Máme rádi víno‘.“ The translation is „We like wine.“ My czech fellows know how the song continues. Yeah. In fact, that was the first phrase they learned. Imagine 6 year old Biancini singing it out loud. What can I say, they just seemed to love this phrase and I don´t think they will ever forget it.
On the other hand, I began to understand Italian a bit. Thanks to my Spanish and French, it wasn’t too difficult. But it still made happy. I was also learning Italian on Duolingo so I knew some basics. The funny moment came when I realized I could respond easily to people speaking Italian because I understood what they were saying. Occasionally, I´d overhear conversations about me. Nothing bad. Just like a regular discussion. However, no one knew that I could understand. I felt a bit like a spy. But what can you do? I couldn’t just go there and say, ‚Sorry, but I understand Italian when you speak at a normal pace, so maybe you should avoid talking about me when I am nearby.‘
I wasn’t the only one who was interested in learning Italian. The kids loved completing my daily challenges on Duolingo and begged me to let them play. Even now when I babysit them, they ask me to play „my game“. Italian kids learning Italian on Duolingo. 😀 To be fair, they never went to an Italian school. In Prague, they attend the French lycée where they all learn Czech, English and French of course. Jealous? Me too. Imagine being able to speak so many languages at this young age. Impressive. I am always thinking about what they will be like when they grow up. What will they do? How many languages will they be able to speak? Where will they live? Will they remember me?
Now I have the chance to see them every week, for which I am super grateful. They are my angels. Whenever I am picking them up at school, Bianca runs up to me and hugs me with a huge smile on her face. Sometimes asking if I missed her. Phippo is constantly asking me, ‚Jak se máš?‘ and then giggling. Marta awaits me at their door, eager to hug me and tell me how much she loves my outfit. They are truly amazing. And not just them.
I am thankful for the entire family. They have been a huge support. Always generous, asking about me and my family. They actually helped me with my bachelor thesis while I was working on my practical part. They basically saved me. 😀 It’s as if I’m their cousin or older sister. They also visited my hometown and met my parents. The other day the host dad told me that I am like a daughter to them. I am going to miss them very much.
In Antagnod, I was living my vacation fairy tale in the mountains, with gelato, prosciutto, formaggio, wine, polenta, and all the delicious snacks. But here in Prague, I am sharing my real life with them. And that makes it even more special. They are now a part of my life, and I know that somehow it will always stay like this.
BON VOYAGE 