Week in Bardonecchia (4/11-17/1979)

Wednesday, April 11, 1979
In the morning I drove Patri to her house in Mathi to pick up a few things for the week in Bardonecchia. We took the Fiat 126 (652cc engine) of the karate instructor/driver/guard, Angelo. You turned the ignition on with the key and started the engine with a lever on the floor. We also bought gas for him.

That afternoon, the family from Roma arrived: mother Marlene, who is American, and two kids, Luca and Victoria, both bilingual. We left for Bardonecchia in two cars after a stop in Nole. Signora B took the Range Rover with the three B and two "Roman" kids, Patri, and cousin Gianni. Marlene drove the Alfetta with me, Zia/Aunt Carla, cousin Maria Teresa, and a grandmother. We drove via the Autostrada. Zia/Aunt Carla and Maria Teresa were dropped off at their apartment, then grandmother at hers with Gianni, Albi, and Artu. The rest at the B's apartment.

Thursday, April 12, 1979
Everyone went up the mountain where Luca expected to ski, but his bindings weren't adjusted. I didn't expect to ski every day, so went up to keep Patrizia company. Just sat in the sun with Marlene and her kids. Didn't get home until late for therapy.

Friday, April 13, 1979
I decided to stay at the apartment to take a shower and write letters. At noon, the father of the Roman family arrived but he went to join the family on the mountain. Apparently Gian Luca V was in a movie filmed in Roma, but he says he spoke English. The family spends summers in Great Neck, Long Island. Found out my bindings were not properly adjusted, so I will not ski this weekend. Since the fathers arrived that day, I was sent to Zia Carla's to sleep there.

Saturday, April 14, 1979
Woke up to find Zia Carla had guests - a couple with three kids, but we had a comfortable breakfast. Spent the day at the B apartment where I helped Patrizia clean. We went out twice for ice cream. That evening I took Gianni home and had a pleasant little visit with grandmother and the other Zia Carla. Saw kids open up huge chocolate eggs with a small surprise (toy car, small doll) inside. Then went to "my" Zia Carla's, and was invited to the discotheque with Maria Teresa. A bigger place, part of a hotel, with many light displays including a strobe light and mirrored globe. Danced a little with Maria Teresa. One guy asked me twice to slow dance, but I definitely did not like the looks of him!

Easter Sunday, April 15, 1979
Went to morning Mass at a tiny church that was crowded. Afterwards was invited to lunch with Zia Carla, etc., but first went shopping with them. Ate a pleasant meal with all. Had rabbit! Later took a walk while they napped. Watched the Navetta (a train that ferries/shuttles cars to France) loading. Then went to the movies to see "Superman." Bought a second-class ticket which meant I sat in the forward rows. Had to crane my neck up to see the screen. Theater full of noisy kids shushing each other. Didn't totally understand the dubbed Italian, but understood the movie.

Movie ticket

Afterwards met the families and was invited to dinner. Here it was just like home with nine people around the table, and I was included in the conversation. Played a marble game with them before bed.

Monday, April 16, 1979
Since Elena had therapy Saturday, this was my day off with nothing to do, because no skis, no money, and no camera. First went to the B's apartment to borrow a book in English from Marlene, "Salem's Lot." Took a walk, watched the Navetta, and bought some crackers. Found a seat in a park and read the book while taking in some sun. Heard lots of French spoken that day. When it rained a little, I took refuge in a church.

Tuesday, April 17, 1979
I mailed letters myself for the first time! 970 lire ($1.20) per letter! Gave Elena therapy and after lunch we kids went out for ice cream at the railroad station. Then headed home to Torino.

Wednesday, April 18, 1979
Walked to Grosso with Luca. First went to the post office to mail a letter, much less expensive at 470 lire (59 cents). Then bought Luca ice cream and paid for a pinball game. A gypsy boy asked for money. On the way home Luca threw stones at hens, pulled out roadside markers, broke glass bottles, etc. I was rescued by driver Angelo, and Elena, who stopped to pick us up.

I have new neighbors: two goats and a pig. Also egg-laying hens.

Angelo, the driver who is also a karate instructor, and the only hired help who can speak any English, seems to be the assigned driver for the children.