Remembering our hosts at Armeno
Today is October 10. It is almost one month we left Armeno. But the
memories still cherish our every day life and feel nostalgic about the environment at
Casa dei Padri. This article I would like to dedicate to Peter, the Mayor of
Armeno and Ms. Elisa, our host at Casa dei Padri.
Peter
A very interesting person with full of energy. His presence creates
a positive energy in the group although he speaks more in Italian and less in
English. HE cared me very much from beginning, picked me from Arona, driven by
himself, and showed us even the room at the Guest house. He again dropped me at
Arona while I left to Rome, and then again picked me up from Arona. The day I
came to know that he is the Mayor of the city I was really shocked. I asked
many people is the fact correct. Every one said yes. I couldn’t imagine such a
situation in a country like India. Even Shree from Sri Lanka told the same
thing. He always used to motivate every one by individually asking about how
everyone is feeling in the guest house. He also said. You are the best. Only
best people are here.” For my visa even, Peter sent his own identity card.
Peter had shown great interest in the wellbeing of every single
participant and he actively participated even in some of the sessions. On one
day he read out a message of the local community of the municipality welcoming
the summer school participants to Armeno.
From his gestures and actions we can easily make out how keen he is
towards education, promotion of the place as a major tourist attractions. On
one of the interactions Shree offered him that he will make a web site free of
cost if Peter can give the content. I also offered Peter that I will do something
for the promotion of the site as we were indebted to Mr. Peter and his
hospitality.
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| Welcome Message by Peter, the Mayor of Armeno |
Ms. Elisa
The full name of Elisa is Elisa Christina. She was one of the person
whom I was contacting regularly for my visa and other
information related to booking my train tickets for gong Rome. When I reached
Casa dei Padri at Armeno, Peter introduced me to Ms. Elisa, rather she directed
us to the rooms. As expected, she was very kind and always replied our queries
with a wonderful smile.
Ms. Elisa took participants to the concert held at the local church.
She also organised a farm dinner and visit to the local museum nearby. She could
also manage visit to the nearby food museum where a demonstration of Italian cooking
was done in presence of the renowned Chef Alfredo. On a fine evening we were
also taken to the nearby mountain called Muttarona a skiing point for many
tourists during winter.
I was amazed to see her energy levels and positive attitude to work. She always made sure that our
stay enjoyable and comfortable at Armeno. In an interaction Ms. Elisa told me that she
completed her Post Graduation from Milan and they are manufacturing some parts
of Bentley Car. She visited Turkey and some other countries in Europe. I order to live a peaceful place she finally chose Armeno to to settle as it is a very calm and quiet place. She coordinates the activities in Casa dei Padri.
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| Leading with a smile |
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| Peter, (white shirt) and Summer school Participants in Farm dinner |
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| 8th September evening -The final bye to all participants |
