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Medford students return from trip to Alba, Italy By DAMIAN MANN For three weeks, 25 exchange students from North and South Medford high schools got more than just a taste of Italy � they feasted on its culture. "If you�ve never seen Italy, it�s everything you imagined," said Holly Lilly, an 18-year-old student at North Medford High School . The students stayed in Alba, Medford�s sister city, where they spent time with a host family, learning the Italian culture and � they hoped � clearing up a few misconceptions about Americans. This quaint town, about two hours from Milan in the northern part of the country, is situated in a valley of hazelnut trees and vineyards, with Genoa to the north and Turin to the south. Alba, with a climate similar to Medford�s, is also near the French border, the Mediterranean and the French Alps. Lilly, who just returned to Medford with the other students Thursday night, traveled to Europe last year, but that journey paled in comparison to her adventures in Alba. "You get the most amazing experiences you�ve ever had when you are immersed in a culture," she reflected. Almost every morning, Lilly and the other students would go to school with children from their host families, but after a couple of classes they would end up taking field trips or just leisurely taking in the town, stopping at cafes or strolling past shops. Often they would go to wineries, historic sites or even factories. "You could tell how proud the people were of their products," Lilly said. Andy Klein Hesseling, 18, had never been to Europe before. "If I had a choice, I would have stayed longer. I was just starting to feel comfortable." This senior at South Medford said the Italian students he met had many misconceptions about Americans. They thought all Americans drank Coke and ate a big breakfast, for example. Hesseling was even offered cereal with coffee and milk, something his Italian host family didn�t mind eating. But when it came to health, Italians are certainly eccentric by American standards. "If they take a shower, they won�t go outside until they blow-dry their hair because they think they�ll get a cold. They wear more coats or wear scarves when they get sick. If they have just eaten, they think you can�t take a shower or you�ll get ill," Hesseling said. One student took a shower after she had snacked on some gelato � a popular treat among the students. "The host family was so worried that she would get sick or die," he said. Despite these peculiarities, Hesseling said he saw fewer Italians who were overweight compared to Americans. "They tend not to snack as much between meals," he said. One of his strongest memories was the Italians� passion for cars. "One time when we were driving in the country visiting a winery, there was a guy driving a Ferrari while watching Ferrari racing on TV." North Medford student Erin Startsley, 18, said she found the hills and countryside somewhat similar to Medford�s. Alba is particularly proud of its sister city relationship to Medford, Startsley said. "They have a Medford square and a whole room dedicated to Medford at the city hall." What was her most memorable experience? "I really just like the culture in general," said Startsley. "Seriously, it is the most friendly culture ever. They talk to you, they give you things and they like to share." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.