“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful; a meaningful friend -- or a meaningful day.”
They say that it is not so much the destination as the journey. Today we learned the true meaning of this statement as we prepared to venture for Lecce. This day’s journey started a little earlier than usual as we were planning to catch an 8:30 train. As we filed in for breakfast (some of us in more of a stupor than others) we were greeted by a long line of German tourists, all attempting comprehend the coffeemachine and, much more importantly, keeping us from our much needed caffeine fix. Also waiting for us, or not waiting for us, was a slightly under stocked breakfast bar. Shirley suggested that perhaps the red carpet that had been rolled out for our group was simply not being extended as far for our German guests. Despite these minor setbacks the idea of having a chance to get our ‘tourist’ on kept us cheery and ready to leave the building on time.
As our absentee team members rested the rest of us, yet again, made an attempt to understand and utilize the local train system. The first hurtle being figuring out where we needed to buy our tickets, which, fortunately, did not take unduly long with the assistance of the ever-friendly locals. With tickets in hand we waited with baited breadth to see to what degree today’s train would be visible. As it happened the issue was not of the train’s visibility but its purpose, as we soon found ourselves hurtling through the countryside trying to find a free compartment on a long distance train whilst being followed by a somewhat cross conductor who was most displeased to see our cheap regional train tickets. We managed to make it to Ostuni, where, with the help of Elio, we convinced a much more agreeable conductor that we would pay him the difference on the train. Walking through Lecce, was a wonderfully welcome break in the wake of what could have been a much more smooth journey. Elio gave us a tour around the city and the many twisted streets of old town, ending near the amphitheater and the statue of the St. Oronzo, the city’s patron saint. We dispersed from there, seeing whichever sights and shopping in whichever stores came our way. Jeff andMelanie visited a church their students had mentioned to them. Jake discovered a local market. Shirley and Michelle discovered rustica, a savory pastry which they were quick to introduce to Martha, R.C., and Philip as they passed by.
The afternoon was completely ours and we all spent it as such, whether inside or out enjoying the “light” afternoon breeze at the beach or the pool. After dinner Jeff, Melanie, Jake, Michelle, Valerie, Philip, and Shirley went to the elementary school to see the students sing in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. The students sang magnificently, persevering even through the strong winds and blown circuits. At the conclusion Global Volunteers, both present and otherwise, were thanked for their hard work and effort in helping the students, letting us know, without a doubt, how much we are appreciated and adding the perfect cap to a beautiful day.
- Philip
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