Birthdays

Hey everyone!

So, today is my 17th birthday. I figured for this blog, I would write about how Italians celebrate birthdays.

Parties: Last night, I had a party with about 20 friends. We went to what can be considered a "bar." How it works, is you pay 7 euros for a drink and unlimited food. There are a ton of little appetizers, but you can eat as many plates as you want. The food is absolutely delicious! We spent most of the time talking and taking pictures. I even opened a couple presents that they got me <3
Italians usually celebrate birthday parties at these things called an "aperitivo" or they go to the disco. I chose having this party because I wanted to bond and talk with all my friends. That is quite hard to do at the disco.

Friends/School: In Italy, they believe it is major bad luck to say "happy birthday" before the actual birthday. My friends were a little iffy about me having the party the day before, but I really had no other choice because I'm going to be in Rome next week. So anyway, at school, the whole class chips in 1 or 2 euros and someone buys a gift and they all sign a card. I was given a really cute shirt from my class and then my other friends (from athletics) gave me a necklace, shirt, and bracelet. From my old host family, I was given a really pretty heart-shaped necklace. 
Also, the day-of or day after your birthday, you are supposed to bring in goodies for the class. Today, I am going to the grocery store to buy some chips, soda, and other snacks for my class to enjoy tomorrow. 

Family: Unfortunately, today my family and I aren't going to do anything. It is POURING rain. However, they got me some really nice little gifts. My host mom got me some stuff for my nails and my host dad surprised me with a bouquet of flowers. It was super sweet :) I think that for dinner tonight, my old host family is coming over to my new house to have dinner, but I'm still not entirely sure. 

Anyway, I had a really great 17th birthday and I'm so glad I got to celebrate it with my friends and family in Italy <3

 My flowers <3

 My flowers are sooo pretty :D

 My birthday party <3

 Me and the boys :P

:)

Thanks for reading!
~Shelby Janae