Apero

The school gym was decorated with oriental rugs, pillows and other accessories typical of the Middle East. The Mayor bedecked with a wide yellow and orange ribbon (of his office ) running from his left shoulder to his waist, greeted each person as they entered the gym for the annual village apero and update of activities. He spoke to the villagers about the accomplishments of 2007 and the plans for 2008.

Then all the youngsters of the village who had reached the age of 18 were presented certificates of maturity. Several children who had excelled at sports were recognized and the villagers gave the appropriate applause.

The apero this year was Lebanese dips, local wines and hot mint tea served in traditional glasses as people milled around chatting with neighbours that they hadn’t seen for a while although the noise level made repetition necessary.

Several of the neighbours had gone together, people who had lived in the community for a couple of decades or more. I was definitely the new kid on the block, but that's okay. Everyone is new at some point.