DAY 2

Day 2:

Linda and I enjoyed meeting study group delegates in the breakfast room of the hotel. A few of us decided to attend 9:00 am mass at the Basilica di San Prospero. When communion was given, Linda (who is Catholic) told me that I could accept the Priest’s blessing as a non-Catholic and to cross my hands over my chest and bow my head when I approached him. He would understand (supposedly) by this sign to give a blessing but not the host. This didn’t actually happen – thanks to Linda. The priest gave me a look of surprise and utter confusion. He obviously didn’t know what this sign meant – perhaps only Canadian Catholic priests do!!

The study group delegates met at the Astoria Hotel for an orientation meeting and lunch. What a treat – fresh pasta with cream and cheese sauces and hazelnut torte. We enjoyed time to mingle with and to meet our colleagues from across North America, Germany and Japan. Canadian delegates meet for small group discussions and we shared our background, questions and focus of interest for the coming week.
Carolyn
An organization called, ‘Friends of Reggio Children’ and 2 local high schools organized a ‘walking tour’ of the city for all of us. Students from the high school were our tour guides and provided us with a brief history of the city and pointed out some main features. We began in the theatre Ariosto. The curtain in this theatre was designed and created by children in one of the Reggio schools.

We visited the ‘Duomo’ church and our guides gave us the information on the lovely frescos. We saw various government buildings and the Jewish Ghetto. Although it was raining, the walking tour was a wonderful way to introduce us to the city and the rich history that exists here. At times, our Italian guides would deviate and begin to speak of which restaurants are the best and what wine we should drink with our meals!
Linda