Christmas of 2009 was particularly important for Arianna Gallicchio, a former foreign exchange student from Milan, Italy. Two years ago, Arianna became a part of the family of Bob and Carla Gardner, whom hosted her throughout her six-month stay in Fulton, N.Y. During this time, she discovered the American way of life and formed several intimate friendships along the way.
Two years later, Arianna returned to reunite with her host family and friends in the United States. After arriving in mid-December, she began celebrating the Christmas holiday. Driving through Lights on the Lake, encountering Dickens Christmas characters in Skaneateles, making gingerbread houses, Christmas shopping, holiday parties, ice-skating in Clinton Square, and getting together with friends were all included in Arianna’s visit. When asked about her favorite part of the visit, Arianna stated, “I’d have to say Christmas Eve was the best.†The Gardner family gathered with relatives and friends to celebrate the evening. Arianna has truly come to love America, and she really enjoyed her Christmas visit.
After ringing in the new year with her previous host family, Arianna headed back to Milan on January 2nd. Although her American family and friends will miss her, she promises to revisit the states in the future.
