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2009/2010 Activities Enjoy these photos from activities held during the 2009-2010 Benvenuto Club year. (Click on photos to see larger version.) Trip to Tuscany It took two whole years to arrange, but it was totally worth the wait. The Washington Frua, Navigli and Buonarroti zones spent a spectacular day in Tuscany. It began with a stop in Pontremoli, where an archeologist gave us a private tour of the "statue stele," the evocative prehistoric carvings on display at Pignaro Castle. Next stop was the Agriturismo Ca' del Bosco outside Mulazzo in Massa Carrara. Owner and club member Mirta Fedespina welcomed us to her peaceful paradise with a feast that included delicious “testaroli al pesto” and fresh-off-the-vine merlot grapes. Her Mom baked delicious desserts and her Dad took us on a tour of the 400-year-old fieldstone farmhouse. We felt like part of the family.
Discovering Milan: a sightseeing walk A new activity started by Maria Tieghi, “Discovering Milano, a sightseeing walk in Milan” led to a new Walk and Talk Group, which meets twice a month. The idea is to not always walk in the same place but to discover different parts of Milan: streets and parks and squares, with members from every part of Milan, who show hidden gardens, courtyards, shops and interesting buildings.
Trip to Sirmione In late September we visited Sirmione, the pearl of Lake Garda, known for its gentle climate, thermal waters and spectacular scenery. It has been a resort since Roman times. Its sites span two thousand years of history, starting with the villa traditionally attributed to the family of Gaius Valerius Catullus, whose insightful, funny and sexy poetry greatly influenced classical giants like Ovid, Horace and Virgil. The town's fairy-tale entrance is through the 13th century Scaliger Castle. Today modern shops, including craftworks, line the charming streets. We had time to stroll and visit the attractions. At the Hotel Ideal we were served an excellent lunch, and were granted access to its lakefront gardens and small private beach.
Castagnata On October 24 we had a Chestnut Party at the Residenza Cascina Biblioteca, one of our charities. There was a beautiful park where children could play football, pony ride, and play many exciting games. There was lots of vin brule, roasted chestnuts, soft drinks, cookies, cakes and sandwiches.
Thai Cooking Lesson Over the past decade with the move towards healthier eating, Thai food has become popular all over the world. We had a special occasion to see and learn how to prepare Thai salad (Som Tam), Pineapple Rice and dessert, in addition to enjoying eating them afterwards!
Diwali Festival Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is
celebrated for five continuous days, where the third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or 'Festival of
lights'. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light
up diyas and candles all around their houses. It is an occasion to be together with family and friends, exchange gifts and eat delicious food.
AIM Thanksgiving Dinner Thanksgiving is a bit of an obsession for AIM Board Members. We toil and labour for months to try and ensure it is a success: we strive to create a great event where a good time is had by all and where we also raise money for the Benvenuto charities. On Sunday November 22nd at the Gallia Hotel we had a fantastic evening of good company, good food, wonderful raffle prizes, dancing and helping others... We were there with smiles on our faces and our glad rags on to celebrate our favourite holiday of the year!
OA Christmas Brunch In December we had a Christmas Brunch instead of our usual monthly meeting. This was a special occasion to be together with friends (we extended our invitations to everyone in the Benvenuto Club to come join the Orientals Abroad group).
Secrets of Old Milan Walk A visit organized together with Orientals Abroad. We were lucky to have exceptional guides: our members Giuliana Anni and Maria Tieghi who guided us on this visit. Thank you Giuliana and Maria for accompanying us to discover unbelievable artistic spots in the center of Milan. Those who joined us realized that the City of Milan is different from the one they have known for years!
Dinner Dance Diamonds? Dining? Dancing? There's no doubt that our BIG evening event for February was
our Dazzling Diamond Dinner Dance. During this gala event guests enjoyed
a welcome cocktail, three-course meal and live entertainment and dancing at the
five-star Melia Hotel.
Fashion Show This year we again had the opportunity to view a beautiful spring summer fashion show. We chose a designer/tailor shop which has ready to wear and “made to order” clothing which is elegant, affordable and easy to wear for all occasions. The clothes were from “Pezze & Spilli” which is in Via Meina, 4 (Tel. 02/6706481). On Tuesday March 10th we showed 30-35 ensembles with some of the Benvenuto ladies as models. The make up was done again by Clinique. Of course there was suitable accompanying music too, for this very female experience!
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