Daniele Dattilo’s return to the ICBIE couldn’t have been more triumphant. Continuing the long succession of teachers from the American Overseas School of Rome (with Rosa, Michelle and Louise) who have come as volunteer English teachers, Daniele first taught at the ICBIE in 2007, and he was eager to repeat the experience. His decision to come this year was a spur of the moment whim, and Marcella and Meg did a great job in hastily recruiting students for his two classes in Beginning and Intermediate English.
This year it was hard to decide who was more enthusiastic, Daniele or his students. Already knowing the ropes, Daniele fell right into his lessons, which met three times a week for the entire month of July, but he also used his free time to explore all the beaches and attractions in Salvador and its environs, avidly absorbing both Bahian culture and sunshine. His students responded to his zeal, passionately delving into their studies, aided by Daniele’s great teaching techniques. A highlight was his lesson that was built on a real English tea-time (I would say Tea Party, but that has an ominous ring these days!), where he served tea and crumpets that he brought with him from Europe. He also profited from the wonderful teaching materials that were sent to us by Miriam Murphy, for her ill-fated visit last year. (She dislocated her hip just before she was supposed to leave Rome, and had to cancel everything.) We send her best wishes, thank her for her material support and hope she will be able to make the trip as soon as possible.
Daniele just left, climbing on his plane to Rome, and we all miss him already. Grazie mille e arrivederci!
