Bend Belluno Sister Cities Cultural Exchange

BEN ARRIVATA DI EVENTI SCAMBI METTE IN EVIDENZA CONTATTO

Ursula's Month in Bend
Hi, my name is Ursula, I'm 20 years old and I'm from Belluno, Italy. Belluno and Bend, Oregon are sister cities and because of it I had the opportunity to spend five weeks in the United States. I have been hosted by a great family composed by Steve and Julie Sloop and Josie. They have been very friendly with me, like all the people I've met.

During these weeks I've volunteered at the public swimming pool Juniper Swim & Fitness Center thanks of the aquatics coordinator Rob Shatting. He gave me the opportunity to help Bob Bruce coaching his swimming and water polo groups, and Ann Stay with kids swimming lessons. I've really enjoyed it.

I also had the chance to meet a lot of people who was interested in knowing me. All very kind persons who let me visit beautiful places in Bend such Smith Rock, Metolius River, Sisters..even Crater Lake. Thanks also to Steve Mann and Deborah MacWilliams who have been very nice (I had fun also helping them working in their factory).

With my surprise many people I met were somehow related with Italy and all of them wanted to meet me and know everything about Belluno. Most of them could contact me.

Last but not least thanks to Kit and Sandi Carmiencke who were very kind to me and were available for me anytime.

I've seriously spent these five weeks perfectly, and I'm so happy!

I think it's important for the Sister-City program to have the opportunity to make this kind of exchange, because in this way either Belluno and Bend can get closer to each other.

Hopefully I will visit Bend another time because it's a beautiful city with wonderful people.