Years ago, the counselor at my daughter’s school sent out an e-mail announcing a new and innovative Italian student exchange program. I didn’t think that my teenager would be interested since her priorities were primarily focused on friends and fun. However, when a second reminder e-mail arrived, I thought that I might mention it at dinner. To my surprise, my daughter was enchanted. We formally applied to be a host family, but without really knowing what to expect. "Carolina" arrived at our home and she was an exceptional young lady. Her English was fantastic, but she knew five other languages too. She acted grateful after each meal that I served to her, even though I’m not the greatest cook. We were extremely happy to share our country, taking her on trips to Disneyland and also to the new One World Trade Center in New York City. She was especially interested in this attraction as she showed me a 25-year-old photo of her parents when they were young, standing in this building that unfortunately no longer exists. We created many wonderful memories and had numerous meaningful conversations together. I am certain that I enjoyed Carolina’s exchange visit more than my daughter! Carolina and I have stayed in touch for all of these years. Recently, I found an Italian tour deal on the internet and thought that maybe we could see Carolina again. I emailed our international itinerary and she replied almost immediately that she would love to be reunited. Since she lives in the northern part of the country, it was most convenient for her to meet us in Venice. She told us that she would like to bring her mother along too. Imagine the euphoric thrill of seeing Carolina from a distance and then both running towards each other with all of our might to embrace with the biggest overdue hug. She was no longer a teenager, but now a young woman. She had changed physically, but her heart and warmth were still the same. We walked a short distance to an phenomenal restaurant located directly on the Grand Canal, overlooking the Rialto bridge. The food served was delectable and the conversation was even more inspirational as I learned how Carolina will probably change the world someday with her brilliance. We presented Carolina with several presents from the states that I knew she would love. In fact, as I was cleaning out my attic before our trip, I found an old framed picture of the New York skyline complete with the Twin Towers. I can’t even remember how or where I received it. It must have been up there for years, forgotten. However, it brought me right back to the old photo that Carolina had showed me so long ago, of her parents when they were young. I instantly made the connection that since her mother would also be meeting us for dinner, she might like to have the picture. We lugged that over-sized irritation on four different airplanes as a carry-on. Inconvenient as it was, it was well worth the aggravation to have seen Carolina’s mother react to this gift. Although we do not speak Italian, complimentary body language is understood in every culture. It was only the first day of our European excursion and I strongly felt that the grand finale was at the very beginning. Carolina and her mother also gifted us with a silver coffee pot, complete with some aromatic Italian "Joe" and matching espresso cups. I love it and use daily with such admiration. Both the hot steam from the liquid and the warmth of this memory makes any terrible day that I may have, go elsewhere. Currently, northern Italy is in a crisis with the corona virus. Carolina corresponded with us this week to inform us that she is in a “red zone,” and a curfew has been instituted. Classes at her university are cancelled, which is disappointing, since she is so close to graduating. I worry so much for the welfare of my former exchange student. My solace now is a simple cup of espresso and the wonderful memories, both past and present, that a familiar connection in a foreign land can bring.