From "THE TRIBUNE"

Meeting new friends today is easier than ever, through new computer technology which brings people who are thousands of miles apart closer together.
Last week, Shanna Kelly, 19, a second year photography student at the Halifax Campus College, was visited by Luca Palmieri, a 19 years old computer science student from Rome, she met three months ago via their computers, which are hooked up to the Internet.
The internet links computer owners around the world.
Kelly and Palmieri corresponded by computer for three months before the visit, and have become fast friends.
They met through what is called a chat-site, which is used for international converation.
Kelly has several friends she met electronically, but Palmieri's visit came about through good luck, and coincidence.
"We'd been talking back and forth for several months, basically because he was planning to visit a friend in Toronto and wanted more information about this country."
"He told me he enjoyed talking with me, and wanted to say hello while he was in Canada", she said.
"I enjoy learning new things about people from different countries, so when he said he was coming to Canada I invited him to stay here in Charlo for a few days."
Palmieri said that although he has only been here once, he is impressed by Canadians and the many things this country has to offer.
"Canada is a beautiful country. It's everything that Shanna said it would be." he said.
"We learn many things about Canada in school, but it is better to see it in person."
Palmieri says Canada offers a lot ot European travellers because of its different cultures, and its respect for people of different nationalities.
"When people from my country say they are moving to America, they joke they will become American. When Italians move to Canada, they know in their heart they will be of both countries." he said.
"There are more than 60 million people in our small country, but here in Canada you have less people and it is so big. There's a lot to see and do here." he said.
The Italian teenager has been able to enjoy the Maritime experience, including shopping, horseback riding, sight-seeing on the Chaleur Phantom.
"One of the things I enjoy about Canada is the First Nation culture. I paid a visit to the Listuguj reserve, something I found very interesting."
"In Italy, we do not have a group we recognize as our founding people. All over Europe. North American First Nation culture is looked upon with great respect." he said.
Kelly said she has learned a lot from her visitor as well.
"Italy is so different from Canada, but we have a lot of things in common. Some of the traditions are different, but from what I have seen people of our age group enjoy the same types of music, entertainment and food."
Palmieri said he is a big fan of all sorts of music, but he really enjoys a popular Canadin recording artist.
"Alanis Morrisette is big all over the world right now, including Italy. I really enjoy her musical style. I also listen to a lot o Irish bands, such as The Cranberries and Enya as well as American bands such as Collective Soul."
"It's a kind of strange for me here because most of the music I like is enjoyed by many people here. It shows it's a small world." he said.
Palmieri will be returning to Italy soon, but siad intends to keep in touch with Kelly.
"The Internet allows so many opportunities like this to meet people, to make friends." Kelly said. "It's not that hard to do, and it's at a cost a lot of people can afford."

info@lucapalmieri.it

INDIETRO