Chinese New Year

I went to my friend Mandy's host family's house. Along with almost all the rest of us in Intercultura, with the exception of Gabriela's host brother, Gianluca. I had a great time. Walter (Hong Kong) played the piano with great skill and I learned how to make chinese dumplings, which were very tasty by the way. Stine (Norway) brought a norweign dish which is toast, with butter, scrambled eggs, and a large piece of raw smoked salmon. I was hesitant to try it at first, but it was actually really good.
It was just a relaxing time to talk and laugh and goof around.

Then it got a little complicated. Because it was a Sunday and I needed to be home by 10. But Mandy lives a 30 minute train-ride outside of Milano. So, it was about 9 and Gianluca left to take Kalee(American) home, because she lived the farthest and had to be home first, and then he would come back to take me. However, on the way back, he got lost and ended up arriving back to take me home at 10. I called my host mother Flavia at 9 30 to tell her I would be late and that I was very sorry about that fact, but I would be home as soon as possible. I had told her at earlier at 8 that Gianluca said he would be giving me a ride home instead of me having to take the train. So, when I call Flavia to tell her I'll be late, I also said that it was because I was waiting for Gianluca to return. Then she flipped. She said that I had told her that Gianluca's parents were taking me home. Not him. And that AFS banned me from accepting a ride from someone less than 21. But 18 is the driving age. And I explained that I didn't know of this rule and that it doesn't make sence if he has a legal licence. And all hell broke loose as she continued to yell at me over the phone until Gianluca did finally arrive. I arrived back home at 10 30. The next morning my family says they have to ground me because I didn't follow AFS rules. Ugh...
So, two days later I call AFS and ask about the rule. It does not exsist. As long as the driver is 18 or older, it's fine.
I tell my host family this. They beleive whoever I asked at AFS doesnt know the rules properly. Are you kidding me?
AFS calls my house.
My grounding is reduced to one week instead of four.

My Italians....