Finally something explained!

I have now been in class for a month and a half and struggling to understand which preposition to use when. Professors will admit it is difficult, but then will express that it is difficult in English also. Yes we all agree, it is difficult so how about explain the why of which preposition you use. Last month we were just memorizing things like you go in pizzeria, but (to) al bar or (to) al ristorante. So when left to my own devices, I make up goofy reasons like the pizzerias are usually walk up and take away, so you go in them, but restaurants you sit down so you go to them.
Finally today one of our teachers, who is becoming one of my favorite, explains that you must say in pizzeria or in discoteca because it is not a specific pizzeria or discoteca. So if you are going to Pizzeria Etrusca, then you go (to) alla pizzeria etrusca. There are still many unanswered questions, but at least one thing can begin to make sense. As she explained this, the question that ran through my head was how is it that the 5 other teachers I have had could not give this simple explanation? So I have a feeling there will be a lot of these moments...finally I get something! It seems these teachers that make class fun and explain things better, enjoy teaching us foreigners. It is amazing how a teacher's attitude can make all the difference.
One of my previous classmates that is in another class this month agreed with me that he missed our grammar teacher from A1. She laughed with us, got to know us and enjoyed teaching us. She made you want to learn and not afraid to ask questions. It is not until you have a bad teacher that you realize the need to appreciate the good ones.
So take heart all of you who are teachers, even though you may not hear the appreciation often, you are remembered and much appreciated maybe even years later!
Below are two pictures of some of the students from my one month March Class. They were a great group of people!