What was your favorite part of this week?

My favorite part of this week was definitely that first trip into Rome. It was not at all what I was expecting, but that’s almost what made it so amazing. When I left, I just wanted to go back. It’s very addicting. Especially at night around all the lights.

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?The most difficult was definitely when my phone decided to quit on me. M3 and I were in Rome, taking the last train home. We accidentally got off at the wrong stop. We had no way to get in touch with my host mom and we were stranded in an unknown area very late at night. I had to go two days without a phone and speak to an apple representative that knew very little english.

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.I always try my best to help with the dishes, set the tables, clean up after the meals.

Tell us about your week!Being in Italy has been a world change to say the least. There are amazing moments, but also moments where I realize just how different things are here. My host family has been absolutely wonderful at making me feel at home. I’ve met so many people in a week it’s almost a little too hard to keep track of. Everyone is always very excited to meet me and speak with me about what it’s like at home. Learning is easy, trying to speak the words leaves me a bit tongue tied at times. There are words I hear all day that I don’t think will ever leave my brain and others that float away with a purpose. 

The adjustment is still in progress, but there are simple things that I’m getting used to as the days go by. My host family has a friend that makes 100% vegan gelato. It was the best, most out-of-place thing that I’ve had here. I spend most of my days by the pool that my host family has in their backyard. It’s so hot I can feel my face melt. It’s also a fun and easy way to spend the day. I’ve tried to use it as a way to teach words to [S, the host family’s daughter]. So far, she’s enjoying it. At least I’d like to think so. I don’t know if I’ll ever truly get used to the feeling that I’m actually here.