What was your favorite part of this week?Rome has been incredible! I have been in awe at all the “must” see sites but my favorite part of the week was just “being” in Rome. The city has such a nightlife that is different than I have ever experienced. 

Residents and travelers sit on hours on end enjoying each other’s company. This is my favorite part because this is one of the many things I am going to try and do better in my own life. Work on just “being” with friends & family. 

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week? Traveling. Getting to Rome was very tiring and stressful at times! I wish I would have mapped out (terminal changes, print tickets, locate train stations, etc.) I went with the “wing” it method and it was very stressful! 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. (A “wow” moment is when you went the extra mile to do something nice for your host family.)[M] is the boy I’m an au pair for, and to break the ice I brought him a present of things he liked! I gave him the gift pretty soon after I arrived and he was so excited he had a huge smile on his face and gave me a hug. It was great way for us to get our friendship started!

Tell us about your week!The host family has been so welcoming and helpful! It has made the week go so much smoother and made it easier for me to adjust! Every day [M] and I play with blocks, minecraft card game, and flash cards. I have been so impressed with him because he is so sharp for an 8 year old. He loves to read and can read English very well. I have enjoyed getting to know him and the rest of his family! Traveling and seeing new places brings peace to my soul and Italy has been nothing short of amazing! In the first week I have spent majority of my time in Rome. In the center of Rome is where my host family lives. Because of the location, it is not far from any of the big sites! It has been so fun wandering the cobble stone streets and finding a gem on every corner! My 2 favorite things I have loved in Rome are Vatican City and Trevi fountain. Vatican City, more specifically the museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. I did a Rick Steves free audio tour and it was perfect! I didn’t look at every single thing but he pointed out the big stuff with great detail! My favorite part of was going to the top of the St. Peter’s Basilica. 

All I can say is, if you go to Rome and want a full view of the city make sure to stop there!

Visiting Trevi fountain was incredible! I walked from the host family’s house and was met with many surprising stops on the way! I wandered into shops, saw some ruins, and got some great pictures of empty alleys! When I got to Trevi fountain it was packed! But I just waited my turn to get the full experience and got to throw my coin in (with the right hand over the left shoulder, of course!). I went at night and it was breathtaking. The detail that went into creating it is unthinkable. I have absolutely loved my first week and Italy and can’t wait to see what next week has in store!