What were you grateful for this week?
Everything that has happened in the last three months. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity and this wonderful experience.
What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?
Having to say goodbye to everyone. I didn’t think I would get to meet so many people on this journey, but I did, and saying goodbye was extremely hard.
Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.
I decided to spend my last weekend in Europe with my host family instead of traveling somewhere else.
Tell us about your week!
Wow. I honestly don’t know where to begin. But for my last week in Italy, I spent a lot of time with my family. Wednesday was my last time going to [my host family’s daughter’s] school. The students made me a card, Thursday was my last class and I said goodbye to all of my classmates.
Later on that night I went to a little Christmas Party with some of my peers and it was a really good way to spend my last time with them.
On Friday, my host family had some friends over for dinner. I baked and decorated some cookies and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy them.
On Sunday the family and I went to look at some Presepi, which are Italian Nativity Scenes. The nativity scenes are very elaborate and fun to look at. After the Presepi we went to [my host family’s daughter’s] aunt’s restaurant to have lunch. We had a full course meal that was soooo delicious. I have been here for three months and I still can’t get used to the full course meals. It was great to spend time with the entire family and say goodbye. I spent the rest of Sunday and Monday with my host family. We all enjoyed the last of each other’s company.
It made me so sad because [my host family’s daughter] kept asking why I had to leave. It was so cute, I will miss her and her happy little family. I feel like I really lucked out with my family and wouldn’t have wanted anyone else. Although this was goodbye, I definitely feel like I will be seeing them again. I don’t think that me leaving has hit me quite yet. I really can’t put into words how grateful I am for everything and my experience here in Italy. I have learned so much about Italy, traveling, and even myself. I feel like I can’t say how thankful I am enough. Thank you so so much Rome Abroad for this opportunity. Ti Amo Italia, arrivederci!!
Part of the Rome Abroad team helping young women live and work abroad as au pairs since 2015.
