What were you grateful for this week?Being able to swim in water!

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?Trying to get [my host family’s son] to speak to me.

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.Bought some of their breakfast cookies for the kids.

Tell us about your week! This week was normal and routine with the kids. It was a holiday on Wednesday though so the kids didn’t have school and my host parents didn’t have work. M, J, and I all had the day off as well so we headed to Arona for a day of sunbathing and swimming. Like I said it was a holiday in Italy so there were cute pop up shops and food tents along the shoreline of the lake. We found a great place to catch some rays and even swam around in the chilly water. Many looked at us like we were crazy for jumping in but it was nothing compared to Bear Lake/Bloomington in early summer.

This weekend we went to Lake Garda and even stopped in Verona for a few hours. Our hostel near the lake was perfect! It had everything we needed and even gave us a great deal on the amusement park Gardaland (the Italian version of Disneyland). We spent all Sunday at the park riding some great rides and walking until our feet felt like they were going to fall off. The night was topped off with some DANK sushi!!!!!

I went on a run along the lakeside Monday morning and it was breath taking. The clouds and giant mountains looked like they were painted against the blue clear water. Luckily Monday was also a holiday so we had an extra day to tan and catch a train to Verona to see the beautiful arena. 

Italy never fails to surprise me with its beauty. I don’t know how I’m ever going to leave….