What were you grateful for this week?This week, I am grateful for technology. I have only been Italy for a couple days now, and it has been a little difficult of an adjustment. Thankfully though, I have been able to talk to my family, friends, and other Rome Abroad Travelers. Talking with people from home, makes a world of difference in my day. If it wasn’t for technology, I wouldn’t be able to wish my mom happy mother’s day, or plan fun trips with the other local Au Pairs. Technology is a great tool, if we use it the right way. 

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?The most difficult and challenging part of this week has been learning all the new “instructions.” Each family has their own unique way of functioning in their home, and well this family functions completely different from mine in America. However, I’ve been learning and writing things down, so I can feel confident and apart of the family. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I feel like a had a “wow” moment, without even trying to have a “wow” moment. Yesterday was Mother’s Day and after dinner the mom and dad wanted to go out. So I babysat the kids last night and put them to bed. I didn’t feel like it was that big a favor, but my host mom came back that night full of graditude, and you could tell she felt relaxed again! 

Tell us about your week! Ciao from Caronno Pertsuella, Italy! I have been in Italy for 5 days now, and it has been a whole new experience. These last couple of days I was able to spend the whole day with the family, and really get to my know my host parents and the kids. I have learned bits and pieces of italian, and the little things that Italians do vs what Americans do. It has been interesting to live in this culture, and fully embrace it. I have spent a lot of time inside the house. Mainly because, there isn’t really anything to see in this town I live in. BUT today, I was able to go for a walk with the kid’s grandfather to pick them them up from school. It was great to walk around with a local Italian and see more of my surroundings. So far, I’ve really enjoyed spending one on one time with the kids. We have to do a lot of “speaking” through body language, but it totally works for us. I have also been surprised with myself at how much fun I have teaching English. I absolutely love teaching them a new word or sentence. I feel like I’m doing something important. I’m really excited to continue bonding with my host family, and to get out and explore the country of Italy!