What were you grateful for this week?Tender little mercies. 

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week? Trying to remain present. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I’m not sure there was anything :/ this week I will try harder. 

Tell us about your week! What a week it has been. I woke up Monday morning to some very heartbreaking news from home that has affected me throughout the week. It has been so hard, truthfully. I am trying my best to remain present in this beautiful place with this amazing family, but at times I feel as though I look completely glazed over. However I’ve experienced some really sweet times this week that have lifted me up enough to get through it. The girls seem very comfortable with me in the sense that I don’t think they see me as their “ta-ta” anymore. It’s understandable that in the first month or so the kids feel like they are my job and am just watching over their shoulder constantly. This has been my experience in the past as an au pair. Although now I’ve gained their trust and they see I’m just there to be their friend, older sister and somebody to laugh with. I’ve felt that a lot this week, and that has often brought a smile to my face. In other news I was able to go to Naples for the weekend. It was really what I needed to process the week and have some time to just take care of myself. I really enjoyed Naples! It’s dirty, chaotic, [or]…as pretty, but in this there is so much life. My host family warned me before going to take extra care of my things and myself because it can be a dangerous place. I’m happy to report nothing happened to me. I stayed in a small bed and breakfast. It was a family business and they were so down to earth and welcoming. They greeted me by name from the start to end. My last day they invited me to eat lunch with them. It was nothing short of delicious! One of the best dishes I’ve had while being here in Italy. If I ever am in Naples again, I will be sure to be back here. 

I was able to see a lot! I walked the main streets and ate more than enough pizza—one of which was from a restaurant that has ranked 3rd best in Italy! One of my favorite visits was to the Madre modern art museum. There was a lot of interesting pieces, and a great collection of art inspired by the Pompeii ruins. It’s amazing what people create with their imagination. Another highlight was walking along the bay during sunset, with the view of old town lights behind me. It really is an authentic place. I’m really happy I went. I’m now back in Circeo. I’m looking forward to the weeks ahead when we will go back to Rome. I’m ready to be in that city again. I’m most looking forward to this weekend. I’m going to Lake Como with a dear friend of mine from Germany. I’m so excited to see him and be amongst gorgeous villas, mountains and of course the water. Send hope, love and prayers to me this week <3 ciao.