What were you grateful for this week?Friendly flight attendants and a welcoming host family.

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?Fighting jetlag and trying to communicate with others with very little Italian.

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I brought my host family some gifts from America — a print of a beehive for my host parents so they’ll remember their visitor from Utah, and a lego set for my host brother, who likes to build things.

Tell us about your week! This week I traveled from Utah to Milan, and it was the longest flight plan I’ve ever had. Two layovers in Los Angeles and Paris almost put me over the edge, since it was about 30 hours between waking up in my house in Salt Lake City and going to bed in my new apartment in Milan. I was more tired than I think I’ve ever been, but I’m reminding myself that in a few days, I’ll feel as good as new! Hopefully I can stay awake until then.I arrived in Milan on Sunday and met my host family at the airport. We drove back to the city, and we had dinner together for the first time. They had ordered pizza on focaccia bread, and while they were explaining this wasn’t exactly “traditional,” I told them about Chicago-style deep dish pizza, and then our meal seemed pretty mainstream. 

On Monday, I began school. The teachers speak only Italian, so it’s been difficult to understand what they’re teaching us, but I’m realizing I know a lot more Spanish than I thought I did, since I keep reverting back to it on accident! I also found out I’m pretty decent at reading Italian. The speaking not so much, but I’ll get better eventually. After school, I went with my host parents to take my host brother to basketball practice. It was cute to see so many little Italian kids wearing US jerseys. Tell Stephen Curry and the Boston Celtics they have a few fans over here in Milan.I also braved the Italian post office and the metro office in order to buy health insurance and a travel card. I’ve had lots of people be frustrated with me for not speaking any Italian, but I’ve tried to remind myself not to take it personally and try to ask for things in broken Italian where I can. In a few months, I should be able to communicate much more clearly, so I’ll keep that as a goal.I knew this experience was going to be hard for me, but I’m looking forward to the months ahead! I can’t wait to get out and explore the city. I’m sure next week’s post will have better stories and even better pictures.