What were you grateful for this week?Wine and new experiences. 

What was the most challenging part of this week?Transportation. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I researched a fun way to help my boys learn English, which ended up being a very fun game. 

Tell us about your week!  This week was so special to me because of how much quality time I spent with my family, and also their extended family. It has been so sweet to come here and join a family like this, even for just a short period of time, and soak up the warmth and happiness they all share together. There was one night that we all went out for dinner and it was so much fun; from us making all efforts to translate components on the menu from Italian to English, to savoring the amazing flavors of the food, and then learning and experiencing the cultural differences — it was a jovial night. I also enjoyed meeting some students from a Gastronomy University that’s near my host family’s home in Bra. The girls I met were so sweet and invited me to some events for the students at the university and their friends. We’re planning on getting together for caffé and croissants later this week! This weekend was amazing for so many reasons. Going to a Carnival in Venice with my travel buddy, F, and her cousin was such an incredible time! Being able to experience this huge event and be apart of it is something that I will never forget. We traveled throughout the city and ate incredible food and wine. The atmosphere of carnival was contagious and the elaborate masks and costumes were unique. 

Overall, Venice was absolutely beautiful and intriguing. All of these moments will forever be treasured memories to me.