What were you grateful for this week?So many things! Being safe in Verona, meeting a new friend, listening to audiobooks while walking/biking around the city, feeling confident in directions around Milan, getting the SIM card to work, talking to friends and family on the phone, going to Primark and finding a swimsuit I needed for when the family goes to the beach — I’m just grateful to be alive and grateful to be here!

What was the most challenging part of this week?The 8-year-old boy can get very angry at me sometimes for little things, like throwing a ball incorrectly or not understanding what he’s trying to say. I want to help him manage his anger.

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.I told them about the Duolingo app and helped the little boy start learning Spanish on it.

Tell us about your week! I got to spend the weekend in the lovely city of Verona! I was grateful to be safe going there and back, and felt safe at my hostel and while traveling around the city. I loved seeing and going on Juliet’s balcony, as well as going to the city gardens, the Castelvecchio, and three cathedrals! I got a yummy fruit cup (which is a thing in Verona that everyone should start doing), chocolate-apricot gelato (so delicious!), and tortellini pasta. I also got to go to Primark, aka my favorite store in the world, which made me so happy! I got to meet A3 at Lake Como on Wednesday and see her again in Verona! This week was super chill as far as au pairing goes; we mostly sat around and did puzzles or the little boy played with his friends. 

I loved going to the Milan Monumental Cemetery; it was intriguing and gorgeous and spooky! I love hanging out at the park next to Sforzesco Castle on my afternoons off. I was feeling a little down on Thursday, but I am grateful that I can videochat with my friends and family back home to help put me in a better mood. I am learning how not to feel guilty about being alone/traveling alone, and how to just enjoy myself where I am. 

Verona: