What were you grateful for this week?Being able to see friends from home!

What was the most challenging part of this week?The heat!!!!

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I helped teach my host son how to swim.

Tell us about your week! This week was a lot of fun! My host parents and family are just amazing. Earlier this week, my host son stayed home from school because he was just exhausted. (There’s a lot of end of school parties that he attended that just took it out of him.) During the afternoon, we decided to take a drive in the Tuscan country side so that my host son could take a nap. It was so beautiful to see the old buildings in the hills and to see some of the most beautiful vineyards I’ve ever seen. Later that night, my host parents took me to a wine tasting in the same area we went on our afternoon drive. It was small than most vineyards, but was it beautiful! The vineyard is organic and every grape is picked by hand. The owner has also developed ways to help the vines grow happier and healthier by using other parts of nature to encourage their growth. It was a beautiful evening followed by a great sunset dinner.This past weekend I was able to visit some friends in Florence doing a study abroad through our University. It was so great to see someone from home and to catch up on life together. The only downside of Florence was the HEAT. The first day I got there was 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I was able to find some shade in the most beautiful coffee shop I have seen! I loved Florence and I can’t wait to go back! But perhaps when it’s a lot cooler hahaha.