What were you grateful for this week?My host family being so welcoming. 

What was the most challenging part of this week?Just figuring out the new dynamic living with strangers! 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I have only been with them for a few days, so not a ton of experiences, but I try to clean up dinner, etc. and help keep things tidy. 

Tell us about your week! I’ve been in love with Italy the second I got here last Friday! My host family is the best of the best, so kind and so welcoming. 

They picked my cousin A4 and me up from the airport and took us home and welcomed us with the neighbors and pizza and it was a perfect first night in Italy. We laughed and had such a good time, such kind, nice, warm people. 

Saturday we dropped A4 off at the airport and me and my family went to lunch at a local place, I got to try some traditional appetizers and some pasta, it was very good! It’s been good food so far! We got my first gelato and that was amazing. So tasty and creamy, yum! We went home and I took a nap and then we went to one of their friends homes for dinner. I got to try lots of interesting things for dinner, and I had a lot of fun just sitting listening to them speak Italian and just go about their normal lives. So fun. 

Sunday, I slept in and then went to the pool with [my host family’s son], and then he wanted me to go with him to a birthday party. J, my neighbor’s Traveler [from Rome Abroad] was there so we hung out and it was a nice afternoon. We had some food and I went home! Gallarate is beautiful, with beautiful people! I’m learning and experiencing so many interesting things, I love it.