What were you grateful for this week?This week I am grateful I was able to make it to Castagneto Carducci to meet my host family and it went smoothly. They have been very nice and helpful.

What was the most challenging part of this week?The most challenging thing has been communicating because I don’t know hardly any Italian and they know some English. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.I always try and help clean the table after meals as much as possible even if the mom won’t let me do the dishes. She likes to do things herself but I still ask if I can help. 

Tell us about your week!My family was very welcoming and they have definitely done so much to help me feel comfortable here. I enjoyed riding an electric bike around the towns here my second day with my family. I got to see more of where it is that I’ll be staying. I learned that Italians know singers and movies that are popular in England more than anything only popular in the states. G, the 19 year old, listens to Billie Eillish and watches stranger things and Gossip Girl. L, the 14 year old, likes to play Futbol and is always riding off on his motorcycle.

When I gave my family the picture book of the red rocks they recognized that it looked like a western movie. They know about John Wayne and old western movies which I was surprised by. I thought it was funny that they told me that Italians’ hearts break when they hear about Americans putting pineapple on their pizza. They also were relieved that the first thing I think about when I hear the word Italy is food and not the Mafia.

I’m excited for the coming week and I feel like I am making some progress with my Italian. I can say, “nice to meet you in Italian”. I know hot and cold, thanks and you’re welcome, and men and women. It’s only been a little less than a week but I am already loving Italy.