What were you grateful for this week?The beautiful italian beaches. 

What was the most challenging part of this week?Adjusting to summer schedules. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I was able to take my host brother to the beach!

Tell us about your week! This week was my host brothers first week of summer break. It was strange to adjust to a new schedule as now my host brother had more free time. It was rather difficult to be able to find activities to keep us busy for such a long period of time throughout 5 days a week. We were able to manage and we survived our first week of his summer break.

I was also very lucky to meet a couple of au pairs in my city which helped me feel less lonely. I went out for aperativos with the girls and we were able to make friends with the waiters at the restaurant. A huge thunderstorm hit Ravenna which felt AMAZING. I had never seen so much rain in my life and I could not keep my excitement in. The next couple of days the Italian heat calmed down which was amazing as the days were cooler.

On Thursday night my host family took me out to dinner on the beach. The evening and the view were both beautiful and the food was delicious. I had an incredible evening with my host family as they have become very much like a real family to me. Throughout the night I was genuinely greatful to have such an amazing family to live with during my time here. They always encourage me to break out of my comfort zone and try new things. 

My host parents this week encouraged me to go to the beach clubs this weekend as they were celebrating Notte Rosa in Ravenna. Notte Rossa was a giant festival in which everyone dresses up in all pink. Thanks to my host parents I got enough courage to go out with some of the girls and celebrate the weekend of Notte Rosa like a true Italian: sunbathing, eating endless amounts of pasta, and trying every flavor of gelato imagineable.