What were you grateful for this week?I am grateful for hidden gems I have explored that I never would have, if not through this program!

What was the most challenging part of this week?I am getting frustrated with not knowing everything that is going on around me because of the language barrier. I am excited to get back to familiarity!

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.

[My host family’s son] was asking about different languages I know so I taught him words in Spanish and American Sign Language!

Tell us about your week!I had the best weekend! We went to Lake Como on Saturday and was able to walk around eating gelato and taking in the sights! The mountains surrounding the lake were a bit misty so it looked so much like a painting! Some strangers offered to take a picture of P and me and we realized that for the whole time we have been here, this is our first picture together! 

Saturday night we stayed with P’s host family in Gallarate where they were having a dinner party that spontaneously turned into a dance party! We taught them American line dancing and new songs like the Cupid Shuffle and Cha Cha slide. I think nights like these will be the ones I remember the most!

Even though Lake Como was beautiful, I would pick Lake Maggiore over Como everyday. In Stresa, the town on Lake Maggiore, there were little islands with castle ruins on it. From were we were, we could see Switzerland! Instead of taking a boat out on the lake, we decided to take a cable car up to the top of the peak near us. Although it was a bit expensive, it was so worth it! After two cars up and a ski lift, we made it up to a 360 view which was gorgeous! I had a nice Sound of Music moment on the mountain top. The cool weather up there was a nice break from the coming heat. 

I have never heard of Lake Maggiore and I don’t think I would have ever gone if I was just on vacation in Italy. It is so cool to experience the culture firsthand and see what the locals love!