What were you grateful for this week?
Everything that has happened in the last three months. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity and this wonderful experience. 

 

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?
Having to say goodbye to everyone. I didn’t think I would get to meet so many people on this journey, but I did, and saying goodbye was extremely hard. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.
I decided to spend my last weekend in Europe with my host family instead of traveling somewhere else. 

Tell us about your week! 
Wow. I honestly don’t know where to begin. But for my last week in Italy, I spent a lot of time with my family. Wednesday was my last time going to [my host family’s daughter’s] school. The students made me a card, Thursday was my last class and I said goodbye to all of my classmates. 

 

Later on that night I went to a little Christmas Party with some of my peers and it was a really good way to spend my last time with them. 

 

On Friday, my host family had some friends over for dinner. I baked and decorated some cookies and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy them.

On Sunday the family and I went to look at some Presepi, which are Italian Nativity Scenes. The nativity scenes are very elaborate and fun to look at. After the Presepi we went to [my host family’s daughter’s] aunt’s restaurant to have lunch. We had a full course meal that was soooo delicious. I have been here for three months and I still can’t get used to the full course meals. It was great to spend time with the entire family and say goodbye. I spent the rest of Sunday and Monday with my host family. We all enjoyed the last of each other’s company. 

It made me so sad because [my host family’s daughter] kept asking why I had to leave. It was so cute, I will miss her and her happy little family. I feel like I really lucked out with my family and wouldn’t have wanted anyone else. Although this was goodbye, I definitely feel like I will be seeing them again. I don’t think that me leaving has hit me quite yet. I really can’t put into words how grateful I am for everything and my experience here in Italy. I have learned so much about Italy, traveling, and even myself. I feel like I can’t say how thankful I am enough. Thank you so so much Rome Abroad for this opportunity. Ti Amo Italia, arrivederci!!