What were you grateful for this week?
This week I am grateful for kind strangers in France who were so willing and able to help me out. 

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week? 
The most challenging part of this week is adjusting to the time difference and figuring out transportation. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. 
On Sunday my host family took me to their country home. [My host family’s daughter’s] uncle lived in the home next to theirs and I was able to help the uncle prepare dinner, set up the table and clean up afterwards. My host family was able to relax and enjoy their weekend. 

Tell us about your week! 
Before I arrived to Italy, I was able to stay in Paris for two nights. I stayed in a hostel and was able to meet different people from around the world. I only had one day to visit Paris, so I did as much as I could. I visited the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and several other amazing art pieces. I walked to the Eiffel Tower and then to the Arc de Triomphe. Towards the end of the day I sat along the Seine River and watched the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower. I walked 15 miles that day and was exhausted, but it was completely worth it. 

After Paris I traveled to Canale and met my host family. The first thing I noticed when I landed was how beautiful the Alps looked in Italy! 

 

The host family is great and made me feel very welcome in their home. [My host family’s daughter] is so cute and was extremely excited to meet me. I spent the weekend at my host family’s country home which is surrounded by nature and vineyards. One of their neighbors gave me a tour of the Wineries and Vineyards. 

On Sunday we had dinner outside near the vineyards and I had my first real Italian dinner. I also learned how to roast chestnuts over a fire, which was a really cool experience. So far it has been great and I am excited for the weeks to come.