What were you grateful for this week?This week I am grateful for many things. The first is that I have a host family that I am genuinely excited to come back too! Of course traveling is amazing, but there is nothing better than feeling at home in a new place.

What was the most challenging part of this week?The most challenging part in this week was saying no to getting the kids gelato, especially when I wanted one!

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I feel like I always have “wow” moments here! A great one this week however, was when the little girl came into my room, during my off time and wanted to play. I was just resting so I said of course. We played for awhile and it made my host mom really happy!

Tell us about your week! This week has been amazing! To start with this past weekend, I want to Naples and Castel Gandolfo! Naples was the chaotic mess that I always dreamt it to be. Castel Gandolfo on the other hand — wow. A beautiful, stunning, calm little town. S and I explored the town on a nice relaxing day trip. We have started to take day trips during the week and I’m so grateful for it. It’s amazing to be able to pay 4 euros, hop on a train and be somewhere else. I love Rome, I love the history, the food, the culture. Yet, the small towns really hold my heart.

I was supposed to go to Pisa as well this weekend, but my phone died and my alarm did not go off. I was very upset, especially since I paid for the ticket. However I took myself on a little date around Rome, something I do not do nearly enough. I’m glad I’ve gotten comfortable here, but I know I need to keep reminding myself that I can’t get too comfortable that I stop exploring! The kids and I had a lot of fun this week. We have been playing new games and making up new games as we go.

My favorite time with them is when I pick them up from school and they play with their friends at the playground. All the other kids love to talk to me and hear English, which is really special. I’m just so happy to be here!