What were you grateful for this week? 
Efficient European train systems. 

What was the most challenging part of this week?
Caring for a child who didn’t know any English other than “what is your name.”

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. 
This Saturday I helped out my host mother by watching the kids in addition to her colleague’s son. He didnt know any English and I know enough Italian to barely get by. It was tough getting past the language barrier to attend to his needs. Somehow we pulled through and it was cool to see how much can be communicated without words at all. It also challenged me to use any and all Italian I have learned to speak to try and help him out. 

Tell us about your week! 
The week went by routinely as usual. However, one morning I did take time to wander freely. In travel and in life, our days can become overwhelming with excessive planning. It’s important to dedicate some days to spontaneous exploration. I wandered into one of the cathedrals in the Trastevere area. I reflected on the miraculous art I’ve been able to see in these past few months. I still struggle to take in the immense beauty each turn around the corner has to offer. The dedication to detail is quite moving.

My host mother had a colleague stay with us for a work event they were hosting during the weekend. It was nice to have more people in the house and observe the warm dialogue between everyone. Italian culture has very much grown on me. I especially love how every friend is greeted with such warm affection.

This Sunday I was thankful to get out with some friends and take a train to Tivoli to visit Villa Gregoriana. I really do love the train system here, it’s easily navigable and so convienent. We hiked through the villa and it was a great nature cleanse. The waterfalls were amazing and it felt just like home.