What were you grateful for this week? 
I am most grateful for making it to Italy safe, and having an amazing first week here so far.

What was the most challenging part of this week?
Both of the kids I am taking care of do not speak English at all, so I would say the language barrier.

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. 
My “wow” moment may have been getting gifts for the kids. It turned out they really love Legos, so I’m glad my gift was spot on with their interests. 

Tell us about your week!
I feel like I’ve done so much in just one week. The first day I met up with another Traveler and we explored Rome together. We had the best pasta and gelato! A couple of days after, we went to the host family’s father’s house in Tuscany. It turns out they live in a castle. And, it is just so magnificent here.

The kids and I have swam, played tennis, rode bikes, and played Twister. Also, it turns out they enjoy watching Hotel Transylvania 3 — even in English. I also taught the kids how to play Marco-Polo in the pool.

My host family is so welcoming, and have made me feel comfortable. I’ve had a wonderful time getting to know them and their family history. They took me out to dinner, and we had the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. I feel like Italians eat so healthy — I’m not sure if I will like American food when I get back! 

This first weekend that I had off, I went to Siena by myself. I visited the Piazza Del Campo and had lunch there. I then went to the Libreria, Cripta, Battistero, Museo and then lastly, Oratorio. I even went to the museum of torture, yikes! It’s as creepy as it sounds, but nonetheless educating.