Ciao!

As you all know, I am in Italy right now. Pretty crazy, huh? I never thought this time would come…but it did, and now I am here. The Internet is not easily accessible over here, but I am trying my best to post as often as I can.

I arrived in Rome over a week ago. It was a very big shock. I have never been out of the country before. We arrived at the Hotel Pacific early on September 5^th and we have been very busy ever since.

 The first four days that I was here I saw: The Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo statues, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the catacombs, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Forum, many Baroque Churches, Herculaneum and Pompeii. WOW... It was a lot to see in four days. I never thought in a million years I would be traveling through Europe. It is very surreal to actually be here.

The Trevi Fountain

After Pompeii we arrived in a small beach town called Minori. It is very beautiful. The bus ride here was a little rough, and I almost lost my lunch…but I made it!! One of the days we hopped on a ferry and traveled to the neighbor town of Amalfi. It was breath taking. Houses are all along the coastline and lemon groves are all over the place.

The Amalfi Coastline

This is a giant lemon that I found in Amalfi. They are all over the place.

Jumping into the Mediterranean Sea.

I am now in Siena. I arrived yesterday. I am experiencing some culture shock right now, but I think it will get better. Last night I had dinner with my host family. They do not speak one word of english. We just smiled and said si. I think I will learn a lot of Italian this way.

I can’t wait to see what else is in store for me this semester. I am slowly adjusting because I miss home very much, but thanks everyone for your support!!