Introduction

The Flight

Hello Everyone!

Well, after months and months of waiting, getting things approved, packing, and saying goodbye to all of my family and friends, I am finally in Italy. However, the trip here was not as pleasant as I would have liked. The flight was very long and was full of turbulence. As a result, I got motion sickness and passed out about 25 minutes from the airport. I immediately felt better and was able to get off the plane and collect my baggage without a problem. Then, I met my site director (Monica) and the rest of the API crew (API= Academic Programs International). We all put our stuff on a large bus and began the 1 hour drive to Roma. My first step off the bus in Roma was immediately followed by vomiting in the street in front of my hotel. Not Fun!

Rome

For the next two days, I was unable to eat and drink anything other than bread and water, which is a total disgrace in Italy. However, God is great and I was feeling well enough to participate in all of the outings. We saw so many awesome things in Rome! We went to the Colosseo, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican museum, and St. Peter's Basilica Our hotel was gorgeous and I made some great friends. There are only four API Tuscania students: Me, Katie, Maggie, and Melissa. They are all awesome girls and we have had so much fun together already. On Wednesday, we finally made our trek to Tuscania (pronounced- tus-con-ya): our new home. It was the first day that I felt 100% since my arrival, and it could not have come at a better time.


Tuscania (Tus-con-ya)

Well, my new home is absolutely the most beautiful place that I have ever been. Not only are the views breathtaking, but the architecture is so "authentically Italian". I feel like I'm in a movie all the time. The first stop off the bus was my house: the home of Maria Carla and Dominico. They are absolutely wonderful people who spoil me rotten. Maria does my laundry, cooks dinner, and buys me anything that I ask her about. Also, she doesn't let me clean up anything. When I asked her if I could help she told me, "No, I'm your mama". I eventually told her (in really poor Italian), "Maria, if I eat, I help". She chuckled and sheepishly said, "OK". The only difficult thing about living there is that they speak no (very little) English. However, my Italian is improving quickly. I have learned a lot already-- mostly vocabulary-- so I probably sound like a 2 year old most of the time, but it gets my point across. They are so sweet and I could not have asked for better people.