Coming on this program has been the best, hardest, most challenging thing that I have ever done! I have only been in Italy for three weeks, but I feel like I have lived here my entire life. This past week was the longest week that we have had so far, but it has really brought us all so much closer together. We started the week with a class-filled day with lectures in Survival Italian, Cooking with Mary Lou (the sweetest, most adorable woman I have ever met), and Wine History with Maurizio followed by a wine tasting. The wine tasting was a very unique experience for me because I enjoy wine, and I was able to try wines that I would probably never have bought on my own! The next day was filled with more classes about the Mediterranean Diet and a tour of the Palazzo Chigi.
It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful our home in Ariccia is. With all of the ornate, original decorations and furniture, I truly feel like I have stepped back into the 16^th century.  Our final class day this week was about Greek Mythology, Michelangelo, and a brief summary of our field trip the following day to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
Thursday was an early day, with our bus leaving at 6:30 a.m. Fortunately our three-hour bus ride seemed like five minutes due to a dance party with Reilly. We arrived at Mount Vesuvius and I was honestly prepared for what I thought would be the worst part of my day; however, I was pleasantly surprised by the easiness of the hike and the breathtaking views of Naples, Capri, and the bay. I did take a tumble at the top of the mountain, inches away from the edge, but I made it out with just a few scrapes and bruises. We then went to Pompeii and had a sweet tour guide named Stefano who showed us around the ruins for the next few hours before leaving for Positano!
Vesuvius was easily one of my favorite things this week, and I have really enjoyed being with my fellow Chigi Babies! I have met some amazing people and I am so blessed to be able to travel throughout Europe with them! Being on this program has pushed me in so many ways to continually step out of my comfort zone, and I am thankful I get to do it with some amazing friends.

Annika and me at the top of Mount Vesuvius