I'm Back!

Well in case you were wondering, I'm back in the States! I kind of dropped off after I left Europe. Mostly because I've been so busy. It's wonderful being back home. But I have to admit, it's a bit overwhelming at times.

For example, I've caught myself thinking "Oh my gosh they're speaking English!" when I'm out. Or I'll see "A" stickers on cars and think they're the French sticker for new driver when in fact they're just for the local high school. And let's not even get started on the food! I had a huge list of things I wanted to eat and restaurants I wanted to visit. I didn't realize that almost a year of eating super healthy foods would make it so difficult to enjoy all the southern foods I love. Curse you, grease and sugar! I have enjoyed Chick-fil-A (only once...which is a shocker if you know me), fried okra, chocolate chip cookies, and sweet tea. My family actually brought me sweet tea when they picked me up from the airport. Bless 'em.

Just a little snapchat to prove I'm home :)

I have a lot to blog about: my mom's visit to Europe, things going on at home, and the holidays of course! Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend! Only 4 days until Christmas!!

Benevento e Roma

My birthday this year was not very conventional. I wasn't around any friends or family. Which was kind of sad. But I can say I turned 23 in Rome, so that is pretty exciting.

I went with my host family to Italy for a four-day trip. Most of it was spent in Benevento, the dad's hometown. I walked around the city, met some new friends, watched Catching Fire in Italian, ate pasta for Thanksgiving, and devoured A LOT of pizza.

On Saturday, my birthday, we drove to Rome. Unfortunately, we were only there for about half a day and it got dark very early, so I didn't see a lot. However, I loved what I saw. I can't wait to go back and see more!

#godawgs

first cannoli

Christmas Market - Montreux, Switzerland

One of the best parts of Europe is the Christmas markets. Everything is just so Christmas-y and happy! I went to the market in Montreux with Rosalie last week. It was freezing, but so fun. We made candles, drank hot tea, tried some chocolate, and admired all the pretty booths. And I rode my first ferris wheel! I always imagined myself riding one at a fair somewhere in the States. But this was so much better. You can't beat a ferris wheel at Christmas overlooking Lake Geneva.

 

Doing 23 the Right Way

In three short days, I will be turning 23!! It's pretty exciting to think I will turn 23 in Europe. But you know what's even better? The fact that I will be turning 23 in Italy. I don't know what it is exactly, but I just love that country.

We are leaving this afternoon to head to Italy. We will be in Benevento, my host dad's hometown for a few days. Then we are driving to Rome for my birthday. I'm so excited to visit this city that I've heard so much about. My Italian host family from last year has been telling me to go for a long time. And my Italian friend here is actually from Rome. So obviously he thinks I should go. I'm more than happy to oblige.

While I'm gone, here are some unedited pictures of the first snow!

I took the little one outside to play. The snow was almost all gone, but we had a lot of fun making snow balls. She also wanted to carry her "peeg" around in her jacket. So cute.

Annecy, France

I really lucked out with the family I work for. After talking with other au pairs, I just feel so blessed. This family includes me in everything. While it's sometimes a bit much, I really have had a wonderful experience.

One of the things I love is that they take me to new cities. One of my favorites by far was Annecy. It's like the Venice of France, but much smaller. The day we went was beautiful. People were eating outside, playing at the park, and rowing boats on the lake. We visited the castle, ate lunch in a typical French restaurant, strolled around town, and stopped to blow bubbles in the park. Such a relaxing day.