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.