Eagle has landed

“Eagle has landed!” That’s always the text I send to my family when the plane is back on the ground.

I arrived in Italy at 7:30am and I was picked up at the airport and we drove back to the convent. Spent the afternoon unpacking and settling into my new room. I had fun making the space feel like home.

Larry and  Debby (Directors of the program) took me out to lunch while the rest of the team was picked up from the airport. Riccardo, Hannah and Kylie are the other staff members with me.

We spent the rest of the afternoon prepping for students to arrive on Friday. We were moving furniture, decorating rooms and prepping food. Jet lag was so bad that it was helpful to stay moving. Just make it to 8pm I kept telling myself!

My favorite part of the day was making dinner with Debby! It was classic Italy, as the sun was setting and gold beams were streaming through the windows. You could hear the bells in the background as we are chopping tomatoes for the bruschetta. (Which I learned is pronounced brusketta). I was in charge of watching the bread in the oven to make sure it didn’t burn and I took my job very seriously! No burning here!

We ate dinner together and it took all my energy to keep my head up and not fall asleep at the table.

8pm finally came and it was off to bed for a good night sleep before a full day of exploring.

Here are a few pictures of the convent where I will be staying. I get my own room and bathroom and each of the students share a room. There is a common room, kitchen and a rooftop terrace looking out over the town.

Enjoying a fresh plum from the market on the rooftop! Ciao!