Week 1

I have just finished up week 1 of my study abroad program! In just a few days I have made many lifelong friends, gone on crazy adventures, tried all kinds of new foods, and learned to navigate my new home.

The first few days of my trip were spent making new friends and exploring Sorrento, where I am located. Sorrento is an amazing place to be! I am right on the water, yet the heart of Sorrento is just a few blocks down from my dorm. The first night I arrived here I was overwhelmed and nervous. I arrived in Sorrento around 9PM hungry, sweaty, and tired from the plane ride. I didn't know my way around yet, and I was scared to explore a new country during the evening. However, I met some friends on the bus ride, and we went out exploring! I learned from this night, that no matter how nervous you may be, you should still try and step out of your comfort zone. After that night, I became confident navigating the streets of Sorrento at all hours of the day. In less than 3 days, I knew my way around the whole town, and had different routes to get places.

During these first few days, I also learned to take every opportunity to make a memory no matter how small. Even the times that seems stressful can become a fun bonding moment with your new friends. The weather when I first arrived was not great. It would be hot and then all of the sudden start storming. One night while eating dinner, it started to storm when we were far from the school. My friends and I decided to run in the rain through the streets of Sorrento, and it is a memory I hold close to my heart. Something so obscure and small made me feel so connected to the commnity. I have also had the chance to explore Capri this week; and while trying to find a far away beach, we got lost on the coast of Capri. This may sound like a terrible situation to be in, but we made it an adventure! By getting lost on the coast we ended up near Spaiaggia di Marina Piccola, which is a beach the locals swim at. We were able to get a cheap boat ride to this secluded beach, which had the best view of Capri. Since this beach is far from the tourist shops and the ferry port, we got to experience Capri the way the locals do.

I also ended up kayaking to the Regina Giovanna Capo Di Sorrento. This was a "VIVA Experience" included in my tuition through SAI, that I took part in. It was so fun to kayak along the coast with the friends I have made. While at the Regina Giovanna, my friends and I also got to cliff jump from the top of the rocks. I have never been cliff jumping before, so it was definitely an experience! At first, looking down into the water, it seemed so far and my heart was racing. But after jumping, I was ecstatic, and went back to do it again!

I have gone on so many other adventures, including visiting Naples, trying different restraunts, clubbing at discoteca, shopping at the supermarkets, navigating the trains ferry's, busses, and much more.

My biggest pieces of advice and takeaway from week 1, is to always say yes to new opportunities, and to turn each experience into a memory.