Meeting My Italian Host Family: A Dream Come True
Oh my gosh, you guys! I just had the most incredible experience ever—I met my Italian host family for the first time, and I can’t even describe how nervous and excited I was! Picture this: I’m standing at the airport, my heart racing, thinking about how I’ve been dreaming of this moment for months.
As I walked through the arrival gates, I kept rehearsing what I wanted to say in Italian, hoping I wouldn’t embarrass myself. I could feel my palms getting sweaty, and I could practically hear my heart pounding in my ears. What if they didn’t like me? What if I accidentally said something totally wrong? My mind was racing with all these “what ifs.” But then, I saw them.
There they were—my host family! They were standing by the exit, waving excitedly, and the first thing I noticed was their big, warm smiles. It was my host Mom and Sister, there they were live in the flesh, not on a computer screen talking over a monitor, it was surreal. I am here.
When they spotted me, their smiles got even bigger. I walked over, and Sara my sister opened her arms for a hug. I hugged her tight, and honestly, it felt like coming home. Even though we’d never met before, it was like we already shared a special connection. My host Mom gave me a hug, as if I was her daughter arriving home from a semester away in college.
I couldn’t help but laugh, my nerves melting away. We were giggling and we could not stop smiling.
They spoke to me in a mix of Italian and English, and it was so cute to hear them trying to help me with my Italian. I was definitely stumbling over my words, but they were so patient with me. I was determined to practice, even if I sounded a little silly. We talked all the way on the drive back to their home, ok my home too.
Once we got to their home, I was amazed. It was beautiful—everything was cozy and had that charming Italian vibe. You could see these farms around us, it was really a peaceful place, it was not busy, no traffic, no noise and it was just calm place.
They gave me a tour of our home, took me to my room that I would be sharing with my sister and introduced me to my host brother and father. I got so many hugs; they really wanted me to feel at home and comfortable.
My mom started showing me all the herbs and vegetables they grow. She even picked some basil for the pasta she was planning to make for dinner. I felt like I was in a movie!
As the evening progressed, I helped set the table while Sara proudly told me about her favorite school subjects and the music she loves. We were listening to Italian pop music, and I was totally vibing with it. I even tried to teach them a little bit of English slang, which made them laugh.
By the end of the night, I felt so at ease. We shared a delicious meal that my mom had prepared, complete with homemade pasta and the freshest ingredients. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be a part of this family.
Tomorrow, they will take me to see my school, Sara is in one grade higher than me but I’m happy she will be there with me.
I called my parents back home, let them know I was ok and I will be going to sleep. I know they were happy and at least I could give them a little peace that I am in a good place.
As I lay in bed at night, I couldn’t stop smiling. Sure, I had been nervous at first, but I knew this was going to be an adventure of a lifetime. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for me with my Italian family! Until next time!
Ciao,
Zoe