Erika Clark, is an American teaching English in Italy with Greenheart Travel. Here she shares some of her favorite moments and photos she has snapped on her program so far! Erika has been in Italy for one month, with two more left to go, so make sure you follow along at #GreenheartTravel!
What’s the best thing you’ve eaten in Italy so far?
The best thing I’ve eaten in Italy was pizza, but not any pizza – it was homemade. For my first dinner with the family, my host mother made several different kinds of pizza. I had it fresh out of the oven, and it was the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted.
What’s the most photogenic spot you’ve visited?
Honestly, I feel like every place in Italy is photogenic – the balconies, the cobbled streets, and even the people. I saw my host Grandpa taking a stroll down the street. “It helps my back,” he said in Italian, and patted my shoulder. He just looked like the sweet old person that he is. It was a perfect photo moment.
If I must choose the best place so far, I think the Santuario di Vicoforte would be it. It is absolutely gorgeous!
A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on
What’s the best teaching moment you’ve had so far?
In my school situation I’m working with a new teacher and students every week, but it’s nice to see how curious and engaged the students are even though I’m only with them for a short time. My best moment so far is when I told a class that it was my last day with them and the students asked if they could take a picture with me. It’s nice to know that I’ve made enough impact to have them want to keep me in their memories. 🙂
Tell us about your host family!
My host family is wonderful!
My host mom, who is also a teacher I’ve worked with at school, is a wonderful cook and a very caring person. She is calm and collected, but also likes to crack jokes. We have already developed so many inside jokes that we like to revisit for a good laugh, lol.
My host Dad can be described in one word. “Jolly”. I’ve very quickly discovered that he is a bowl of positive energy. He is also very passionate about food and wine. He teaches me something new every day.
My host sister Sofia (9) has a great big personality and a whole lot of energy. I am honestly impressed that she has such a strong grasp on who she is at such a young age. She loves to dance, sing, and put on mini shows. She is my Italian teacher and I help her with her English homework.
It is both peculiar and amazing how this family has incorporated a stranger like me into their lives in such a short period of time. I care very much for them and I know I will miss them when my journey comes to an end.
Check out some more photos from Erika’s time in Italy!
A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on
A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on
A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on
Foot prints on Italy #wanderlust #beautiful #italy #travel #nomad #smiles
A photo posted by Erika Clark (@thehappyhappa) on
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