I’ve been in the Le Marche region of Italy a little over a month now and during this time I have been faced with many changes … some significant and others not so much. For example, there is no peanut butter here … just Nutella. This is something I am becoming used to, but was definitely a transition. Somehow Nutella and jam is just not right. Anyway, I have spent the last month finding my place here. I have spent much time with my wonderful host family, felt at home in Montecassiano and have enjoyed becoming acquainted with my host school, Liceo Scientifico in Macerata.
Montecassiano is a small town of about 7,000 people so I was able to find my way around quite quickly. I come from a small town so I instantly felt at home here. During my free time I like to walk around. I found this great little park, which is beautiful (when it is not raining!). I have also found a favorite pizza shop – the owner loves to practice his English with me – and a great little coffee bar.
I’ve also been able to do some local day trips – some with my family and some solo. I visited another American girl here teaching in Fermo. Fermo was beautiful, but it was one huge hill. We walked to the top within the city walls where the church was located. The view was well worth the exhaustion.
In the upcoming weeks I am planning to visit other small villages around here such as Porto Recanati and Camerino. Also, I have some bigger trips planned with some of the other girls here with the InterExchange Working Abroad program! Venice, Perugia, Florence and Bologna are on the top of our lists!
