Submitted by Ashley Sullivan on the 2017 winter session program in Siena, Italy sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
For the first few days of our journey, more than one half of our group caught a stomach virus on the plane and were incapacitated. I struggled to join the tour of Naples and Pompeii.
Two days later, after classes began, I was then stricken with a fever. After suffering for several days, Professor Saggese took me to a doctor where I was diagnosed with tonsillitis, an ear infection and a sinus infection. I was prescribed 3 medicines and I missed 3 days of classes the first week. In Florence, I spent the entire weekend in the hotel with a fever and suffering with my ailments.
I did manage to take some photos while in Rome, Naples, and Pompeii when I gathered enough strength.
I finally started feeling better as we left Florence and the fever broke…Last weekend we were in Venice and the weather was beautiful and I enjoyed it so much. There is no place like it! The people were so nice.
While I have traveled to the various cities (Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Florence, Monte Cassino, and Venice) by far, the most enjoyable and memorable experience has been right in Siena with my host family. I have been welcomed into a stranger’s home and have been treated as family. When I wasn’t feeling well, My host Mom (Grandma) took special care of me. She made sure that I was comfortable, well fed and hydrated. Special meals were made and my laundry done. I could not have asked for a better home-away-from-home. I am truly blessed to have been assigned to this host family.