#phxsistercities

Mt.Etna + 6/12/18

My time in Catania, has been absolutely the best I could have ever asked for or experienced. It wasn't only the city itself in general that made this experience memorable and amazing, but also my counterpart, host family, and all the friendships I created. When I arrived I was afraid that I wasn't gong to be able to fit in but in a matter of days I felt as if I belonged to this city. So when it was time to finally go back home, I wasn't ready. Although I wanted to stay much longer I knew that all my newfound friends would be arriving with us at our homes in a matter of days. And the guys and I would then be able to, hopefully, give them an unforgettable summer as they did to us. When I asked Martina if she was ready to come live with me, she responded that although she is nervous she can't wait to meet my family and friends. After that, I asked Martina about what she wanted to do when she arrived in Phoenix and all that she would say is to let herself be immersed into my life and what the city had to offer. I thought that this answer was the best becuase I would be able to make a list of all the things we could do and from then be able to plan accordingly. So far as a cohort, we've agreed to take a trip to the Grand Canyon and possibly other places, but what seems to be interesting Martina, Matteo, and Edoardo the most seems to be the food! For example, when Eric, Beck, and I were talking about some of our favorite foods- like mac & cheese or chicken and waffles- they stared at us as if we were making these dishes up. Martina and I were able to make a list of all the food places I wish to show and take her to, and we're both looking forward to that.

As my first day in Ennis comes to a close, I can’t help but marvel at the greenery and the cobblestone architecture. I’ve become acquainted with all the counterparts and their friends and all the jet lag melts away. The crisp coldness of the sea air combines 2 seemingly different cultures and forms friendships that will grow stronger over the corse of these 3 weeks. This first 24 hours have been overwhelming and difficult to understand, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! 🇮🇪🇮🇪

Chengdu is the perfect blend between industriality and nature, new and old. This city has something to offer to everyone wether you enjoy shopping, hiking, or sightseeing. The blend of these aspects make Chengdu an amazing city; because of this, I would recommend that people visit sometime.

The past 2 days have been really difficult; I'm not ready to say goodbye to my classmates and family. Seeing them upset upon my departure has brought me to tears. Who would've imagined that people you've only known for 3 weeks could have that sort of effect on you. Chengdu has become my second home; I have made so many relationships here that I feel obliged to come back. Upon leaving school the rest of the cohort, their counterparts, and I went to KTV, which is the Chinese version of Karaoke. It was very enjoyable and made my day so much better. One of my best experiences while abroad has to be while we were hiking Mt. Qingcheng. The shrines there display the immense amount of culture China has and the scenery is breath-taking. Now as I sit on the plane I feel joy rather than sorrow because I know I will return one day.

When we first tried fencing last week, I found it to be very frustrating. I couldn’t seem to get the gestures right, and it was exhausting. However, today I improved, and we even got to participate in a couple matches. At first it feels strange because your thrusting a metal stick violently towards your friends, but once you get past that it’s very enjoyable. I think I would definitely enjoy trying fencing again sometime!

Bailuwan Ecological Wetland Park