I have been to a couple regions in the mountains. Chamois, which can only be reached by cable car, is a small town with an amazing view. Valtournenche, which is mainly populated in the winter by skiers, my host sister being one of them. And finally, Aosta Valley, which has a beautiful church, many shops and eating places, and when we visited, vendors selling all different kinds of chocolate in the square.

Next, in Milan, we went to see the Last Supper or the Cenacolo. It resides in a medium-sized church, painted where the monks used to eat their meals so they could feel as if they were eating with the Lord.

After the Cenacolo we took a tour of the Castle of Milan, which was built by the Spanish to protect and surround Milan. Then we saw the Dome of Milan, which was very beautiful with the white marble steeples seeming like icicles piercing the sky. And in case you’re wondering, Milan really is the fashion capital of the world. The shops seem to go on for miles.

Finally, this last weekend, we walked a total of 17 miles in and around the beautiful Siena, which is located in Tuscany.

These pictures, provided by Kamaron Hilman of Dunkirk, show the Cenacolo, a painting of the Last Supper at top; Kamaron inside the Dome of Siena, above; the Dome of Milan at left and the Dome of Siena at far left.

There, we saw the Dome of Siena, Piazza di Campo, and Monte Siepi, which is an old monastery without a roof. We visited medieval towns on hills and ate food typical of Tuscany, like their Prosciutto, Pici, and cheese.

Travels set aside, my daily life in Italy is going well. On weekdays, I go to school from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Afterward, I usually return home for lunch, but sometimes will go out for lunch with friends at a cafe. I have recently joined a gym and will attend classes like Pilates or swimming in the evening. On Sunday, I found a small Methodist church about a 15-minute bike ride from home.

Thank you for reading about my adventures in Italy! As always, if you would like to be a host family like the wonderful one I have here, or if you are a high school student who is interested in becoming an exchange student like me, please contact 1(800)333-3802.

These pictures, provided by Kamaron Hilman of Dunkirk, show the Cenacolo, a painting of the Last Supper at top; Kamaron inside the Dome of Siena, above; the Dome of Milan at left and the Dome of Siena at far left.

These pictures, provided by Kamaron Hilman of Dunkirk, show the Cenacolo, a painting of the Last Supper at top; Kamaron inside the Dome of Siena, above; the Dome of Milan at left and the Dome of Siena at far left.