Life in the past three weeks

Okay so life lately has been pretty uneventful in terms of traveling to different countries. Instead, for the past couple of weeks I have been exploring a new place...Milano. Now I know this might sound strange considering I have been living here for three months, but I had never really taken the chance to sit and explore this enchanting city that I have been so fortunate to live in. I have been eating at different places around the city, including this amazing crepe place in the Brera region. I have become a regular at a local cafe called Bar Spuntino. I have ran a different path, three times a week, outside my apartment area which has led me to a couple different parks, and random quiet streets that provide interesting buildings and little shops. The employees at the grocery store recognize me and always start up a small conversation while I am at the check-out counter.
My Italian has improved tremendously from when I first got here. I really feel like I know this city. I even recieved work teaching English to kind young boys who live near my school.
I am a regular at Monday Disney dinners hosted by my dear friends Ruthie and Rachel. Every Monday a group of us go to their apartment and eat a homecooked meal and then watch the Disney movie of the week. Last week was Cinderella, and this week is Anastasia.
I am also a regular at Wednesday night dinners hosted by the greatest, Rina. Tonight was one of her roommate's birthdays so we celebrated with a gluten free meal upon the request of the special birthday girl.
It seems that just as I feel I am starting to fit in around here, my trip is coming to a close. I am thrilled to be able to see my family and my love. I really understand how much they mean to me, and how important it is for me to have them in my life (even if it's just via the internet). I have really grown up in more ways than one since being here. I truly value everyone in my life, and I will never forget how much they all have sacrificed for me to be here. They are the greatest, and I am incredibly lucky to be able to call them my friends and family.
Basically what I am saying is that this trip has been the most life changing experience so far and I still have Rome, Lyon, and Paris to conquer before I leave in four weeks. So keep the good thoughts headed my way, and wish me buon fortuna as I head into finals in a few weeks.

Ciao Ciao
Elle