Hey everyone! It’s Hadeel Al Asseh, back with an update on my life in Italy. August was a month of mixed emotions,both heavy and light at the same time. Let me tell you why.

Homesick in the Heat

August started off a bit tough. For the first time since arriving in Italy, I really started to feel homesick. I missed my family, my friends, and the familiar comfort of life in Jordan. There were moments when all I wanted was to be back home, surrounded by the people I love. But at the same time, I couldn’t deny that I was also enjoying my time in Italy, with all the new experiences it offered.

Ferragosto: The Perfect Escape to Sardinia

One of the highlights of August was the Ferragosto holiday,a week-long break where all of Italy basically shuts down. I decided to make the most of it and went on an adventure to Cagliari in Sardinia. The journey itself was an experience: I took a train to Naples and then a ferry to Cagliari. The moment I arrived, I was blown away by the beauty of the place. The sea was this incredible shade of blue, and the waves were just magical. While I was there, I even made some local friends, which made the trip even more special.

Another Adventure: Marche with New Friends

After Sardinia, I wasn’t quite ready to get back to work just yet, so I asked for another week off. This time, I headed to Pesaro in Marche with some friends I met during the Arrival Week in Rome. We visited a friend who lives there, and it turned into one of the best trips I’ve had so far. We rented an Airbnb, and each of us cooked a traditional dish from our home country. We had an intercultural night that was filled with great food, music, and laughter. We also went to a bunch of parties, and for me, it was amazing—a perfect mix of fun and culture.

Back to Milan: A Quiet Month

Returning to Milan after all these adventures, things felt a bit quieter. Work in August was pretty slow, and the whole city seemed to be on pause because of Ferragosto. It was like the entire city took a collective break, and honestly, it was kind of cool. The streets were empty, shops were closed, and it felt like Milan was just taking a deep breath before the busy months ahead. The Italians really know how to chill!

August was a month of ups and downs,homesickness and the joy of new adventures. I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had, even the tough ones, because they’re all part of this amazing journey. I’m excited to see what the next month brings!