CIAO!! How is everyone doing? Hope everything is going great. Sorry I haven't written any reports for a long time, but I have been having problems with my computer. These last few months have been filled with ups and downs, moments filled with absolute joy and others just down in the dumps. But it's going alot better now, everything has just about evened out. I started taking a dance class, I've been having lessons in Italian for the pass two months and they end on the 19th, I'm going to the gym and just about twice a month going to see a new part of Sardegna. I really feel that in three months I have learnt alot and seen so much, even if it has only been in Sardegna, it's just the beginning of what's to come.

My family life here is great. I have the most wonderful host family any exchange student could have wished for!! I feel like a part of the family. I thank them so much for allowing me into their lives. School is going well I've started taking French class. At times I don't understand everything in school, but every day is getting better. My Italian is great!! I am so happy. One of the weirdest things that has been happening to me alot lately it that I keep forgetting the simplest words in English and I actually have to think before I speak, I feel like I speak English slower..has that been happening to any of you guys? I can understand just about everything, there is very little I don't understand. The hardest part is expressing everything correctly. But there is always room for improvement.

About two weeks ago I met Andrea Mastio!! He was in Florida last year... He took me on a tour of Cagliari, the city where we live.. It was so amazing but weird at the same time to see someone I had met at home. Christmas is just around the corner, two weeks WOW!! I'm so excited but on the other hand I'm scared for Christmas Day! My first Christmas away from home, but I know it will go great. The other exchange students and I are having a lunch this coming Saturday, just so we can be together and exchange gifts. You would not believe how comforting it is sometimes to have them around. I guess it's because this time is hard for all of us and it's easier for us to understand what one another is going through. Besides the lunch that we planned, Rotary planned a Christmas Dinner for us on Saturday night. I want to wish all of the Inbounds and Outbounds, Rotary, my family and friends back home a very very very very Merry Christmas and a even Happier New Year! Buone Feste!!!

With Love,

Danielle Chestnut