A few things to add

As things start to become a little more normal, there are less funny stories to relate. But there are a few things that I'd like to add.
The first thing is that I do know the numbers from 1-10 in Italian. So when I say I have 8 siblings, I mean 8. I'm not getting my numbers confused. ;)
And for your cultural enhancement, Gio (pronounced "Jo") is a nickname for John (Giovanni) not, Joseph.
I know I should be used to it by now, but it's still surprising to me how the Italian language is so constant over here. Ever time I finish an Italian conversation, I think about how exhausted I am. And then for some reason, I think that we can all just go back to speaking English again-- like Italian class or office hours are over. But it doesn't work like that over here. They just keep speaking in Italian. Still trying to figure that one out.
And as much as we thought I was coming here to learn Italian, I've actually improve more in my math. I'm getting really good at multiplying by 1.3, and subtracting with the numbers 9 and 12.. Why? 1.3 because there are 1.3 dollars in a euro. (Or is it the other way around, I get confused.) All I know is that something that costs me 10 euro, actually costs me $13. It's always a slightly depressing thought. 9 because CA time is 9 hours behind Bologna time. 12 because here in Bologna, they use military time. So 6pm is 18. So I have to sit there like an idiot doing 18-12. The worst part is, I got it wrong the first time and showed up at 5. (ULCA how?)
Speaking of UCLA, for all you Bruins out there, we thought Caffe 1919 was cool. Well here in Bologna they have Caffe 1088. Not even kidding.
Go Bruins! Go Blue! And Happy Birthday Carolina!!