Finally in Italia!

Hey everyone!
I have a lot to share since I last wrote. Im here finally after a long journey. The american AFS students had an orientation in New York for a day and then we left for Italy on Thursday. Our flight went from NYC (JFK airport) to Zurich (a 8 hour flight), we were in Zurich for 4 hours and then from Zurich we went to Roma! I dont think any of us Americans slept on the first flight... and of course on the next one I fell asleep, hoping to wake up in time to see us fly over the alps but I slept too long! :( In Rome things went smoothly, my bags were all there, and I didnt have to wait in any long lines. It was great!
Turns out we weren't staying in a hotel in Rome at all. We took a 2 hour bus ride to our hostel, but since the hostel was on a hill you could see Rome from the top (I think it was Rome) and it was beauutiful! The americans were a day late for the supposed to be 2 day orientation because of travel problems, but I'd have to say that day that we were actually was one of the most amazing days of my life. When I walked outside of my room I could find people of every kind. I met people from Chile, Argentina, Swedan, Denmark, Finland, Alaska, India, Germany, and many more! It was so great because most of them spoke english (better than Italian). Events like this really make you realize everyone is the same... except, of course, for their customs.
The next day we took the train from Rome to Lecce, and I got to practice a little Italian with a lady sitting nearby. I sat near an American girl, and a Danish and Swedish guy who were all also going to Lecce. We talked a lot, the guys watched southpark, and it was a very interesting ride learning about all the differences and similarites between the countries. They taught me and the other american girl the "Scandanavian Pose." :P
When the train pulled into Lecce (where my host family met me), I was probably the most nervous Ive ever been in my entire life. The family is great though! :D