"Family" dinners. They are something that a group of about ten of us try to do at least twice a week. We pick a theme for the night and everyone brings something to cook. For those of us (including myself) that don't particularly like to cook, we offer to bring plates, napkins, wine, etc. That way we can still contribute even if we are not actually cooking the food. Some themes we have had so far are Mexican night, breakfast night, cheeseburgers, etc. Last night's meal was centered around an amazing chocolate cake that my roommate found, but we though it would be smart to cook an actual meal along with it. It's so much fun for everyone to come together and contribute what they know. Usually we have about three main cooks and everyone else either prepares food to be cooked, or takes their turn with the whole process at the next dinner. There is no real routine or special way to do things: we just go with the flow. One of the girls is allergic to glutton so we always have an alternative option that she can eat that can also be incorporated into our theme.

My friends at home have never done something like this before but I think it is something I am going to try to start when I get back. I love getting together with everyone after a long day at school and just being able to relax with friends and have a good time. It gives everyone a chance to talk spend some time together, away from all the stresses of work and classes.

We call them family dinners because that's exactly what they are. The people I spend most of my time with here have become part of my family over the past two months. They are my home away from home and I love having them around. These times together are something we will always be able to look back on and remember as an important part of our study abroad experience. I wish family dinners could continue once our time in Perugia ends, but unfortunately, we all live pretty far away from each other in the states. It will be one more thing to look forward to when we have our reunions.

So this one is for the friends that turned into family...