However, I became more and more comfortable.
I have a small and cute room to myself. It has a bed and covers; a closet; a dresser to place my shoes and personal belongings; and a window with a nice view of the neighborhood. I enjoy coming home to my room, knowing that it is my place of familiarity.
I am closest with my host mom and dad. We always have our daily conversations after dinner. We talk about our days, possible travel destinations and international news. They ask me questions about my Cuban culture. They are always curious about my traditions, which I am happy to tell them about. I really appreciate the fact that they take the time to get to know where I am from and better understand my different culture through asking questions. My host mom also cooks very well and with a lot of flavors, which helps with missing my own mother's cooking.
I have also learned something important about expressing yourself in a new language and culture. Sometimes the way that they word their statements comes off slightly offensive to me. However, through my weeks of living with them, I have come to realize that it is their way of playing around and joking with me. This is why homestay experiences are crucial. We are both learning to communicate and build bonds with one another – even despite the cultural differences.
The other members of my homestay family are great, too! My younger host brother Luca is shyer, so we only have occasional conversations. On the other hand, my older brother George is more talkative and outgoing. We also usually have hours of political, and random, conversations. Angel, our little dog, is very loving as well. She usually plays with me every day, visiting my room every five minutes.
