The end?

Surprise! I am back in America and have been for over a week.  The last few days after my final exams flew by, but thankfully I had time to say goodbye to my temporary home in Florence and the wonderful people I met there.

Although talk of an "Abroad Bucket List" began in March, none of us managed to ever write anything down, so on our last full day we ran around everywhere to try and check-off as much as we could.  For my personal list, this included climbing the Duomo.  Bre and I woke up very early and set out to climb the 463 steps to the top.  When we arrived we were rewarded with an amazing view of the entire city.  I was told to wait until the end of my stay to do the climb, and I'm glad I did. It was an amazing sight!


For the rest of the day, Bre, Sara, Kristi and I wandered around Florence taking it all in one last time.  We walked down the Arno, rode the carousel in Piazza Republica (sort of), walked around the Boboli gardens, and took a lot of pictures.  For dinner we got pizzas to-go and had a picnic in Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset.  We stayed there for a few hours, watching the sun disappear as the city lit up.

Once the day turned to night, it started to sink in that this journey was coming to an end.  This was especially clear when we got our last gelato.  The store owner Francesco came to know us well and gave us free gelato and free I <3 Gelato hats.  

Then it was time for our first real goodbye when Sara left Florence around midnight.  She was actually on my flight from Rome to Chicago the next day but had to take the train to Rome the night before. We definitely made a scene while we sat outside the train waiting for it to leave, and then ran after as it departed (We figured it was our last night to be "stupid Americans" in Italy). Later, we said the rest of our goodbyes and I departed for the airport around 4 am. By 5 am, the airport was swarming with American students heading home. I'm surprised the plane was able to take off with all the luggage it had to hold. Many hours later and off of no sleep, I arrived home. It was, of course, nice to see my family and sleep in my bed but I am already missing Europe. I will be returning as soon as I can!  

I wish there was some way I could show how being abroad changed me as a person, but I can't really describe it.  To be honest I am still figuring that out myself.  But after being back home it will start to show.  One thing is for sure though: these will not just be memories of a semester in college.  As corny as it sounds, the things I learned and the people I met will impact me for the rest of my life.  

The title of this post has a question mark because I'm not sure what comes next.  But this is the end for now.  Special thanks to my parents who let me study abroad in the first place, and thanks to everyone for following my story! Arrivederci e grazie a tutti!

Ultima Settimana a Firenze

One more week left in Florence....I can't believe this journey is coming to an end.  While trying to fit in as much as possible in this last week, I am also trying to enjoy the beauty of Florence on its own.  My temporary home here will never be the same; although I will surely come back and visit, it will never be how it is now.  This past semester has been like living a fake and perfect life and I am not ready to return to the real world.  All I can hang onto are the friendships created and the memories made.  


Since my last post we have done quite a lot.  Last Sunday Kristi, Sara, CJ and I took a day trip to Cinque Terre and finally got some beautiful weather!  We hiked around four out of the five towns and even got some swimming time in.  Kristi and CJ cliff jumped but I chickened out. I guess being abroad did not change my paranoia at all!


Each of the towns are very different, and a couple of them are still very destroyed from the flooding last fall.  We were unable to hike from town to town because of this.  Regardless, Cinque Terre was beautiful and I wish we had more time there.

Via dell'Amore

Hiking along the coastline 

On Monday night everyone went out to celebrate Notte Bianca (White Night).  Italians stayed out until 6 am to celebrate Labor Day which was the following day.  There were many free concerts and events going on throughout the night.  Tuesday happened to be my birthday so this worked out well - it was almost like Florence threw a huge birthday party for me.  They also set off lanterns over the river just like in the Disney movie Tangled where the King and Queen set off lanterns on the Princess' birthday every year to try and bring her home.  Same thing, right?

Some Notte Bianca festivities near our school

Lanterns over the Arno river

My 21st was definitely the best birthday I've had by far.  Not only did I get to celebrate with all of my friends but with the rest of Florence all night.  We tried to make it until sunrise but had to take a quick nap before heading out to Piazzale Michelangelo at 6 am to watch the 'sunrise.' (It was cloudy so we didn't get to see much).  Regardless, it was still one of my favorite nights in Florence by far! 

A cloudy Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo at 6 am

Viareggio Beach

Then on Friday we went to Viareggio, Italy for a beach day.  It was perfect weather but we all underestimated the sun and got a little burned...oops! Still a very relaxing day before the final stretch in Florence.




Tonight we are going to a huge concert type event for the TRL Awards in Piazzale Michelangelo.  Not sure what to expect but look for me on MTV!