My adventure has just about come to an end. My cab will be picking me up in less than two hours. I'm going home, back to America... to start the next chapter in my book of life.
As I dedicated myself to being a full-blown tourist today, I couldn't help but reflect upon my trip along the way. I have done and seen so many things. I have experienced so much. I had my ups and downs, and have grown as an individual.
It all seems like a surrealistic dream. Though time dragged on at points throughout my time here, it seems to all be gone in the blink of an eye. Did three and a half months really just pass me by?
Look at all the places I've been...
Todi and Titignano in Umbrio
Tuscania and Santa Marinella in Lazio
Palermo, Monreale, and Mondello in Sicily
Sorrento
Capri... I might have to retire there one day.
All over TUNISIA! Yes, I even made it to Africa.
Venice
Milan
London
Amsterdam
Paris
Florence
And of coarse, my beloved Roma... the place I called home this past semester. <3
Looking at this list astonishes me, and also inspires me. There is so much more I want to see and do. I want to see every last inch of this earth. I plan on starting at home. There is too much of my own country that I have yet to see. I can't wait to see what new adventures lie ahead of me.
I remember my last days in Philly. Packing for three months seemed beyond overwhelming. I had fears and concerns about leaving... all of which still stand true. Truth be told, now that it's over, I have some fears about coming home...
Once I got to Italy, I had to learn to adapt to their culture, to their way of living. I was on their turf, and had to play by their rules... and IN ITALIANO!!! Exploring and falling in love with what I now call, My Roma, was heavenly. It really is a magical, magnificant city. Figuring out my routine, my local deli, even a trip to the grocery store was an experience. I remember the first time I rode the metro by myself. I was so proud of myself for getting around the city on my own. I was like a baby, learning and experiencing things for the first time. It was as if I was taking my first steps. Cafes, the mafia bakery and Ottaviano bakery goods, and of course my precious gelatto are all things I will miss terribly. What will my life be like without such sweetness? I think I can hold off on the pasta for a while though. haha
The trip wasn't without its downfalls though. Obstacles and pitfalls were around every corner, and I had to learn how to deal with them... on my own. Slowly, but surely, the little baby had to grow up... quickly. Mommy and Daddy weren't around to kiss my knee when I got a boo boo.
Classes seemed to be an obstacle in and of itself. I was honestly planning for an easy semester. I mean how hard could Italian, Design, Sculpture, and Drawing for none majors be, right? Wrong. This was one of the most challenging semesters I've had. This was mainly due to the fact that I'm not used to taking such classes. It was intense. I made it out alive though, and now they're over. :)
Though I can't wait for the many conveniences of home, and of coarse, my friends and family, I will miss Roma and Italy terribly. It's almost seems weird going home. This has become my home. What will "home" be like, feel like to me after so long?
No longer will I be able to jump on the metro and see the Coloseo. No more strolling down Via Del Corso, and without realizing it walking all the way to Piazza Venezia. No more gelatto near Vitorio Emanuele Metro stop, or Old Bridge, or Della Palma near the Pantheon and Piazza Navuona. The Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain will no longer be in my backyard, and although PennyPack Park is nice... no more Villa Borghese to take a stroll through when I'm done with classes.
It's been quite an experience. I wouldn't give it up for anything. Yes. I'll definitely miss it, but I'm ready to come home. I hope home is ready for me.
Signing Off for the last time in My Roma... :'(
Ciao Bella... and Ciao Roma. I'll never forget you.
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