Friday, December 14, 2012

Saying Farewell

          "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."

     I love this quote, and for several reasons. For me, it means that there is no limit to what one can do; the only person stopping you from doing what you want is yourself. All my life, I have put limitations on myself. I was insecure and often depressed in high school; I never believed in myself and I thought that I could never amount to anything. When I began attending a liberal arts college, it gave me a chance to gain my independence and start exploring the options for my life. Since coming to Italy, I have grown more than I could have ever imagined. I can't even explain it...I feel liked I've aged several years in the past four months.
   
     Originally, I came to Italy so I could take a figure drawing class and experience art history first hand. However, I believe I gained so much more than just the knowledge of art history; I have discovered just how beautiful the diversity of culture is. Sometimes I believe we get so caught up in the problems of the world that we forget to look at its beauty. We are only here once, live while you can.

     Today was bittersweet. In celebration for the end of the semester, some friends and I climbed the Duomo today. It was a great way to end this semester, but I also had to say goodbye to everyone which was hard. Tomorrow I will be leaving for the States. I'm definitely ready to go home and see my dog! I will never forget the memories I've made here in Florence. Hopefully, someday I will return! With that, goodbye my friends! I hope you've enjoyed this blog. Here are a few pictures of my last day in Florence!









To anyone thinking of studying abroad in Florence, I highly recommend Gelateria de' Medici. Good stuff.

Just thought I'd let everyone know, this young woman right here has successfully eaten gelato EVERY SINGLE DAY this entire semester in Florence. This is her last gelato on the last day in Florence. 


   

Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Last Week!

     Well friends, it is now less than a week until I go home. I have to admit that I'm really ready to leave now. I'm gonna miss Italy, but I'm looking forward to several things when I return. I've created a list of "Top ten things I'm looking forward to when I return to America."

1. First and foremost, I am extremely excited about being in an English-speaking country again.

2. I know I've mentioned this before, but free public bathrooms.

3. Nice, soft carpet in my bedroom.

4. Hugging my dog and seeing all my animal friends back in AZ.

5. Seeing my friends, both in Arizona and Michigan.

6. Seeing my sisters and parents.

7. A nice big beef enchilada and tortilla chips with spicy salsa and guacamole(I've really missed Mexican food)

8. Drivers that aren't so crazy and who actually stop for you when you cross a crosswalk.

9. Not having creepy market guys go, "MMMMM! Che bella!!!" everytime you walk past them.

10. And finally, drinking fountains!!!

     As you can see, I'm really excited about going home. However, the only things standing in the way between me and the good old USA are two presentations and an exam. After that, I'm all done! I can't wait! Ciao miei amici! :)