Today is my last full day in Italy. Tomorrow morning I'll get picked up and spend 11 hours traveling and return back to the good old U.S. of A.
I've never gone through a change like this. I am so incredibly happy in Italy and there are still so many things I want to see and do. But at the same time, I miss home like crazy and cannot wait to see my family.
I've been a little overwhelmed the past few days, with preparing for finals and trying to run around soaking up Verona and trying to squeeze everything into my suitcases. And with shopping too (hey, gotta use those leftover euros, right?).
I started thinking about the day before I left for abroad. I was anxious and terrified and completely unprepared. I even tried calling Italy to tell them that I wasn't coming anymore. I also ran into an open cabinet in my bathroom and fell to the floor pretending I was paralyzed and couldn't go anymore. My family didn't buy it.
But 4 months later I am so happy that Italy never picked up that phone call, because this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I'm coming home filled with memories, stories and a changed mindset on the world. I have fallen in love with Verona and traveling and seeing the world. I never want this to end.
But, of course, I have to go home tomorrow. And it's the definition of bittersweet.
This entire experience would not have been possible without the love and constant support of my parents. I was scared to death but they both told me I could do it and they were right. I am unbelievably lucky to have such great family and friends standing behind me.
I have a few more hours to play around in the city, and then it's off to our farewell dinner. This night felt like it was years away back in January. And now January seems like a blink of an eye ago.
Arrivederci Verona. Ci vediamo! Goodbye Verona. I'll see you later!
