One Final Post

Ciao a tutti.

Well, this is a strange feeling, writing my final blog post.

I've been back in the USA for just over one week, and I must say it was a great week; I definitely have no regrets about returning home early.

I've spent seven days here in America, and not a day has gone by where I haven't thought about Italy. I've gave it a lot of thought, both the good and bad, and I'm ready to write about it.

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Italy

Italy is thinking about your life back at home - It's about realizing how truly lucky you are to have the friends and family who care about you.

Italy is like my second homeland - I would be crazy to say that I couldn't call this place my second country, I spent six months in the country, and those six months were some of the best of my life.

Italy is delicious - When it comes to food, there is no better country on Earth that produces better food than Italy. Whether it is the pizza, pasta, bread, cheese, coffee, wine, gelato, or the various number of desserts, you can be sure that you're biting into a well-prepared food item.

Italy is soccer - One of the things I found interesting this year was the Italian's love for the game of soccer. It is a catchy sport and I actually picked up my own favorite team: Napoli.

Italy is friendship - The hardest thing for me to do was leave the friends I have made behind. Mats, Isaac, Fabiana, Lydia, and Samantha are some of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met in my entire life. I don't know where, when, or how we'll cross paths once again, but we will. I am sure of it.

Italy is historic and beautiful - When I walked the streets in Siracusa, I couldn't help but to imagine what the city may have looked like 3000 year ago. It has both historic and natural beautiful that I want to one day return and see.

Italy is special to me - Again, this country is one which will always be special to me. I can't wait to return in 20, 30, or 40 years to see what has changed.
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So I suppose this is where this post and this blog ends: with me ending in one final "thank you" and one final "goodbye" to everyone who followed me along this crazy, yet rewarding journey.

Although I wasn't able to last the entire ten months like I had originally planned to, I would never take back my decision to go abroad. These six months were some of the hardest, yet rewarding six months of my entire life.

My early return home has made me eager to do it again, because I know I'd be more successful on a second attempt. Whether that is a gap year or in college, I will find a way to spend more time abroad.

So goodbye everyone, and thanks for following me on my adventure.

Grazie mille e ciao a tutti.

CIAO!