Words cannot describe how amazing the past four months have been. As I am writing this there are only two more days left before I end my journey in Italy. I remember just boarding my eight hour flight to fly across the world to come here, and how I was filled with nerves and excitement for my new adventure to begin. I have met amazing people, made lifelong friends, and learned a lot about myself.
Although there were rough times I somehow am always able to walk outside my door and manage to find one amazing thing Italy has to offer. One of my favorite parts of living in Rome was my walk to school every morning. Although the walk to is not my average five minute walk to class at Rollins, I was able to immerse myself in the people and observe what a typical morning was for the Romans. Sometime as I walked I felt like I was a local and was happy when people would ask for directions in Italian because I knew I finally blended in and wasn’t seen as “the American”. On the days I would take the bus, I would sit next to the same people commuting to their jobs or to school. In the beginning, getting around was hard. Talking to people and trying to make conversations always made me nervous, but as I have grown to know the language more I have been able to come across some of the nicest people. I smile and wave whenever I see the man who works at my local Tabacchi and stop to pet the big golden retriever that sits outside a nearby cafe every day. Although a typical morning in Rome is filled with people rushing from one thing to the next I take a deep breath and take in my surroundings.
I am going to look back on this semester, all the photos, all the memories and reflect on the experiences I have been able to have. During my time abroad I have traveled to six countries and have experienced something different in all of them. Out of all the places I have visited Rome stands out the most due to its old history. Every Italian is proud to live here and you can tell so by the deep imbedded culture that takes over the city. Although having government regulated heat during the winter is hard and the public transportation system is old, I appreciate being able to get off a bus and walk around the corner with the Colosseum standing in front of me.
Although my departure is bitter-sweet and I am excited to come home and see my family and friends, but I will never forget what an amazing experience I have been given. Rome you will be missed!