Saying goodbye to Rome and all the new friends I’ve made here is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Coming here in the first place was also one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’m going to miss everything about this place. The food, the people, the culture, the buildings, the fountains, even the homework. Yes I said homework. Everything is so lively here and fun. I’ve travelled more than I ever dreamed I would this semester and I learned a lot about myself and my fears along the way. I’ve disappointed myself and made myself proud. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and made new friends. Even though I’ve travelled to so many places and each of them I’ve loved in different ways, I am so glad I chose to spend my semester in Rome. I think that Rome has it’s own charm, it’s different from any other city in the world. People are laid back, the public transportation system is awful, people still take naps in the middle of the day and close down the stores and you will never have ur breath taken away like it is when you stand in the colosseum or in front of the Trevi fountain. It’s a truly amazing place and I think reverse culture shock is going to be a real thing for my friends and I. I hope that I don’t lose all the Italian I have learned and I hope I return to Rome in the near future. I’m now excited to see my family and finally feel well rested after 4 months of no sleep. I’m ready to start the next chapter in my life and cherish the memories and experiences I had in Rome. I know that now I will not take anything for granted and I will never stop seeking new adventures no matter where I am in the world because this study abroad experience taught me that something fun and new can be literally around the corner, you just have to go and find it.
