I still can not get over how fast the past four months have flown bye. It feels like yesterday I got my acceptance letter and started the countdown at 143 days till Florence! The memories of all gathering at the airport saying goodbye to our families is still fresh and vivid in my mind. And now the time has come to say ciao Firenze and hello America. The past few days have been filled with souvenir shopping, sight seeing for hours, and eating all the delicious food our bellies could handle. Its sad to say that last night was our last night out in Florence. We started the night off gathered at our friends apartment for a christmas party! We were all dressed up in red and green, santa hats, reindeer antlers, and santa suits and felt rather festive! We all spread christmas cheer by singing christmas carols and eating finger foods. Next stop for the night was another christmas party at another apartment. Everyone was dressed up for the holiday and the christmas spirit filled the rooms. The apartment was huge and had an awesome roof. We all gathered on the ceramic red shingled roof and looked all around us only to see the duomo, the bell tower, city hall, and the santa croce peaking over the roofs of the buildings. It was at that moment that I think we finally realized we have been lucky enough to call this place home for the past four months and have literally been given the world. We could not have done it without all the love and support from our parents. Even though a majority of us go to SJU we were not friends prior to coming to Florence, but now we return to hawk hill with new friends who we have shared such a special experience with. After gazing upon Florence it was time to dance the rest of the night away! And of course the night was concluded with our last trip to the secret bakery!
Today we walked around aimlessly for hours and basically did florence in a day! Todays activities included shopping, pinos, popsicle, ponte vecchio, central market, leather market, riding the carousel, and so much more! The day was concluded at piazza michelangelo for one last time to soak it all in! Tonight we went to Pino's shop to say goodbye to him, which was really sad. He gave us all a kiss on each cheek and a giant hug goodbye! Then me and my five roomies went for our last dinner together at one of our favorite restaurants il teatro. At dinner we all exchanged our secret santa gifts and reminisced on all the memories and good times we had while we were here. It was sad to say goodbye to so mnay of the wonderful people we met along the way, but our paths will hopefully all cross again someday!
I still am in denial that I am returning to America tomorrow! I am leaving for the airport in less than 6 hours and am filled with so many mixed emotions. This semester has truly been one that I will never forget. These past 111 days will stay near and dear to my heart forever and always. I am lucky enough to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. Firenze you will always be a part of me and part of me will always be here! Ciao Florence & Hello America!
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