I'm officially home, done with the paper, and writing my final blog. I definitely miss the beautiful sites at every corner and the company of my peers. As I reflect, re-read my journal, and look at my pictures, I can't help but remember the stories we told and the moments we shared. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity. This trip has left me wanting to travel and immerse myself in another country outside the United States. I would love to return to Italy with my family and/or friends some day. The sites are too beautiful not to share!

I find myself re-hashing random events/facts about Italy at the most random moments. For instance, I went to the restroom in the airport and didn't have to think about getting out and change to pay for it! I drove for the first time in weeks and couldn't help but remember the chaos that is driving in Italy...but they make it work! My family ate pizza for dinner and I reminded them that the pizza here is not near as fresh as the pizza in Italy. While at a crosswalk, I yelled "green man" and my family looked at me like I was crazy. I had to explain to them that in order to get 16 people across a street, everyone we had to walk as soon as we got the go-ahead. I will remember these quirky parts of our experience just as much as I will remember the amazing historical sites.

I can't wait to share our stories with family and friends in years to come!