Ciao Mounties! I have returned from Italy, and I am now back in my hometown. While it is so great to be home, I do miss Italy and I am eager to return in the future.

When I first heard about the study abroad trip to Italy, I never imagined that I would decide to go on this trip. I had always wanted to go to Italy and participate in a study abroad program so you might think that the choice was easy for me, but it was not. I paced back in forth in my dorm room and talked to numerous family members and friends for advice. I was so nervous about making the wrong decision, but I knew that I would regret not going on this trip for the rest of my life.

When I first got to Italy, I suffered from homesickness and anxiety. I was in a new country, that I knew nothing about, without my family and friends. I had trouble adjusting at first, and I was worried about my future in Italy. Thankfully, my homesickness passed within my first week, and I began to fall in love with Florence. My time in Florence was like something out of a dream. The beauty of Florence is unlike any other place and being there is like stepping back through time. I stepped out of my comfort zone, and I was rewarded with new memories and friendships.

During my time in Italy, I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful and historic cities and towns of Rome, Pisa, Siena, Capri, Positano, Sorrento, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Venice, Lucca and the island, Sardinia. I walked through magnificent churches and palaces, gazed upon the works of geniuses such as Leonardo and Michelangelo, made new friendships, and learned a new language and culture. My time in Italy allowed me to make memories that I will treasure forever. I learned how to be more independent, confident, and adaptable and developed skills such as budgeting, traveling, and cooking. All of these life lessons will help me as I continue to make my way through the journey of life. I am so grateful to the people in my life that encouraged me to travel abroad, and I am so proud of myself for having the courage to do so.

Before I say goodbye, I would like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to read my blog. It was such a pleasure to document my experiences and whenever I miss Italy, I have my blogs to look back upon. Grazie e arrivederci!