It has been about five days since I have gotten home from Italy, and my emotions are still all mixed up. I'm happy, sad, overwhelmed, exhausted; you name the emotion and I am feeling or have felt it this past week. I can't believe my time abroad has already come to an end, yet I am so happy to be back home with my family and friends. Studying abroad is an amazing experience that has taught me so much; some of which I expected, but some that has also surprised me.
I was greeted at the airport Saturday night by my mom holding a welcome home sign, with my dad and nana at her sides. After tears and goodbyes to my friends who had travelled with me, it was time to head home. I had been driving for over 24 hours, and was so out of it...I got my hands on my first Dunkin Donuts iced coffee and tears sprang to my eyes.
When I got home, my brother had decorated the porch and house, got me balloons and attacked me with silly string. I missed that little pain in the butt. Holding and petting my dog had never felt so good. We all sat together as I showed them pictures, talked about my adventures, and gave them their gifts and mementos I had brought home. I fell asleep mid-conversation with my dad; happy, safe and exhausted.
This week has been crazy. On top of dealing with the jet lag and trying to figure out my sleep schedule, I have been trying to see my friends and catch up with them. Everyone keeps asking me how Italy was, and all I can respond is that it was amazing. I haven't got my head around all of my thoughts enough to try and express them to everyone else. Plus, the beauty that I experienced in Italy will never be able to be expressed in simple words.
Italy taught me so much. It taught me to be able to rely on myself, and to continue growing and traveling. It taught me to be patient and understanding; the language barrier and new culture were frustrating at first but luckily I met some great Italians who helped me along the way. It taught me that home will always be there, and that it is okay to branch out and experience new adventures. It taught me that I love gelato way more than ice cream.
This has been the hardest, yet the most rewarding experience that I have ever had. It has opened my eyes up to the rest of the world... there is so much out there to see. I am happy to be home, but I definitely miss my Italy home, too. And, you can bet the travel bug is real and alive. I am already looking forward to other trips in my future.
Till next time, Italia. Grazie, e ciao.
