Lauren In Italy: Arrivederci Italia

Yesterday was my last day in Italy, and I spent it running last minute errands, throwing all my clothes together, cleaning out the apartment, getting coffee with Kaitlyn, and a mandatory stop at Grom with Natalie. We sat in the park and ate our last gelato and just laughed about some ridiculous stories. It's so funny how much we've learned since our first few weeks here.. We were laughing about how when we went to Alba Island the second weekend here, we sort of just showed up on the island and expected everything to work out.. without doing much research as to transportation, our hotel, things to do, etc.

We've all learned to travel with such an ease now, and know exactly what we have to do to make things go smoothly. We learned how to deal with not speaking the language, not having cell phone maps or anyone to call for help, dealing with public transportation and crazy city metro maps, foreign currencies, and figuring out how to get around huge cities without anyone to showing us how to. It was tricky and frustrating at first but after a few trips, it became so much easier. I'm so jealous that Europeans live so close together and to can easily go to so many amazing different places!

Last night was my last night in Italy and I spent the night at the Maddies' apartment since all my roomies had already left. It was a struggle lugging two suitcases and a carry-on roller and a backpack, and required two trips across town and up and down lots of stairs, but it was nice to have everything all packed and be able to relax and have a great last night. It was Giacomo's birthday so we made a last minute decision to go out and ended up having a blast just dancing all night and enjoying our last night in Europe. We got home and stayed up even later talking, so after only a few hours of sleep we were up again and heading to the airport. Giacomo (our fav Italian) drove me and Maddie to the airport, and it was so sad saying goodbye to the other Maddie (who lives in Connecticut).

So many bags! & last view of Torino.

It's hard to believe that four months have come and gone and I can't even summarize how lucky I feel. I am so grateful to my amazing parents for all the support they've given me. THANK YOU, parents. I also feel so fortunate to have been able to work two jobs full-time this summer, and even though I sacrificed a social life, it was completely worth it.

SO MANY thing I'm going to miss:

1. The city. Torino is so beautiful and it was even more so when it started SNOWING! I had never even heard of this city a year ago, but am so glad I chose to study abroad in a place less well-known than other Italian cities because I was forced to learn the language and fit in with the Italian lifestyle.

2. Italians and being able to (attempt to) speak Italian every day. I've met so many warm and friendly Italians and once you attempt to speak Italian, they will totally love you. I also loved volunteering at the preschool once a week, and it was sad to say bye to all the kids last Wednesday. Even though it was hard getting up so early some mornings, it was always worth it and it forced me to improve my Italian a lot! And I'm never going to forget the phrases "basta!" or "vieni qui!"

3. Traveling every weekend. Being in northern Italy was the perfect location to get to other countries at relatively inexpensive costs. I will not miss hostels or common showers or top bunks or trying to get some sleep while there is a rave happening downstairs. After almost four months in Europe, nine countries, 24 different planes, more than a dozen trains, and too many 3am wake-up calls, I can't believe I was able to see so many incredible museums, monuments, churches, buildings, and places. Traveling for 12 weekends took way more planning, organizing, and energy than I imagined and I think I've hit a new level of total-exhaustion. But I have a completely new outlook on travel now, and will never again take for granted any trip that someone else plans for me. ;) It's a lot of work! I will also never take for granted a spacious hotel room, a real bed, a shower that doesn't run the risk of containing fungal diseases, flights that actually offer drinks, or being able to rent a car instead of having to figure out public transportion in a foreign language. The past few months have been so unreal and I have a feeling I'll be home for a few weeks before it will really hit me.

4. The Italian food! Italian food is a lot different than it is America.. there is no such thing as fettuccine alfredo and spaghetti and meatballs is totally American. All dishes are a LOT more fresh, especially the pizza. Zero grease and alllll fresh-ness. Northern Italy has some of the most famous vineyards in the world and it was amazing to see the countryside and learn how wine is made! The open markets are also amazing.. the fresh and cheap veggies, the bargaining, and finding the coolest knick-knacks always make the open market so much fun. Not to mention that Italy also has the best tomatoes in the entire world and I have never liked them so much!

5. Amazing people. I'm so lucky to have met such great friends while being abroad and I loved all our weekend trips and adventures. My roommates here were so great and I'm really going to miss our weekly dinners, trips wandering down Via Garibaldi's shopping street, and all of our adventures. Can't believe I won't be seeing these people every day. :(