That's a wrap

I’ve been home now for about 24 hours, and the only feeling I have is denial. The last six weeks have been an absolute whirlwind with little sleep, and I still cannot believe it actually happened. I went to Europe, something so many people have never had the opportunity to do. I still think I will wake up looking out at Mount Grappa, hearing the birds sing as the sun rises. I still think I’ll see my new friends from around the country every day in class. I still think I’ll have the constant struggle of trying to communicate in multiple languages, but the reality is I’m back in the states. I’m back to regular routine.

With this said, I look back on my trip and it seems like I was there for years instead of weeks. Each day was packed full of new experiences and things to see. Since everyone knew we would only be there for a relatively short time, we made the most of each day.

Since my return, people often ask me, “What was your favorite part?” “Was it really that different?” “What did you all see?” I answer the best I can to these questions, but they are much more difficult to answer than you may think. It’s hard to paint a picture of what it was like to live in Italy because there were so many little things that truly made the trip as great as it was. I try to explain how our guide for the tour of the Normandy beaches made the war come to life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I try to explain how we were sitting on the lawn gazing at the sparkling Eiffel Tower in night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I try to explain how the wonderful aromas of pizzerias in Italy make your mouth water. So many things to explain, that I just try to do my best.

Finally, I’d like to leave you all with my final tip that I have learned abroad. Although it is cliché, it is true. Life is short. Never put off tomorrow what you can do today. If you are having any doubts about deciding if you should do something new , just do it. My trip to Italy is something I will think about for the rest of my life, and I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to do it.

My final goodbye, sincerely,

Olivia