Final Week... Truly a Life Changing Experience!

Where has the time gone? As I am writing this I am 4 days almost 3 days here in Italia, away from getting on a plane and heading back to Texas! So crazy to realize that my time here is done, but I couldn’t be more thankful for all the experiences I have had!

As this time has come to an end I have begun to reflect on what I have loved and will miss the most and what I will not miss when I leave.

Loved/will miss:

1. New Friends: People come into our lives for a reason. To teach, strengthen, love, laugh, hug, reasons to road-trip, and fond memories. I know full-hearted that the girls I have met while being here have taught me something new about myself or the world around me. I know the Lord has been teaching me through them, and I will miss them the most.

2. Food: OMG so much yummy food-I can’t believe as much as sometimes I crave a number 8 from Whataburger, I wont be able to walk 2 bridges down and get the best pizza in Florence, or go to Pino’s Panini shop and surprise him everyday when I order the same sandwich! I will hug that man before I leave.. and I’ll take a Panini with me!

3. History: It still amazes me the history that surrounds me. Italy has seen so much, and I feel like I only read a chapter of it in my time here. I know that living here in Florence, my knowledge of culture has increased and now wants to keep learning! Guess I’ll be back to finish it! ;)

4. Relaxing: If you really know me, you know I can’t sit still for more than 5 minutes. But Italy has taught me to slow down, stroll the streets and notice every detail. I know when I get back I only have a week off till I start Pine Cove, but I know when I have time off, I will do my best to relax and enjoy the quality time with friends and family.

5. Spiritual Growth: I know that this doesn’t end just because I am leaving Italy, but the Lord has moved in my life this semester. Changed me for the better and has prepared my heart for the next season in life! I can’t wait to personally share my heart with you all and with fellow staffer at work this summer! I miss my brothers and sisters so much, it will be a glorious reunion!!

Won’t miss:

1. Italian men- seriously people, they are nasty. I have never wanted to punch someone so much in my life for making a smart comment about showing my knees…..newsflash!! Women have knees!!! WOW!!!!

2. My front door: Europe has funky keys and doors. Mine personally hates me. It never opens for me! All my other roommates are fine but that door gets a laugh every time I try to get in!

3. Doggy _______: not a good way to say this but dogs need grass to do their business on. Not my street, outside my door, not my walk to class. Comon Italia! Find some grass for these poor puppies!!

4. My Shower: If you seen the picture.. you know. I have to literally climb to the back to turn it on… not cool!!

Last but not Least:

5. INTERNET: If I could only fully express how much I hate internet here( I know hate is a strong word, but this internet deserves it!!). First I have a silly sticky thing that goes into my computer and it only likes certain areas of my apartment- like by the window of my room but not the window in the living room. It also requires 10 Euros every month in which it only produces about 2 blinks worth of internet! (Maybe I’m exaggerating, but still!!) Can’t wait to burn the sticky thing then stomp on it for good measure!

Even with mixed emotions about leaving, I know I am leaving this beautiful country without regrets. I have been blessed to see so much and do so much in my time here. Thank you Mom and Dad, Mrs. Halbert, Chelsey, and Curtis for making me come and not chickening out! A big thanks to all my friends for their love and support while being away, I know I haven’t kept up with everyone has much as I would have liked but thank you for sticking with me! I love each of ya’ll so much and so blessed to have ya’ll in my life! Tear tear tear…. Can’t wait to hug all of ya’ll!!!!

I am hoping to blog one more time before leaving, but this week is finals, which means I will be attempting to study! HA! But as any good student knows you have to take some study breaks and mine will be a cycle of Pino’s, Gusta’s, and gelato… repeat as often as needed which will be at least once a day! HA Wish I could say I was kidding, but I’m not!

In between eating and studying, studying and eating, I will facing the giant of packing. It would be a lie to say I am not worried about it all fitting/making the weight limit! I’m sure my Facebook status will inform you how it will be going! Today I finished my last daytrip with a quick run over to Pisa's Leaning Tower.... Well nothing has changed, its still leaning.. enjoy the pics! haha

Fantastically Brilliant London!

First off it is officially 10 days till I will be back in the USA!!! Although I have loved, and I mean really loved my time in Italy, my heart is aching for home so much! Can’t wait to see everyone!!

But lets be real people, London…. WAS FREAKING AWESOME!! I can’t even begin to tell ya’ll how much I love London. Lets just name a few reasons:
1. They speak English-seriously the most amazing thing I have never really appreciated. Communication is a glorious thing.
2. They are helpful and polite-maybe this was just in my case or the Royal Wedding really had people in a good mood but I never met a rude person in my time there.
3. Great food-lets not forget how I have a food addiction…I had some delicious things while I was there-bangers and mash(sausage and mashed potatoes), fish and chips, Chinatown. Can’t beat it.
4. History-London has the most amazing history. I loved learning all weekend and visiting some of the most well known places.
5. Cheesy William and Kate Souvenirs- they were cute, they were pointless, they were cheap and they were everywhere!!! Don’t you worry though… I got some! ha
6. British accents- lets not lie to ourselves.. everything sounds better with a British accent. The best movies..cough cough pride and prejudice..cough cough have British accents. Point made.
7. The Tube- I loved the underground… idk why but I do, its quick, easy to navigate, and its just plain fun!
8. Plenty to do: while I was there I saw Chicago on stage, ate at local pubs, saw a Royal Wedding, went on the London Eye, just enjoyed walking around, SOHO, and Regents Street.
9. Reread number 6 again. Because its so true.
10. Re read number 8. Things I did continued: saw the London Tower, sang London Bridge is Falling Down on the actual London Bridge. Went to a WW2 museum, shopped, ate sticky toffee pudding, and saw Wimbledon.

Like my top 10 for my 10 days left in Italia?! Overall, London was a great experience. If I ever come back, London will be on the list, there is still so much to see and do there!! There are honestly too many stories to write them all here. So below is just a recap of my weekend in pictures with alittle information about them!
Here I am riding a double decker bus-this was soon after arriving in London. about 3 hours later at 4 am did we finally find our hostel... note taken, London doesn't have any transportation systems open after 1. HA!
The London Eye-This is "green" friendly, and gives you the best views of London!
With the Parliament building. Also where Robert Downey Jr. "jumped" out the window in the movie Sherlock Holmes.
Big Ben!

With the London police or "Bobbies"!
Fish and Chips! The pub was award winning in the UK! And I would have to agree!
The Royal Kiss! Ekk I'm a hopeless romantic.. so what?!
Buckingham Palace.
Westminster Abbey... where the royal couple was married. Lines to see inside was wrapped around the church..
Hampton Court Palace. This was Henry the 8th's place.
Shakespeares' Globe-So cool, our tour guide was so interesting and knew so much.. and of course it sounded even better with his British accent.
London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down....
The London Eye-Where Henry the 8th, beheaded his wives along with a few other misbehaving kids.
Wimbledon!!
Platform 9 3/4! Harry Potter Premiere so soon!!
with our bikes-We took a Monday more ride around Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park!

See you all very very soon:)!!