This was written at La Pievuccia the morning before we left. This trip was the most amazing thing that has happened in my life so far and I can't wait to continue sharing stories and pictures from the past couple months on here but I thought I would just post this for now.
I woke up this morning to tears and the realization that I am going "home" tomorrow. Only, home to me is now Castiglion Fiorentino, but that is not where I am going. They say home is where the heart is but can your heart be in two places at once? If not, then I am not sure my heart will ever leave this place. That may be the hardest part about leaving ... knowing there won't be a day that goes by that I won't think of this experience. My father studied abroad for two years in Munich and I grew up listening to stories about his time there. He even took me to Munich while I was in high school and showed me his school, where he lived, and the places he and his friends used to go. At the time, I didn't appreciate or understand the passion he had for that place or the time that he spent there. Now I do. While I was packing, he called me and I asked him how long it took him to get over leaving Munich. Years. That was his answer. The truth is, I still don't think he is over it, and I know I probably won't ever be either.
I have traveled my whole life, and even lived abroad before, but this trip was unlike any other experience I have ever had. I learned so much about another culture, life, respect, friendships, and more than anything, myself.
I will miss the Italian way of life. They really know how to live, and live well, here. There are things about the States that I have learned to not take for granted, like free water at restaurants and free public toilets. However, there are things here that I have learned to not take for granted either. For starters, natural beauty. Everywhere I look here is breathtaking. You can't find this sort of raw, natural, abundant beauty in a place like Houston. The children at the local park don't have a clue how great they have it when they overlook a valley surrounded by tuscan hills from their swing set. I also envy their simplistic lifestyle. They take life at such a slow, wonderful pace - making sure not to miss a single moment. The thought alone of "take away" coffee being virtually unheard of is a testimony to this.
If I walk away learning one thing from this trip, let it be this: Life is a blessing, a gift. We can spend it being miserable and discontent, or we can live it like the Italians taught me to. Live in every single moment. Never try to speed things up, but slow them down. Enjoy meals because the food tastes as good as the company feels. Don't just rush through them to get to the next item on your to-do list. Love everyone. And I mean everyone. Know that it's okay to miss a train or forget to pack something because life is much bigger than it's little throwbacks. Don't freak out when your camera dies in Venice because even the most expensive camera in the world could not do the beauty of Italy justice. Appreciate everyones differences because at the end of the day, all the odds and ends somehow balance out. After all, a harmony wouldn't sound as beautiful if it were the same as the melody.
Going back to Texas will be a harsh reality, and probably more of a culture shock than it was coming to Italy. I know I am not going to fit right in when I go back, but I'm not sure that I want to. Italy, and this trip, has had such an impact on my life. When I leave tomorrow, I won't just be leaving a place. I will be leaving the biggest and grandest experience of my life thus far. And although Italy can't come back with me, I am comforted by the fact that my memories and friendships I made there can. This may be my final morning waking up in Italy for this trip, but it won't be my last.
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