December was far too short and bittersweet. It was the end of my classes, which were difficult for me to complete because I did not bring my laptop with me abroad. Which was a hinderance to me but now I know for next time. I did manage however, and in the Italian way I was able to do what I can with what I have. In December I visited Rome and I had so much fun learning the history and being in a city so old. Of course I saw the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish steps. I did it all in my first day there, as I took an early morning train. That is what I really miss about Italy, how easy it is to travel. I was able to pack my bag the night before, wake up, walk to the train station and be in a new city the same day. I loved how walkable Italy is.

I went to the Vatican museum the next day and did not want to leave, I was surrounded by the most amazing art I had ever seen. And I was able to see a real Salvador Dali painting as well as works by Picasso. I also went to St. Peters Basilica, and bought rosaries for my family, as we are Catholic. Back in Florence, the decorations were on full blast and the Christmas spirit was in the air. Everyone was bustling around for Christmas gifts and enjoying their company. My roommates and I, again feeling a little sad because its the holidays without our families, decided to plan another roommate feast. This one was as extravagant as the last, and I ate my last meal with them before boarding on the plane back home the same night.

It’s very bittersweet, but I was able to learn how to live with multiple people especially very different than me. Since I was the only one from a small city and my six roommates were from New York or New Jersey. It was a little hard to befriend them at first because many of them had known each other previously and I was a newcomer. But in the end we definitely became close and still keep in touch.

I went to a soul kitchen bar in Florence and befriended locals. I wanted to know a lot about the life in Italy how it really is. A few people told me that economic growth in Italy is very difficult, and although their health care is free, it is very hard to get because of the waiting list. This was interesting to hear about, and I want to research more before forming an opinion, because this is just the opinion of a few locals. I was taught a lot of Italian that night, and I was grateful for the good conversations with my friends. The bar tender that night was going to DJ the next night as well, however, I was too tired to go. But I hope his gig went well. The flight home was faster than the flight to Italy, although technically the flight home was longer. I still practice my Italian and I have made pasta from scratch at home and will continue to do so. I really miss Italy but I am so glad to be home. I hope to visit Italy again with my loved ones and with an Italian language level that is above beginner.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Florence University of the Arts