I’m back home now, in St. Petersburg, Florida, in America, far away from Europe, far away from Italy, far away from Rome. In all honesty, at first, I was pretty nonchalant about going on the trip, mostly just doing it because I knew it would look good for college. However, I have never been more happy that I took that chance and did something like this in my life. Stepping out of my comfort zone has never been a task that I have embraced. So, going across the world, with few classmates I barely knew, and a couple of teachers, wasn’t really something I was too enthralled about. The pre-classes for World Religions didn’t even come close to teaching me all that I learned during my time in Italy. Actually being in the moment, in the heart of it all, really puts a new perspective and teaching to it all. That goes for International Relations as well, its much easier to learn about something when you’re implicating yourself directly into the material. Visiting an American Embassy in another country, speaking with a real Diplomat, and seeing what it is all really like is a lot different than hearing it in a lecture or reading it out of a text book. Mr. Hesting was definitely right; this was not a vacation, this was a learning experience, not only academically, but culturally and personally as well.

In a short period of time, I learned so much about the world, life, people, and myself. Such a small window of opportunity to see life through a new lens. It certainly went by all too fast, and ended abruptly, unfortunately.

Italy taught me to appreciate the small things. To take time and go with things as they come, not as to rush through life, because in the end there is nothing left, it’s all a blur. There is no reason to constantly rush things like we do here in America; with time great things come, time heals all wounds, time is something that can never be stopped – so you just have to live in the moment. Let things take time, let people take their time, enjoy the time. When constantly rushing, there is no real gain, only a loss, you lost precious moments because  you were too busy trying to hurry things up. Italy taught me that, take your time and soak up each and every moment, because there will never be a moment exactly like the last. Things are always changing, so all you really have is the present to absorb the happenings of life. Though I live in America, there is no reason to succumb to the rushed lifestyle that irradiates from our people. Josh said something very intelligent: “From all of the different places I travel to, I leave behind the bad stuff, and take the good stuff with me and incorporate it within my lifestyle and my family.” Such a smart way to look at things and a good thing to do. Adopt different pieces of different cultures and mold them together as you like. I know that I have brought back a lot of Italian culture with me and though it may not be within my family now, when I start my own family it is certainly something that I will enforce. They say when in Roma, do as the Romans. Well, when in America, I will still do as the Romans. A much more easy, laid back, carefree lifestyle.

In Italy, children ran freely, kids played outside, families ate together. In America, most parents are too afraid to let their children out of their sight, kids rely on video games and online activities for everything – including gym class, a fairly large percentage of families do not eat together and share that time together. When I have a family, I don’t want to follow the American way, I don’t want to have to be afraid or distant from my family. It’s like it’s a much safer and warming place in Italy. Honestly, it is a place I could see myself living and raising a family. Going through life embracing a new culture and mindset. Carefree. Enjoying the little things. Simplicity is extravagant. One of the greatest gifts of life is the simple things.

That’s another thing I learned, not everything that is bigger is actually better. Sometimes it’s the smaller things that hold the deepest meaning. Life doesn’t always have to be so complicated, it can be really simple, if you take life one step at a time and realize that all you have is this moment. Enjoy the simpler things in life, and I guarantee you will be more happy. That is what I saw in Italy and that is another thing I learned that I will take with me as I embark on the path of life.

When I tossed the three coins in the Trevi Fountain, it wasn’t just for the picture. I actually do wish for all three of those things. Returning to Rome isn’t just a wish of mine though, it’s a must, a determination. And finding love and marrying is just a perk, the men are beautiful after all. I’ll be back. I’d love to figure a way to build my life there. People said that leaving would be bitter-sweet, but somehow it’s been pretty difficult for me to find the sweetness in a bottomless abyss of bitterness.

I loved every single moment there, had a great time, and was not even close to being ready to come home and leave it all behind. In Italy, I found light in people and the beauty in life. A life that I have often painted so negatively, was completely transparent now, the black negativity fading away as the beautiful colors and light of life shined through. Though the experience was limited and short, nothing else has ever felt as warm or tasted as sweet. Overall, I learned one main personal life lesson: la vita e bella. Life is beautiful. Arrivederci Italia. I’ll be back for you.