I spent my last day in Florence doing all my favorite things and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect and beautiful day.  I woke up early and got one last bagel and lemon bar from Mama’s Bakery before walking around the city for several hours, taking pictures, visiting all my favorite spots and getting one last Florence bracelet.  I went back to my favorite gelato shop, our bridge, school, Santa Croce, the Duomo, my little fruit stand where I buy my morning strawberries, the hole-in-the-wall amazing panini restaurant, the leather market, and more…Just reliving memories and seeing things in an entirely different way than before.  Since I knew today was it and I had no stress of school, I explored so much more and noticed all kinds of new things, even on the streets I have walked every single day.  I am afraid that I took some of it for granted…After riding the carousel since I hadn’t been on it yet, I then went to Boboli Gardens and laid in the beautiful sunshine on the top lawn overlooking Tuscany and read a book for several hours.  It was relaxing and perfect and one place I will truly miss.  After running into some Switzerland friends and stopping to talk, I made my way to a couple areas I forgot to photograph and ended up at my favorite restaurant just before they closed, so I had one last meal.  I sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful plaza next to me.  The food was incredible and one thing I definitely won’t be able to get back home…handmade spaghetti noodles with only tomatoes as sauce…DELICIOUS!  On my way home, I sat on the bridge one last time and enjoyed the views.

As long as I have wanted to go home and even though I am still really excited, it is starting to get bittersweet.  It’s just I have become so used to this life: walking just down the street to get anything you want, fresh fruits/veggies at markets everywhere, walking along the infamous river literally everyday, living above the cutest flower shop, enjoying incredible views and just the simplicity of life.  And when I am not stressed out, I see this city for it’s incredible beauty.  It’s going to be really hard and strange to just leave it all behind.  It truly feels like just yesterday that I was making the walk to my apartment from the train station with all my luggage, in complete awe of my surroundings.  And now it’s over.  But in that time, I accomplished so much and got to do so many things I could have never dreamed of before coming.

Arrivederci Firenze.  Thanks for allowing me to grow and become a better person.  America, I have a big hug waiting for you!