December Has Arrived

So the time has come. It is now December and the end of one of the best experiences of my life is quickly approaching. With less than two weeks left to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world (Florence) there is much to get done. There are still museums to visit, pictures to take, food to eat, more gelato to consume, and last times to spend with friends and roommates. It is a sad thing to face knowing that we will never be together again like this. This experience has not only opened my life to new places but has given me some of the most amazing people. While everyone will be departing Italy to return to the States for the holidays I will not be joining them. The end of the semester will make the beginning of a new adventure. I will begin my adventure around the world. With destinations that are definite include seeing family in S. Italia, Cairo Egypt, Cambodia and Bali. Originally the list for my four week adventure was to include many more cities that would be impossible to fund (since I am funding this adventure) and to properly give to each of the cities. I have therefore narrowed my travels down to these four locations with the possibility to add on one more all depending on the dates of travel to S. Italia.

As exciting as it will be to return to my long lost family it is slightly terrifying. I was lucky enough to have a translator (my beautiful best friend Erin) with me when we discovered them. This trip will include no one other than myself. Even though I have been studying Italian while living here my italian is very embarrassing. My writing skills have improved much more than my speaking/conversation skills. I only hope that I don't become overcome with shyness and am able to utilize my time to learn and practice more italian. An important part of this leg of my journey is to take my grandfather home. With him passing last year I have wanted to take some of his ashes and spread him around the town that he was born. With a couple scares of his ashes getting stuck in customs he is here safe with me and will be making a final trip home that I only wish I could've taken him before. My gracious cousin Aniello has invited me to stay with him in his home in Naples and will be taking me back to Bagnoli. I cannot express the gratitude that I already feel for his kindness.

This blog, even though I had meant to create this for the entirety of my study abroad, is made for everyone who wants to follow me around the world. I invite you to join me in my adventures to some of the most majestic cities that have called my name for years. I cannot wait to witness the mysteries of Cairo, the miracles of Cambodia and rest, warm up and relax in Bali before returning for my final semester at San Diego State. For those that I will not be able to see for the holidays, and for those that I have already missed during Thanksgiving, I love you and hope you have wonderful holidays.