After 265 days, 16 plane rides, 11 countries, 40 cities and having traveled over 15,000 miles.. I'm back home. Now that I'm home, it all feels weird: sleeping in my bed, waking up in my room, not living out of a suitcase. I thought that the fact that I was going back home wouldn't hit me until I was at O'hare or when I saw my house.Shockingly, it was at the London Heathrow airport. The first time I was there in August, not only did I sleep for an hour in the bathroom because I was so exhausted, but I was wondering about all of the people I would meet and where I would visit and what adventures I go on. Sitting there 10 months later, I was thinking about everything I had been through, the people I met and the memories I had made with them. It was all rushing back to me.
This time I last year, my main priorities were finishing all of my projects on time and saving money for my semester in Spain. I had no idea what was waiting for me in Europe; all the adventures and fun times that would soon make my junior year, one to remember. I remember saying bye to my family at the airport as the tears on my cheeks began to dry, I even looked back and waved. I left the country as a person who was unsure of myself in more ways than one. I wasn't the most self-confident person and I second-guessed myself and my decisions. After having lived and traveled in Europe for almost a year, I have become more independent and self-aware. I know that I can do anything on my own.
Travelling alone has it's perks. For example, you can do what you want and you don't have to compromise with someone who doesn't want the same things as you. Alone time is great, I love it! I took walks by myself around Florence and when I got back to the apartment my roommates asked me why I went alone and then continued to talk among themselves and said they would never do that. Why not? It's quiet, calming and relaxing. Another reason why travelling alone is a good thing is because you become more self-reliant.
Being alone is GREAT! This year for me was about getting away and becoming more comfortable with myself and finding out who I am or at least who I want to be. I may not know what I'll be doing 5 years from now, but I know who I want to be tomorrow. I've learned a lot these past 10 months and none of it would have been possible without the help of everyone who I met. From the 18009 of Granada, to the 50123 of Florence, I have met some wonderful people I will never forget.
If you want picturesque views of the Tuscan countryside, then go to San Gimignano. If you want the world's best gelato, literally because it has won multiple championships, then go to San Gimignano. It is my favorite small little town located in the heart of Tuscany. I had been wanting to go for so long! I found a tour with a group called MyTours. They have multiple tours to offer that take you all over. My only regret is that I found them so late in the game. They have great prices and even discounts for students. I highly recommend using them. The tour guides were nice and spoke English very well. On my tour, there was a good number of French tourists and it was fun listening to the tour guides who are Italian speaking in French. There were a couple of mistakes here and there, but that's natural when speaking a language that isn't your maternal tongue. I also enjoyed this trip because it wasn't a typical "student" trip. My friend Alina and I were the only students on the trip. Everyone else was older and I liked it. We met 2 flight attendants from Atlanta and Cleveland, we continued to call them Atlanta and Cleveland because we didn't know their real names. I met some people from France, who were very kind. I never understand why people say that the French are snobby. They aren't. Granted I can communicate with them and all, but even if I couldn't, they are all nice and helpful.
After our free time in San Gimignano, we headed towards a vineyard also located in the center of Tuscany where we were treated to a divine wine tasting. We tried 3 wines: Chianti Classico, Chianti, and a dessert wine. We also ate pasta with a delicious olive oil that was also produced on the land and a balsamic vinegar. It was the BEST balsamic I have ever had, and I've had quite a few. I would have loved to purchase one, but you have to purchase 3 things in order to buy it and the bottle of balsamic was 51 euros.
After lunch in the Chianti region, we headed to our last destination, Siena. It was not my favorite place. So many cars on the streets. It just wasn't appealing to me, personally.
