It’s unbelievable to come to the realization that I will be wrapping up my study abroad program here in Milano Italy. It’s honestly a bittersweet moment for on one hand I want to get back to work and save up for new milestones, see my family and spend the holidays with them and being back to the lecture styles I’m used to because as mentioned many posts ago that’s the one thing I kinda struggled getting used to here. For I thrive with engaging lectures and I’m forever grateful to be a part of a University back home that focuses on that. Yet on the other hand, I will miss the connections I have made here. It’s almost impossible to imagine not saying Buongiorno( good morning) to the residence staff at my unit. In addition, to the comfortable and easy way of life here combined with the marvelous architecture, cheer and flee markets where I reinvented my wardrobe from. I would say that most of all I am upset at how I will not experience the end of winter in Italy and I won’t experience spring joys and beach days, but dreaming of them will be all I can do.

But something I did experience was the annual tree lighting festivity by the Duomo square. 

Now that being realistic has served it’s purpose, don’t be mistaken for I am aware that I can confidently return to Italy in the foreseeable future and the fear of things not being the same as my time here has been will be hard but it’s also a door for new memories. At least I can say I’m now fluent in Italian as well and will most definitely continue to exercise that blessing. I can’t believe I was ever unsure about going abroad for classes, that I was ever fearful of it but having a nice support system to encourage me was definitely what gave me the courage to leap into this experience and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Last weekend I made a solo trip to Como town where Lake Como is, the town was beautifully decorated and for some reason their giant Christmas tree was my favorite so far. My intention was simply to pass some time by the dock and admire the mountain ranges but everything quickly elevated with the festivities of the town. That pretty much sums up Italian culture its always celebrating something and spreading its joy when you least expect it.

During my last week I will be saying my farewells to the coffee shop that fueled me through all my homework assignments, to the Spritzeria across the street from class that posted me on their Instagram simply from my “vibe”, to City Istanbul that learned my name and created a student menu, to my short term professors, to my advisors, colleagues, my balcony and it sunrises, my room filled with trinkets from all over the continent and a farewell arrivederci to Italy.

Ciao!