My goodbye to Barcelona was certainly tearful, but the last week was absolutely perfect. I know I say this all the time, but time really does fly. Before I knew it, everything started to become my LAST this and my LAST that. I took my favorite strolls down streets and sat in sunny plazas. I went to a huge and crazy market, that sold everything from underwear to fishing reels to used books. Saturday was the last hoorah at the club. Sunday we made brunch, which would be more accurately described as a feast--pancakes, fruit salad, pastries, cheese, Spanish tortilla, eggs, we had it all.
I sat in my favorite cafe, went to all my favorite places, and did all my favorite things and spent as much time as possible with all my favorite people. It was magical. Somewhere between there I finished finals too. On the last day, we picked up some groceries and walked to the beach for a picnic and some sunshine. Between munching on my favorite Spanish junk food (I miss you Principe cookies!), and chatting with amigas, and saying "no gracias" to the massage ladies and tatoo offers, I soaked up a bit too much sun. In the words of my host dad "Elizabeth! You look like a shrimp!" After the beach I had my last coffee date (like I said everything was turning into "last;" so dramatic) with my dear friend Missy. I then sat in Placa Nova, my favorite plaza, thinking back on the semester and how wonderful the ride has been. I could go on and be all philosophical and share my deep feelings about study abroad and my experience, but I will save it for another time and keep it light (and spare you the boredom).
That night my host parents surprised Kari and I by taking us out to dinner. They were such wonderful hosts and I will miss our little apartment together. I'll never forget Isabel's singing while she cooks, the chocolate pudding they always gave us after dinner, all the conversations lost in translation, how annoying the doorbell was, how tiny the shower was, how great the food was, and much much more.
With a sun-burned, tear-streaked face, I headed to the airport to go to Rome.
Rome has been wonderful. Tomorrow is my last day in the city before my red-eye flight Friday morning to the states. I love the city's richness in history and culture (and food) but am quickly learning getting around takes some patience. Take this for example: My overweight bag and I arrived to find out that the buses were not running that day. Jessica and I had to find our own way home from the train station, which involved going up 5,892,427 stairs. After walking around for over an hour hauling four months worth of possessions, some nice Italian men helped us up the stairs. Huffing and puffing and nearly collapsing by the time he reached the top, he exclaimed "I need some oxygen!"...he lit a cigarette. We were so exhausted we could only find the situation comical.
The next day was much more relaxing than the arrival. We trained to the beach, at the town Sperlonga. As a Kansan, I have a great appreciation for the beach, and the town and beach were beautiful. I made sure to put on sunscreen this time.
Sunday I went around on my own and saw the sights--Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colleseum. I went to Mass at St. Peter's which was unbelievable. I was especially moved by seeing all the pope's tombs: from Saint Peter to John Paul II. Tomorrow I'll be seeing Pope Benedict in person at his morning blessing.
Yesterday I did I side trip to Pompeii, the ancient city that was buried in ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. The city was discovered and excavated later, and today you can walk around and explore the ruins of the town. It was fascinating. One thing that was interesting/creepy was the body casts--excavators discovered that the holes in the ash was where people had been, and so they poured plaster in the holes to make casts of Vesuvius's victims. If you are brave, click here. Pompeii made me think about how from 2,000 years ago, people are still very much the same. There were places to buy food to go, welcome mats at homes, places of worship, baths, work out facilities, stepping stones, and street names. Today I did some more sightseeing and walking around. Two days until home. Looking forward to sharing more of my stories with you in person!
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