"How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so difficult"

Hello, my friends. It is with a somber heart that I inform you that my semester abroad has come to a close. As I prepare to pack my things for my [far too early] flight tomorrow morning, I'm beginning to reflect on this unbelievable adventure that I have been so fortunate to take part in.

"I urge you to please notice when you're happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point 'if this isn't nice, I don't know what is." Kurt Vonnegut

As of today, I have been living in Europe for 107 days and I've traveled to 7 countries and over 25 cities. Though I'm sad to see this wonderful period of my life coming to a close, I look back upon it fondly, cherishing the memories and thinking fondly of those I've met.

"Don't be scared to walk alone. Don't be scared to like it." John Mayer

In the words of Ron Burgundy, "I'm in a glass case of emotion!" Preparing to return to the states is arguably one of the most bittersweet things I've experienced. Though I'm overly ecstatic about returning home to my friends, family, and familiarities, it's unbelievable to think that such an adventurous chapter of my life is coming to a close. Studying abroad is something I've looked forward to for years and it's hard to accept that it's over when, really, I've only just accepted that I'm living in Europe.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."  W. B. Yeats

Buddha once said, "The trouble is, you think you have time." Studying abroad has taught me many lessons, but if the recent tragedy in Connecticut has reaffirmed anything for me, it's that time is a precious commodity. If you want to do something, say something, be something, there is no time like the present. If you want to go live in Europe, make some plans and go, because it will be a remarkable experience and, hey, if not now, when? Hemingway once said that "when you stop doing things for fun, you might as well be dead."So choose your fun journey and get moving!

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." E.E. Cummings

A Weekend at the Christmas Markets!

Well, it appears that December is upon us and I must say that I am loving the holiday season in Europe. This past weekend, I ventured to Switzerland to visit my aunt and we spent three days wandering the famous Christmas markets of Basel and Strasbourg (France). We ate soft, drank Gluhvein, and, as the weekend came to a close, enjoyed a lovely coating of snow over the Swiss landscape.

Beautiful view over the Alps on my flight to Zurich!

For those of you that have never ventured to European Christmas markets, I must advise you that they are just as hectic as an American mall. However, these markets are outdoors and are set-up similarly to carnivals, in that different shops occupy stalls that run in rows across an open square or piazza. As you wander through the markets, you'll find as much food as you will anything else. Soft pretzels, hot chocolate, fondues, chocolates, hot wines, and sweets of all kinds fill more stalls than the surrounding trinkets and ornaments seem to. All in all, it's a festive atmosphere for the hoards of people that attend.

The train station in Strasbourg, France. 

This week brings me to the last week of classes in Florence. I simply can't believe that my semester abroad is coming to a close and, as much as I'm looking forward to going home, I will be sad to leave my European surroundings. People aren't joking when they say that study abroad changes your life; it teaches you about the world as much as it teaches you about yourself. I'm firm with conviction that I'll look back upon the semester fondly and, in all honesty, I'm sure I'll begin planning my next adventure as soon as I've fully come to grips with the fact that this one has ended.

The Christmas markets in Basel!

The amazing view over Basel from the rooftop bar!

What are we telling children if Frosty is drinking?

Musical santas!

Best of luck as you begin your holiday preparations! Until next time, arrivederci!