I understand that I am probably the absolute worst blogger ever. It has been well over a week since I posted and I am already safely back in the states. For those of you still waiting for some closure to this adventure via blog, I am here to ease your worries.

We left Casa Cares on Friday very early in the morning. The days before that we went into Florence several more times and stayed very late most every day. We had bellinis (the most delicious of beverages that could ever grace your taste buds) in the bar that actually invented bellinis right on the Arno River. It was delightful. We saw the David at The Academy, which was life-changing, and we visited the Medici tombs as well as the tombs of Michelangelo and several other well-known figures. Staring at the David was like staring at a street performer who is pretending to be very still, but you know will mess up and move at any moment. The veins and the muscles are so real. You expect the marble to move any second. Absolutely magnificent. Following these adventures there was of course an abundance of gelato, obviously.

After we left Casa Cares and got back to Rome with the group, the UAB folks broke off to enjoy our last weekend in Italy. We stayed at the most quaint and charming hotel, Casa Valdese- quintessential Italy, folks. Perfecto! We did Rome right in our last weekend. 

We hit the Pantheon

 and then the Colosseum 

I thought the David was the most profound and majestic thing I would see while on this trip, that is until we happened upon the Pantheon. The sure size of this creation makes you feel like a lousy piece of dust in the air. By far, this was my favorite part of the entire trip. Absolutely captivating.

We happened upon the Trevi Fountain during our travels through Rome: 

For those of you who do not know, the story goes that if you toss a coin into this particular fountain, you will return to Rome one day. Needless to say, we cheers-ed with our coins and tossed them into the fountain with grace.

We saw many more things, but these were the most noteworthy. Additionally, we took a journey through the Vatican and ended in the Sistine Chapel. One does not know beauty until they have stood on the Pope's purple stone at the entrance of the Sistine Chapel and soaked in the surroundings. It was phenomenal. 

At the end of our weekend we were forced against our will to head back to the states. Amidst some delays and overnight stays in cities we had not previously planned to spend time in, we finally made it home a day behind schedule. But, as I learned in Italy- live in the maybe. Not everything has to be a yes or a no or set in a certain way or time. Live in the maybe and be flexible. Adapt. One of the best things about the returning flight was flying over the Alps again. They are truly magical.

This was absolutely the best trip of my life. I went into this trip knowing that it would change me, but the scary part was not knowing in what ways it would change me. It turns out I didn't necessarily change, I just learned more about myself which provided me with the confidence to walk through any door that was opened for me. There was not a single experience in the past 2.5 weeks that I did not say yes to and not a single challenge that I did not rise up to overcome. 

This trip really was the beginning of something great for me. Be it professionally, personally or just in general. I feel renewed and stronger than ever before. I found a different side of me in Italy. I found my confidence and charm and determination. Italy was a great fit for me and I cannot wait to go back and hopefully spend much, much longer there. 

Last, but not least- even Wallace enjoyed himself. Wallace conquered Italy.

Until my next adventure my fearless followers..