Since coming back home to Maryland, I have been really debating what I should do. I weighed the pro's and con's. I really thought about what I would miss. I also really thought about the amazing experiences I would have living abroad. My final thoughts were how much I would miss out on not being with friends and family and the what if's. My what if's were--what happens if I get over there and nothing works out? What happens if I don't make any friends? I would really need an outlet over there that would not consist of Skyping home daily. The Italian and American cultures are so very different, and I know I could handle it for a month or two. The real question is could I give up everything I have here at home for a year?
Well, my decision has been made. I will be staying in Italy next summer again, but I will not be staying for an entire year. I know you are probably upset by hearing this, but I have my reasons. My traveling experiences this past summer were amazing, and I am constantly reminiscing of the time I had there. When I came home, I truly realized how wonderful my family and friends were and how blessed I was for the life I live. This summer I was given the chance to kind of find myself, throw out all the rules, and just have fun. My life has always been on a track since leaving high school, and I really needed to deviate from that track for a little while. The main reason for going abroad was to have a change in life and to travel, and I got everything I could ever wanted out of the experience.
Now, don't you worry. I have big plans for more extravagant adventures. The plans for next summer are in the works. I will have tons more little outings and new experiences between now and then, so check-in from time to time.
