After being home

I have been home for over a month now, and wanted to recap on some things. 

We went to Prague, and had the best weekend ever there on our last weekend abroad. I saw the john lennon wall, toured the city, ate lunch at this TV tower with giant metal babies crawling up the sides, and so much more. It was amazing, I would so study in prague for like a year. It was so clean, so much fun, and there was so much to do. 

We had dinner the day before the last at this place called tonys, about 60 of us from the program, that served unlimited wine.. well things got a little cray in all the best ways!! hahaha, it was amazing. We went to this bar called G bar after and all just reminisced on our trip. It was so sad and emotional, I love these people.

The last night was pretty sad of course too, as we watched our trips video of some of the best times and memories with everyone I for sure teared up. Looking around the room I saw so many people that have touched my life, and it makes me sad that I cant see them every day. 

The thing about going abroad is that the people that actually make it abroad have something special about them, they made it, they are doing it, they are the kind of people that you want to be around for the rest of your life. They know what you went through, they experienced every bit of it with you, and that bonds you like nothing else. 

All I have to say to close this post out is, if you are thinking about it, stop making excuses. Just go freakin' do it, I swear it'll change your life for the better in all the best ways. 

P.S. I am going back next summer to cape town :-) 

xo

Feelings after being here for this long

I didn't know what to expect when I was going to start feeling homesick, and to be honest, I really still am not. I have been having the time of my life here, I have made so many new great friends, and have been doing so many awesome and cool things I can't even express how happy being here has made me. 

We went to switzerland last weekend, and it is like my favorite place in the world. It was beautiful. We stayed near interlaken, which is a big place to go if you want to do cool adventurous things I guess. We went canyoning, which is basically jumping off of ledges and cliffs into pools of water, rappelling down things like one we went into a waterfall, and sliding down rapids in this canyon. It was hard, it was kind of scary, but so amazing. It was the craziest thing I had ever done and I am so glad that I did it. 

This weekend we are going to prague, we leave in a little bit. I am hoping to get to go hot air ballooning and skydiving bc why not? lol

Sorry haven't been posting, just literally have been so busy I haven't had time 

peace out 

Funny Italian Encounter in Florence

So me and my friend Angela were out at this bar in Florence, and then these two Italian dudes came up to us and at first I was like ANNA GET UR PEPPER SPRAY READY in my mind (jk but not jk?) However, I was super surprised, because they were just curious to why so many young people were at this bar because they were not use to that happening there (there were a ton of students from the program there and it was a small bar) And then they asked us about english and if one of the two guys english was good and then I started to try and communicate with the one that did not speak very good italian well and it was SO HARD YALL like I couldn't have a conversation with him while Angela was talking to the other one (she knows more italian than me) but he did understand some of the stuff, I was mainly just asking how to say How and Where and Why and small talk questions about italian words and then he basically asked me for help with some english words and phrases, so the night turned out to be such a learning experience! When we wanted to leave, they were super nice and said bye and thanks for chatting with them and that it was a fun experience and stuff and then they walked away, not weird or anything, like they were just curious italians lol.

Funny/Kinda Weird Maybe

but still pretty cool because I learned how to count to ten and say how correctly and good/im sorry with a good italian accent.

that is all. 

First weekend/Overview of week one & Florence

Well its been a few days since I have posted, mainly because we didn't have good wifi at the hotel we stayed at in florence and I had already used too much of my cellular international data (sorry dad) so it just wasn't worth it, not to mention, we didn't have hardly any time to sit down and post on our blogs, we were so busy!

We went to Florence this weekend, it was an included trip the program set up for us. We had two tours, one Friday, and one Saturday morning. They were amazing! We saw the David, went through museums, learned about the history of Florence and the Medici family. 

It was so interesting to learn about the Medici family and their time ruling Florence, and how Florence was such a huge power back in the day due to their river that gave them so much power compared to other big cities that did not have such a necessary thing like a river for transportation and import/export of goods. 

We went to this restaurant the first night in Florence, Anna found it on yelp, they had unlimited wine for students so of course a big group of us were all for that.

Well, even better than the wine, I FOUND MY ALFREDO!!!! I was so happy, and it was AMAZING!!! 

We walked around the city after and got some little bakery goods/gelato and additional wine (we really didn't have lots at dinner, btw, so it wasn't like we were raging in the city or anything like that) We went to the Basilica of Saint Mary the Flower and it was like a projection or something, I have never seen something so magnificent, there aren't words really to describe its presence. 

It was so cool to get to see so much of Florence on our own, at night, with old friends and new here. I wish everyone could come to Italy and experience it like we did. 

The second day, after our city tour, we took a bus to a vineyard in Tuscany for wine tasting and vineyard tour. We went to two vineyards, and the second place was crazy cool! It was this adorable little place, and we got three courses for dinner, and the lasagna was literally, the best thing, probably ever, that I have eaten in my life. We learned wine secretes and tricks and tips, and tasted some of the best wine I have ever had (I have developed a palette, which is awesome, btw) It is cool to feel grown up here and like know the differences between wines and tastes and how some go with certain foods and white vs. red and how to tell if the wine you are drinking is a good wine based off how you spin it in the glass or whatever.. Still learning some of this stuff, but it was super cool. Italy is known for the wines so basically being here and people basically looking at you weird at dinner if you don't want to look at the wine menu is awkward so we have been trying them and really trying to learn about them more than anything. 

For example, we have been trying different cuisines here other than italian (you can only eat so much pizza and pasta). We have been to Chinese, Thai, we have had some seafood, and tonight we are going to mexican, and then having Japanese (sushi) on wednesday. Well last night was thai night, and none of us ordered anything to drink alcohol wise. After dinner the waiter gave our table this huge jug of red wine for free and told us we had to finish it there if we wanted it for free. So, we filled our glasses, and played never have I ever until it was gone and then walked three miles back to the university. It was so much fun!! I am going to miss these people. 

The people I have met here have all been so freaking cool, I genuinely want to get to know them all and be friends with them and like chill with them later after the trip. I didn't think I would have a group of people besides kate and anna I was going to like always hangout with but it just kind of happened. I am so thankful for it, too. 

This last week/ten days have been so incredible. There have been times where I have gotten homesick and wanted to be at home on my couch with my family, and times where I have gotten sad because I hardly have talked to them because of the time change, many times where I have missed Tully and Zeppelin, but I am learning so much about myself and people and things here that it is going by so fast and I know before I know it I will be back at home wishing I was back here typing this to you guys. 

Tonight we are going to mexican food and then going to these bars on the side of the river and its going to be so much fun. I can't wait to be able to post more specific things from the trip and more details, but just had to provide a general update from this weekend. 

P.S. WE ARE GOING TO THE ALMAFI COAST THIS WEEKEND, HOLY ****

tata for now 

3 things I want to buy, 3 places I want to go in Italy that I am not already going to, and 3 bucket list things I want to do by the end of the summer

3 things I want to buy (not including the sunglasses)

1. Another long champ. I love this bag. It rocks, but I got it dirty, so I want to buy another darker one, maybe a little larger, seriously if you don't have one pls buy one you won't regret it I got fit TWO WATER BOTTLES in that thing amongst other items. 

2. Cute little italian accessories, like little shoes or a fedora. I love fedoras, I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS!! They rock, and I like the appearance of a fedora on my head. I also love little cute slip on shoes, like loafers maybe? Not sure on the literal name.. But I want to buy some.

3. A piece of art. I want something authentic from Italy that is a piece of artwork very much. Like a water painting, a little sculpture, something handmade and real that shows how awesome Italy is. 

3 places I want to go in Italy

1. Venice, I want to go and see the little boats on the water and ride in one, what are they called I am blanking right now ugh ugh ugh wait ugh idk why I just didn't google it and why I just typed those ughs while I was thinking I am literally typing my thoughts right now okay but I remembered they are called Gondolas.

2. Milan, I would love to get to spend an afternoon shopping here, apparently there are some crazy sales right now and it would be awesome if I were able to get to go to a fashion show or something. 

3. Pompeii, I think we may be able to go when we are around this area one weekend, but I am not 100%. I have been before, but I loved it so much I want to go back and explore more. The story and artifacts there is just insane to me.

3 bucket list things I want to do by the end of my summer here:

These don't have to be in Italy by the way

1. Bungee Jump/Sky Dive in Switzerland, this gives me so much anxiety, and my heart begins to beat faster when I think about it, but I want to do it so bad. Like how freaking cool is that. Seriously, like what?

2. Go on a day trip to a place like Prague, Berlin, Vienna, or Barcelona, we have some afternoons open for adventure so I was hoping one day I could plan a fast quick cheapish trip to see a city in an afternoon the best I could in one of these places. 

3. Watch a sunset/sunrise from a high elevated area in Italy. That would be amazing, like, over the city int he distance, WOW GUYS. That would be so incredible. 

Just a random post, in my room about to go out and shop, and these three subjects have been on my mind, so there you go. 

Five things I appreciate in Rome in five days of living in Rome

1. The pedestrian walkways. I am not use to having to just walk and not have a light tell me when to go that counts down on the other side. Some areas do have a little man that turns green when to go and yellow when to hurry and get across and red when to stop, but mostly you are just kinda winging it to scurry across the road at your best judgement to whether or not you are about to get hit by a fast moving white taxi. 

2. The architecture. You don't get this in America, anywhere, and nothing is slightly close to what it is here. There is no words that describe the feeling I get in the mornings when I get up and go outside to get some coffee and a croissant, it is the most peaceful, relaxing, content feeling looking around and admiring the colorful buildings, the old vintage looking street signs, the little cafes with chalk boards outside with italian words I can't read, the smell of coffee in the air, that makes me feel so just simply and whole heartedly at peace. It is so special.

3. English Menus. Living in America, it has always been annoying or hard when you are trying to communicate with someone who does not know how to speak English. Well, here in Italy, I am the annoying one. I am the outsider, Americans are the ones who came into their country not knowing how to speak their language. Italian and spanish are not the same, by the way. So even knowing tid bits of spanish really does not do you any good. So when going to eat in a part of a foreign country that is not a super touristy area has been hard, communicating with waiters and shop owners has been very strange, and getting food is not as easy as it is for us in the states because we don't know what the heck the food is that we are getting if it is not in english and if the waiter does not know english. When I see an english menu on the side of a restaurant, I feel comfort. So right now, this is something I appreciate greatly. Hopefully by the end of the trip though I will be able to know more about italian enough to go into these places and order real italian food the real italian way. 

4. Credit card machines. SO many places here do not take credit cards. So up until tuesday, I had no way of really getting anything for myself besides basic things and basic meals. Anna and Kate had to spot me a few times when the places we went did not take visa or credit cards in general, or even dollars. I thought I would be find with American money, little did I know, there are not many currency exchange places around here. I went to an ATM to try and get some Euros, but my card would not read right on them, so finally I made myself go to this Exchange place a little bit away when we went shopping and finally got some flipping Euros. So I am so grateful for these now. 

5. Water fountains. It is so hot here, so you need to drink tons and tons literal tons of water. Water is not free here, either. It can get pretty pricey for water too. A few euros for a bottle of water is normal, and you pay for water at restaurants, regardless of what kind you get when they ask you if you want "still or sparkling", so there have been some water fountains that have been pretty weird to consider drinking out of at first like a giant public water fountain of a lion with water coming from its mouth in the middle of a huge tourist area that you lean over a sculpture to stretch out and stand on your toes to get the end of your bottle under the water so you can get hydrated is a gift from God. Water fountains you would try to avoid really in the states, well at least I do, so here I was like wait whaaat, is that safe? Can you get sick from that? and the answer is yes it is safe, and no you can not get sick from that. It is actually better probably than water from the water bottles. Kate's words, too. 

So these are just five of the many things I already appreciate, but the funniest and most random ones for sure. I can't wait to post more of these little things I am grateful for later! 

ciao ppl

Things I have already learned about myself over five days studying abroad

1. I am really into culture and history

2. I do not know a whole lot about culture and history

3. I can withstand hot temperatures better than I would have thought I could.

4. I can totally walk to class at A&M, & it is going to happen now considering we walk like 5 miles a day here in 95 plus degree heat. 

5. I think about my dog a whole lot.

6. I enjoy white wine

7. I can totally learn Italian if I tried

8. I get cranky when I miss my boyfriend this much 

9. I really am not one to "go with the flow" but am learning

10. I enjoy other peoples company a lot, and getting to know people more than I thought, and genuinely enjoy learning about what peoples live consist of back at home

11. I assume the worst more than half the time, and more than half the time the worst never happens

12. I am not as awkward as I thought I was before coming on this trip, I have really been able to put myself out there and dive in

13. I love Nutella

14. I have learned that I enjoy dressing semi cute/causal way more than wearing a tshirt everywhere. I am so much more comfortable in a super flawy $12 romper from H&M, or a $4 tank and nikes with my eccos shoes than a giant tshirt and sports bra combo. 

15. I love being funny, I knew this before, but I want to actually make people smile all the time, and make people laugh, and stuff. It is the most rewarding feeling in my opinion, to see someone smile and laugh at something you created. 

16. I can totally live in a dorm. This has not been bad. Three girls to a room, three desks, three dressers, community kitchen and bathroom on one floor has not been a problem. 

17. I don't need as much stuff as I thought, i have worn the jewelry I came in without taking any of it off for a second the entire time I have been here. 

18. I don't need much makeup, & I don't know why I thought I did before. I love eye stuff, but here I have had to say good bye to the liquid and use a powder than is funky but doable and just stuck with the waterproof mascara/liner little bit of eyeshadow and some lipgloss and I am good for the day. I feel so much better this way too which is weird. 

19. I love cappuccinos now. 

20. I want to have a job that offers traveling in some aspect, because after seeing what I have been missing about living abroad in this short time and how little I have seen of this city (seriously, like, we have maybe seen 1/56 of Rome and I have been here for 5 days) and want to get immersed in culture from all different countries for the rest of my life. This has become a real passion for me. 

July 7-8--Days Five and Six

I don't really know where to begin on the last two days.. So much has happened! 

On Tuesday, What.. That was the 7th? I don't know that really does not have any relevance but we went shopping around in the area that we took the tour of Rome around with everyone, and we did not find a single store that we wanted to buy something in besides Long champ. I can go to that in America. But, of course, my obsession with the store comes up when I get to a country that I can buy it in wherever I go that is not just in Italy.. Whatever.. And I also felt like I was going to pass out and die, Kate made me drink water (thanks mom) and sat me down on the side of the street like a child but at least I didn't fall over and like start having a seizure or something. I honestly don't know how Kate and Anna would have handled that situation, so, I am drinking more water now. 

We ate at this cute restaurant for lunch and I got something crazy. Meatballs. Of all things, meatballs. Another thing I can get in the states, but, it was comforting. 

Did I mention at any point that this whole time I have not had a pair of sunglasses? Yeah, that sucks. It truly, sucks so much. I was pretty well dumb to say the least and I left both of my new pairs I JUST GOT for THIS TRIP at Tullys apartment the days before I left for Rome. Why did I do this to myself. 

So I was also trying to find a pair, and we passed several places I could have gone in, but I was tired and decided not to. So today, (Wednesday) Anna let me borrow hers, Thank GOD. Seriously, thank you God for Anna bringing an extra pair, I really am full heartedly thankful for this happening. 

TOMORROW I WILL PURCHASE A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES!!! 

Anyways, we have been like a cross between a grandma & a hermit these last few days and take naps every day, have to have an hour or two to relax mid afternoon, and then we may or may not fix up to go eat dinner, and then crawl back into our beds and go to sleep early. However, last night (Tuesday) WE WENT OUT AND WERE SOCIAL! We tried to go to this Ice Club place, but the line was like 45 minutes long, also, this line was only like 12 people long but I learned something about these Ice bars, since they are totally made of ice and everything, they can only have a limited number of people inside at once because the body heat will melt the place down basically. We will return, though, at one point over the next few weeks. So we made the hike to this Irish Pub called Scholars or something, and it was a blast! I was supposed to do Karaoeke with Anna and Kate, but was chill in on a chair and didn't see them go onto the stage to sing "Colt 45". 

Can we all just take a second to picture me on stage trying to sing that and look cool at all. Like, I think it saved me a lot of embarrassment and self respect not to, they rocked it, but I would have just made it super weird. My facial expressions, and weird faces I make when I don't know what to do, yeah…….. 

So today was a struggle getting up, we got home late, that was the only reason. Anna slept through her alarm, but me and Kate did not! Weird. We went to philosophy and let me tell you, this class is freaking awesome. I love this professor. I think I may have mentioned her before, but shoot y'all, she rocks. It is not a pain to get out of bed to go to that class, it is really exciting. We have a quiz tomorrow though, and do every thursday, so that kind of is not the coolest of cool things that could happen.. but it is school so I mean I get it. Then we went to art history and had THE COOLEST DAY EVER! 

We went to the Colosseum, learned all about how the romans were super sick and twisted and weird, and that they killed thousands of exotic animals and would torture them and stuff, was not the best piece of information I heard today but not the worst either considering they did this stuff to people as well. We then went to the Arch of Constantine, and our professor talked all about that and the Biblical stories that corresponded with it, and then we walked to the Roman Forum and learned about more Christianity things which if you know me, is freaking cool. 

Learning the history of Christianity is an incredibly awesome thing. We learned about the secret christian symbol (the fish) and its history, the words they used that were secret and how Christianity started almost as a cult to the romans in a way, and then spread to be the largest religion the world has ever had and accepted. Even our professor who says he isn't religious said "The fact that a religion was so culturally and morally accepted by the world in such a small amount of time says something, you can't ignore that, there has to be something there regardless of what you believe"

YEAH. It was so cool to hear that. Because IT IS SO TRUE! I love hearing about these things. The stories from the BIble, the meanings, where they happened, who was walking where I was walking, like that is so cool. We were all so into it. Crazy. 

We walked to this other place in the Roman Forum called the House of Vestal Virgins, which was a house of girls/women from the ages ranging between 6-60 basically, who remained virgins for 30 years at least and then were given the opportunity to get married and have a family etc. They had huge power over the senators and political leaders, and lived in a house together like he said a "Sorority" today would (totally not the same, but makes sense to think that), and then like men couldn't even walk in these women's shadows if they were out in public and there was one day a week where people from the city could come light their like torches and bring the flame to their home and it being lit meant it would be a good year and Rome would be safe. If these women were caught sleeping with a man, they would be buried alive. That was weird. Like Kate said "I can't think of a worse way to die." Yeah, that is pretty, horrible and traffic and morbid. So basically today we were walking over a giant tomb in a way from the thousands of people killed around us. I can't imagine a more interesting, crazy fun, and awesome day though. 

We got home, got some pizza, and went to sleep for a few hours then and now I am up writing this about my last few days. So basically my day was the most culturally diverse day I have ever had in my life. And I had some pizza. 

To sum things all up I will leave you with this final thought of mine---

TO DO FOR TOMORROW: Buy some sunglasses

Things I genuinely appreciate about Kate & Anna

Kate just got out of bed and slowly made her way to the fridge for a diet coke and then came over to me and held it up to me with a smile offering me some and it made me want to share some of the funny things they both do that literally, just, kill me

1. They both can make any situation comical, full of laughter, and sarcasm in about three seconds. I have never felt more on my Tina Fey game than when I am with them. Their hilarious. Like all the time. Who doesn't want to be here in Rome with two people that can laugh at any and all situations. 

2. They listen to me ramble about I don't even know what. Last night we went out and Anna thought I said something TOTALLY not what I said (lol) but I had been talking so much she just listened on until I re said the comment which then, changed the whole dynamic of things hahaha  

3. They are cute af, like Kate's quirky sharing of this diet coke with me & her variety of facial expressions/selfies to how Anna's goal here is to get on the go global Instagram/find microwave popcorn, & no shame use of the selfie stick McFadden got her (scute, McFadden) just adorabable humans, aw. 

4. There ability to not share the same opinion about something, but total openness to hearing other people's. I have for sure had a couple conversations about stuff that we don't see the same, like sky diving is a must for me and Kate says no way but she'd watch me and make me if I wanted to here. 

5. There ability to adjust to situations well. Being here tests you physically, mentally, physically, & emotionally, and have been adjusting with me too during this whole thing.

6. How they would kill someone for a good friend if need be. They both are so quick to act on good friend behaivors, if that makes sense. But will also tell me when I am the one who may not be right for something or saying something, which goes back to the opinion part. I love having so many friends that are genuinely good friends, you know? They are for sure two of them.

7. They are aware of who they are, and don't care who knows it, which is awesome by the way. Not many people know themselves that well or try to, or embrace all parts of themselves like they do. Blunt often, sarcastic a lot, always real, funny constantly.

8. How different I am from them, but the same. It makes me get out of my closed mindeed ness sometimes, It gets easy to think everyone thinks the same as you, sees things like you do, wants the same things, etc. & hearing their experiences, life stories, and other stuff makes me see more things for what they are so I have a more 20/20 outlook on things more now than before getting to know them. Of course, everyone is different, but knowing that and similarities/differences between people is important in maintaining relationships with people. Like getting to know anyone, you dont know at first where the friendship will go, and these two friendships of mine have landed us all in such a perfect situation. 

9. How good grammar is, and vocabulary. Like dang. I feel dumb sometimes but when I ask what something means, they tell me, and don't give me a hard time. Makes me want to read more books & remember more from my history classes. 

10. They are grateful. For life, their friends, family, being here in Rome, and want to get as much from this as possible. I love people who can do that. Just be present. I need to work on it, and we all together are getting better throughout the process. 

Of of course there is more, but just some little things I had to share :-)

July 6, 2015-- Day Four

Today was our first day of classes and I have to say I was a little nervous. Last night at like 2 in the morning kate, anna, and I couldn't sleep and me and kate had a nutella craving so we raided the community kitchen on our floor for some spoons, and only found forks, but didn't care bc nutella and we were STARVING yes starving it's weird but true and then had some, but that resulted in us not getting as much sleep, and threw off my morning mojo and morning plan for the day. I am learning you can't plan as much as you think you can on these sorts of things, which is hard for me being the kind of person who has to know what to expect before getting into it type of thing.. It is not as bad as I thought though. I like the unknown in a way, even for small things like having to kind of just put a random outfit together and have wet hair in a bun to deal with for the day more than my usual morning planned out routine. If this makes any sense.. Anyways, me and Kate went to our how to win an argument class which was so freaking cool!! Our professor, Prince (she is so awesome) makes the class so interesting and really had us all thinking and really engaged. Then we had our art history class, that me kate and anna all have together, and we had been looking forward to it for awhile now. It was awesome!! We all tried to get on the subway to go to the place we were exploring, and ended up not being able to all squeeze (yeah it was so packed a group of 25+ was NOT getting on that packed metro) so we took cabs and met up and started our journey. It was so cool to here our professor, professor Collins, talk with such passion and energy about each of the things he was showing us. The theater Marcella, The Mouth of Truth, some roman temples, and other things on the way. It was hot, and we were at times a little dizzy from standing and dehydration, but we made it no sweat! (ironic af) And now are all in our beds at st. johns at the dorms taking naps (well they are, I am typing this but I am about to sleep for like an hour probably) and then go to dinner in a bit. This has been such an amazing experience so far, I am so excited to for one, be caught up with my blog, and second, to be here with these friends of mine and meeting these AMAZING people, all the while exploring the most cultured, historical, fun, and beautiful city in the world. 

Buono Sera :-) (I am GOING to come back fluent, watch) 

July 5, 2015-- Day Three

Today was our first day to really get out and experience Rome. Me and Kate got up and went to go find a cute place to get coffee and a little breakfast and then we chose to eat a chocolate croissant with no ragrats. It was amazing, and my cappuccino (first one I have ever had) was the perfect way to start a sunday morning. However, me and Kate found out that the cafe, Gourmet (highly recommend by the way), did not take american dollars or credit cards; which we both had none of. We were mortified! We said one of us would stay while the other went to an ATM to get some Euros, but the man told us it was fine, and to just come back later.. WHAT THE HECK! Who does that! No one in America would have ever done that, like what! It was sooo nice, he was so nice! It made the whole day start off in a good, weird way sort of. His kindness really gave me more of a pep to my step. We then went to our go global orientation, and met with our professors for a few minutes talking about what we needed to do to get ready for class the next day, and then we had a little free time to go grab lunch and change before we had a walking tour of Rome. We went to a cafe called "Portofino" (spelling?) that Anna yelped at St. Johns, and we walked a little confused still on where we were compared to all of these places, but found it gratefully, and had a nice little lunch before going on the tour. The tour was AMAZING!!! It was so great!!! We walked for miles, and saw so much, for over three hours and then ate a great dinner and drank some great wine while hanging out with the other students on the program. We decided to head back and got a little lost on the way but thankfully some people from the program helped us find our way home, and we got some gelato to end the night which was also amazing af. The last few days have seriously been unforgettable!  

July 4, 2015-- Day Two

After our long journey the first day, and orientation the afternoon after, we decided to venture out on our owns to find a place to eat for dinner. We had no idea what to do, where to go, what to expect, and were a little confused about what to even eat and ended up finding the most adorable place outside to spend out Independence Day Dinner. As patriotic people, we love our country, but have to say we loved spending July Fourth in Roma, Italy! 

July 3, 2015-- Day One

We were so anxious, tired, nervous, worried, and full of excitement when boarding that plane you may or may not be able to see in the back ground.. It was crazy to see each other at the airport. Coming from Houston, Kate and Anna were already there at the JFK airport before I was. It was hard traveling by myself for the first time. I had a hard time packing the night before, staying up until 2:30 in the morning at least trying to get my luggage not to be over weight.. Didn't succeed. I had to go through security for the first time alone, find my gate at Hobby, which by the way, was my first time at this airport so that was a little weird. I waited awhile for my plane to board, and was lucky enough to have the seat open next to me open too. After landing, I made the journey to baggage claim, which was not that hard, so that was a relief. Then came the hard part, switching terminals. Hauling my two bags with my backpack and pillow about 20 minutes around outside up hills running over my toes around corners and through areas that were honestly a little sketch, may have taken a wrong turn or two, but the JFK staff was not friendly or helpful may I add… However I kept telling myself you'll get there just suck it up dude and finally made it to the terminal. I went up two escalators, had a nice lady help me with holding my 71.5 pound suitcase up that was for sure going to fall back down the escalator if it weren't for her help, and finally was able to recheck my bags and I checked myself in at a little Kiosk. I waited in line for security which took a pretty long time… and finally was able to meet up with my friends. We talked about food, our concerns, our worries, and excitements and then realized our flight was delayed and switched gates so we moved and I bought a carrot cake cupcake. That was when we found the rest of our Go Global group, we talked about who we were, and all that fun stuff, and then boarded our plane at last. We were giddy and super full of nerves when taking this picture, but it was so worth it all. We did not sleep, it was very uncomfortable, but everyone was in the same boat. It was the first time I felt comfortable sitting in between two people I did not know on an airplane for 7 hours, because they were in the same position as me, unsure, anxious, excited.. After landing we waited awhile for our bags, it was the biggest relief when I found both of mine fairly quickly, and felt for the girl who had the unfortunate circumstance of losing hers (she did find it later, though!) and we loaded our bags up into the bus and made it to Saint Johns, unpacked, settled in, went to the orientation, and took a much, much needed, nap.