Last Full Day in Italy

Buongiorno tutti! Today is my very last full day in Italy as tomorrow I will be leaving on a jet plane, and don't know when I'll be back again. So here's a quick rundown of how today went.

I woke up a little early so that I could get started on figuring out how to put everything in my luggage (because honestly, it's a science) and then I headed out to meet Kirsten before we went to the Saturday market.

Despite the fact that I've been living in Arezzo for five weeks, I never actually went to the Saturday market until the last day. Obviously I don't always think ahead. And let me tell you, the market was absolutely amazing! They had everything there. And I mean everything!

                                                        Your 5 euro shoes.

                                                       Your summer wear.

                                                 Your invaluable accessories.

                                                        Your kitchenware?

                                                    Your meat and cheeses.

                                                 And all your fruits and veggies!

After the market, I went back home to finish packing and start saying goodbye to my host family. I was gifted with three books (in English!) about Arezzo, each with a dedication on the inside front cover. It was super sweet. We then went to the train station to head to Rome, saying goodbye to Arezzo and the Zampolin/Detti family. I'll miss you guys so much! Come and visit soon!

And then, anticlimactically, Bethany, Kirsten, and I all had to sit on a very hot train for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. It wasn't that fun, to say the least.

                                         All you can do is sleep to pass the time.

                                               Everyone with their suitcases.

After the train ride, we took a taxi to our hostel Maison de Julie for the night, which in reality was more of a 'bed and breakfast.' It was super nice though, and the lady who ran the place was very helpful and sweet.

After chilling there for a while, we decided to head out and spend our last night walking around Rome.

                                                           Via Nazionale!

                                                  Three monuments of Rome!

                                      This random talented band in Piazza Navona!

After walking around we ate at our last legitimate Italian restaurant, ending our trip with pizza (Kirsten), and appetizer dish (Bethany), and lasagna (me!). It was delicious, which is good, because otherwise we might have cried.

                                                     Final noms in Italy!

So then we headed over to the Trevi Fountain, mainly because it is Bethany's favorite place in Rome, and it is just as beautiful at night as it is during the day.

                                                         In front of the Trevi!

So yeah, that was our last night in Italy, living it up in Rome. We had an early night because of how early we have to get up in the morning, so we just headed back to Maison de Julie.

Interesting Stories of the Day:

• There were some unexpected people at the Saturday market. I mean, you just don't think that they'll be partying it up in Italy.

                                                  And they still wear ties!

• Also, bookstores smell the same whether you're in Italy or America. So if you ever feel really homesick, just stop inside here and you'll feel better.

                                                          I feel so at home!

• There was also a time-traveling Roman soldier in one of the shops. I figured he was trying to go incognito, so I only took a picture from a distance.

                                                     So...where's the Doctor?

• Also, we ran into this lady who was staying Rome for the night before they headed to the airport in the morning. So we got to talking and it turns out that she was flying to Charlotte on US Airways at 11:05 am. Which is my flight. So see you tomorrow, Rachel!

A dopo!