Ciao Verona!

So, this is it. My time in Verona has come to an end. It has been a great week though and I have to say that I am sad to leave such an amazing town. Verona isn't your normal tourist town but it has enough going on with the locals that its very enjoyable. Former students told us to take advantage of Verona, but I think it took us traveling like crazy for over a month, and great weather, for us to really believe that about Verona too. Since our trip to Munich, I have stayed in Italy. I have really enjoyed exploring this country and I am looking forward to our trip to Florence and Rome.

This week went by rather quickly, of course. Monday was spent getting work done and catching up things that had been neglected. A few of us went to our last kick-boxing class. Once class was over we took a picture with our instructor. I think he was pretty disappointed that we were leaving. We brought him a lot of entertainment in that class. Tuesday I had the morning off so my friend Trish and I went into town and bought the rest of the souvenirs. Our teacher for this last block is from the Verona area and wanted to have us over to his house and have class there. We were all very tentative about it, since its our last week in Verona, but we didn't want to hurt his feelings. We took a bus from the train station to his house and when we got there we got to enjoy a gorgeous view of Italy. I am really glad that we went to his house- he feed us some great gnocchi and had plenty of bread and cheese for us all! Once we finished our great lunch/dinner, we all did our presentations for the class. Once everyone was done we just hung out at his place for a few hours. Some people played tennis in his backyard and some of us hung out inside listening to music. I still really enjoy getting to know everyone that is in the group! We didn't get back into Verona until about 9:30 but since we stayed so long at his house, our teacher cancelled class for Wednesday! Tuesday night I was craving the office so I watched a few episodes and went to bed late. I slept in and then explored more of Verona with the time I'd be spending in class. When I got back I caught some sun rays outside in the gorgeous day! Wednesday night we all went to our favorite gelato place and walked to "The Point" where we've watched the sunset! We always have a great time up there, especially with gelato in our bellies! Today (Thursday) was our last day of class- the final wasn't too bad. Overall the classes weren't too bad and I'm really hoping for a strong semester GPA! I can't believe my summer has already begun adn that I'm technically a college senior now. Where have my years gone?! Anyways, after class I finished packing and went into town for alittle bit. Today was our first thunderstorm since we have been in Europe. I must say that I had forgotten how nice a loud thunderstorm can be. The rest of the day has been colder and very breezy! At 6:30 everyone in the group met in the lobby to go to our farewell dinner. I can't believe that in November I was hearing about this dinner and now its already here. The place we had dinner was out of Verona but was a full 6 course meal! I am not sure if I have ever eatten that much beforebut everything was delicious! And it was so nice to hang out with everyone too! So much has changed since our welcome dinner back in February. To think that 10 weeks ago I was freaking out at dinner not knowing how many friends I would have made over the course of the program. Even the teachers came to dinner with us which was fun! On our way back into town on the bus we had a good time listening to some good American music- I even pulled out some Thriller and Single Ladies moves when the songs came on. Haha, it was a great ride! We were dropped off downtown and hit up a few places before walking back to the residence!

Its just so hard to believe that we're moving out tomorrow! I'm all packed up though and I'm really hoping I am okay on weight. If not, I have a plan B to bring out at the airport, if needed. We leave tomorrow for Florence and then on Monday, the 27th, for Rome. It'll be nice to have everything taken care of and just worrying about food. Plus I'm excited to see everything that both cities have to offer! I'm not sure what kind of internet access I'll have while in the hotels but I hope to update the blog as soon as I can. And in a week, I'll be back in the states and you can just call me up and ask me about my trip! I can't wait for that easy convenience!

Thanks again for reading, caring, praying and loving! You all are really special to me and this trip has made me realize that more and more! I have had an amazing time in Europe, I can't wait to come back- but I am ready to be back in America, where I am closer to you all!

With all my American born love,

Becca-Boo