Final Days in Firenze.

Words simply cannot express the emotion I am feeling right now. This experience has been one of the most incredible things that has transpired in my life. I have been truly blessed to have been given such an amazing opportunity. I want to take a moment to thank you mom and dad for bestowing upon me this possibility of immense growth, change and knowledge. I know how hard you have worked to provide me with everything, and for that I am eternally grateful. I love you so much.

Last night my Via dei Neri family and a few other loved ones and I went to San Miniato to watch the sunset and read our goodbye letters that we put in a bottle and are going to throw into the Arno. It was a sentimental night to say the least, but as those tears streamed down my face, they were not tears of sadness, but of true joy and appreciation. I have lived in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich places on this earth and furthermore have made friends that will last a lifetime. My experience here would mean nothing without them. This is my letter I put in the bottle:

"When I embarked on my journey here, I had certain expectations: to be independent, losing my dependence of things that restrained me back at home. To regard alluring sites, to sing, to share an adventure and to laugh thoroughly. Over these last 9 months, my expectations have not only been met, but exceeded. I have become independent, but independent from fears. I have actually become more dependent, but dependent on the ones I love. I have regarded the most beautiful of sites, sunsets where I wasn’t sure where the earth ended and heaven began. I sang, the soundtrack to our lives here whether it be Andi and my jams, 'Remember' by Earth Wind and Fire on the way to school for PLP, a drunken jam sesh of Oasis 'Wonderwall', or humming along to myself my sheer contentment of my experiences. I have shared much more than just an adventure, but many thrills, escapades and incredible moments that will forever be etched in my fond memories of this place and those I shared them with.

I can honestly say, I am returning home a changed person, a change made for the absolute best and I have each and everyone of you to thank for that. Maya Angelou once said, 'Perhaps travel cannot prevent ignorance, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.' I am so thankful that I was blessed with all of you becoming not only just my friend, but becoming my family. Every new beginning starts from some other beginning’s end and I am looking forward to all of our future growths and endeavors. I love you all unconditionally. Here’s to Firenze and my bunnies, ti ho lasciato un pezzo dello mio cuore per sempre. xo-Ashley."

So, cheers to the nights that turned into mornings and the friends that turned into family.

Firenze, ti manchero.