It’s hard to believe how fast the last couple of months have gone, but as I sit in my hostel here in Rome I realize that after tomorrow the next time I will be on a plane will be to start the journey home. For a last trip, I have to say I very much enjoyed Rome. I didn’t try to see everything (I did see a lot), I ate great food, and I made good friends in the hostel I stayed at. Rome is fascinating, everywhere you look the architecture and history is just absolutely incredible. I have to say my favorite was being able to see St. Peter’s Basilica in person. Plus, the view from the cupola was worth the 551 steps that I had to climb to see it. We also saw: Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps (which are currently being restored), the Colosseum, the Forum, the Palatine and more.
After 3 months, 2 continents, and so many different trips I have to say how amazing this whole experience has been. I know that all the travel I just did is more than many will ever be able to in their lifetime and I feel so lucky to have been able to have this experience and to come back with so many pictures and stories. This last trip was everything I wanted it to be and more (I mean really who can argue with €2 gelato?). But it will be nice to slow down for the next couple of weeks and spend them in the city I’ve grown to love during my time abroad. Also, I do have to take finals so some serious studying/writing of papers will be happening before relaxing and packing can be done.
Looking back on my time in Rome and my time traveling in general of course there was more that could have been done; however I’m actually pretty pleased with the balance I was able to find in exploring Sevilla and traveling to other places. Traveling has only made me want to travel more, to see more, explore more, and understand more. It doesn’t always have to be far and it doesn’t have to be international but I’m making the choice to make travel a priority in my life. I will be headed back to the US and with that my regular work schedule (which my bank account will definitely enjoy) but travel is worth more than money could ever buy, and I wouldn’t change or take back any of my trips. From biking along the coast line in Mallorca, to wandering the medina of Marrakech; from the top of the St. Peter’s Basilica to the top of the La Giralda I have so many great memories of traveling that I will hold on to for the rest of my life.
Before I go I have to say a huge thank you to the people who’ve endured traveling with me, the great people I’ve met in hostels, the many kind strangers who stopped to take a picture (or 5) for me, and my parents/family/sister for helping with the Victoria sees Europe fund. Special shout out to my sister for always continuing to push me to travel when I kept saying I was spending too much money and should stop. And now I’m going to end my travel in Rome and in Europe with a classic Italian meal at a family owned restaurant close by.
I will continue to post hopefully one or two more times from Spain before I head back to the States. But should I forget to say it later, a special thank you to any people who have been reading all these posts. I wish you all good things to come and your own adventures.
-Victoria
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