Julia P: Arrivederci Firenze

We’re already on our way back home from Florence – which means this adventure has officially come to an end.

This past week was filled with lots of “last times” and emotional goodbyes. On Monday, I went shopping with a friend from work. She invited me to join her on a little trip to a shopping mall just outside the city. We treated ourselves to some gelato afterward – a perfect way to wrap up the day.

Thursday marked our final day working at the campsite. Saying goodbye to everyone was honestly really tough. Over the past four weeks, I had gotten used to both the work and the people, and leaving was much harder than I expected.

On Friday, we had our last official meeting with the agency. We completed some final paperwork and answered questions about the internship and our overall experience.

Now, as I head home, I feel a mix of emotions. I’m excited to return, but at the same time, sad to leave such a beautiful city behind. These four weeks have been truly meaningful. Living on my own – especially in another country – taught me a lot. I learned how to plan my days, manage daily responsibilities, and take care of myself. I’ve gained more self-confidence, picked up a bit more Italian, and most importantly, made memories I’ll never forget.

I’m incredibly grateful for this experience – it was challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable in the best possible way.