officially seen it all (ROME 14)

Hey Hey Hey! I have waited way to long to blog, but this post will explain everything!

Last Friday, I was awoken early, and took a flight to Milan! I was excited to see a fast pace city and see the fashion capital of the world! The flight was actually more efficient and cheaper then the train, so we were there in about an hour.

We got to Milan and I didn't even feel like I was in Italy anymore! We settled into the hotel, and went to a famous Panini shop.  After this, we went to see the Duomo. I have realized that there is almost a famous Duomo in every Italian city, but this is one of the prettiest ones I have seen. When you climb to the top, instead of being in a dome, you are on the roof of the church! It was really nice out, so we spent some time up there.

After that, we went to one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. It is home of the original Prada and was so beautiful and fun to walk around. Everyone is dressed so nicely there, that it was even a tad intimidating!

That night, I ended up not feeling well at all. To not bore you all with those details, I ended up coming back to Rome early Saturday morning. I had my program take me to the hospital, and I was admitted later that afternoon for kidney stones!

Now, I usually get a variety of health problems, but this was a first! I almost made it through an entire semester without an urgent health issue, but of course one week before my body had to find something!

I can officially say that I was admitted into a foreign hospital now though, so that really completes the abroad experience? The best thing is that, they are not that serious, and eventually they will pass. I have to drink a lot of water, but I am back to doing normal daily activities! My program took great care of me, and I am really proud of myself for getting through the whole process. Between the language barrier with the doctors, and a strange setting, it was scary in the very beginning. Right now, I am just thinking that I can enjoy my last weekend in Rome.

This week was the last week of classes! It was weird to leave school, because I remember sitting in class the very first day, months ago. 

           

I have been going to my favorite restaurants, and trying some new ones this week as well. I can't have dairy because of these stones, so it has been kind of limiting. Although, maybe I will shed some of this pasta weight off before I enter the USA?

This weekend, I plan on doing some Rome bucket list activities as well as studying! I forgot that finals are never fun, whether you are in Boston or Rome. There is a lot of studying, reading and writing to be done in the short span of four days. 

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous, so tomorrow we are going to one of my favorite parks, Villa Borghese and having a picnic as a great study break!

I have been slowly packing up and getting presents for all my friends & family back at home.I can't believe that I return home THIS WEEK on Wednesday! I still can't completely grasp it.

One last blog post will be coming your way before I officially leave though, so no need to worry yet :) 

Ali