The end of an era

4/25/2010-- Portland, Oregon
Things I missed about America include but are not limited to:
*Maple Syrup, honey, real ketchup, and condiments in general that are not olive oil and vinegar
* Non-fat milk
* Big beds
* No shower shoes
* Filtered and free water
* Pedestrian right of way

That said, the things that I miss about Florence is an infinitely longer list and I am yet to be home for 24 hours. I cannot even begin to fashion a summation of my feelings about the experience as a whole. I am thrilled to be back and see my family and yet simultaneously yearning for one more walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, one more euro cone of Gelato from La Carraia, one more gypsy harassing me for spare change. I am alarmed at this stage to be waking up in a room sans roommates, and not exiting my house to a busy street of speeding buses, bikes, and cigarette smoke. I will forever yearn to be back in Flo which just motivates me to prioritize a goal of returning some day soon. As the famous graffiti says, look after my heart, Florence, I have left it with you.