things i know for sure...final edition

As I pack up my last few things and say goodbye to Florence one last time, this final edition of Things I Know For Sure (and final CFN post) is dedicated to the most amazing, thrilling, and unforgettable past 4 months. 

Everyone tells you that going abroad will be the best time of your life, and that is definitely true, but going abroad has also been one of the most challenging times of my life. I have learned so many lessons not only about traveling the world, but about myself and life in general, and they are things that I will forever cherish and never forget. 

As cliche as it sounds I have left a part of my heart in the 14 countries and 30 cities I have traveled this past semester and I owe it to the places I've seen and people I've met to take what I have learned from each experience and go home, sad to leave, but eager to never stop seeing the world. 

I also want to thank my wonderful, hard working, loving, caring (the list goes on and on), Mom and Dad, for making this entire semester possible. You guys have given me the world and I don't know how I will ever thank you enough (or repay you...)! I love you and cannot wait to see you in 16 short hours!

Well, Florence, I guess this is it. Thank you for the best time of my life and for allowing me to call you home these past 4 months. 

It's not goodbye, only ciao for now,

M

amalfi coast

They say "save the best for last," and that's exactly what we did. The Amalfi Coast was the most beautiful place we have visited, and it was the perfect ending to a perfect 4 months in Europe. 

Capri.

We spent our first day on the coast in Capri exploring the island by boat. The water was more blue and clear than I have ever seen. And we couldn't have asked for more gorgeous weather (finally getting a tan...)!

The Blue Grotto.

One of the wonders of Europe (not the world unfortunately): The Blue Grotto. We had to get into tiny row boats and lay along the bottom of the boat to fit inside the tiny opening to the grotto, but once we were inside I was blown away. It was the most beautiful cave I have ever been in (I think the only cave...). We even got to jump into the water! 

Capri Boat Tour.

The Green Grotto

Marina Piccolo

The Coral Grotto

After our boat tour we got off in Anacapri and traveled to the top of the town for lunch and more incredible views. Also, we were able to have sandals custom made for us by the cutest little shoemakers ever!

Making my shoes!

We then took a chair lift all the way to the top to even prettier views! I didn't even know it was possible for it to get more beautiful.

We enjoyed happy hour at our resort before heading into Sorrento for dinner.

Positano.

The next day we ventured to Positano for a beach day! 

Swim in the mediterranean...check!

Bye Positano!

Before heading home Sunday, we stopped in Pompeii and explored the ruins and Lizzie finally achieved her life long dream of seeing Mount Vesuvius.

Pregnant woman's body preserved in the lava rock

Ciao, for one of the last times,

M

croatia

We were so excited to finally leave for our first "getaway" trip of the semester. To lay in the sun, get a tan, drink fruity cocktails....mmm, paradise. Not so fast, though, first we had to endure the 15 hour bus ride overnight...brutal, I know (never again will I complain about a delayed flight...).

When we finally arrived Friday morning we hopped right on our "Island Hopping" boat tour (aka booze cruise). The views were beautiful, the beaches amazing, and the lunch...well, at least it was fresh... (see picture below...)

I'm on a boat aaand its going fast aand...;)

Our "fresh" fish...pretty sure it was still swimming on the plate...

The port of Brac, the island we "hopped" to

HELLO SUN!

Friday night, after a long, much needed nap, we went out to a rooftop bar to enjoy the nice night and show off our tans ;) (or in my case, sunburn)

Saturday the weather took a turn for the worse, so we decided to relax, sleep in, and do some shopping. That night we went to a very authentic, family style seafood place with calamari to die for! The sun wasn't quite on our side, but we still enjoyed the day!

Before dinner!

Before heading home Sunday we stopped in Krka to visit the National Park and see the waterfalls that the park is known for. Even though it was a little chilly, nothing stopped us from hiking down to the waterfall and enjoying the gorgeous views! 

Peace out, Croatia, it was fun!

Ciao, for now,

M