HP

Last night I had a historic moment. As I was in Italy at the time of this movie release, I refused to watch it on megavideo or in Italian. I have waited and waited. Luckily, my best friend's mom has a huge movie center and they indulged me. Lindsey, Trevor, and I watched it last night. Epic.

I had a Harry Potter breakdown the other day, you know, sad about it being over. I am so glad the movies have been salvaged so that the end will be a good end, even though it does keep the wounds open. I will walk the ends of the earth and know that one person will always understand and it helps me get through it all. The good news is that my best friend is married to said person so it is hard to feel like a third wheel. Love you Linsvor.

Home at Last

Chillin at the airport.

I did arrange a ride. I asked her and she said yes. The Relief Society President of Rome 1st ward said she would call me for better details. That was Sunday. Monday and Tuesday flew so outrageously fast that it was midnight before I realized that my ride hadn't called. I was out of credit on my phone (and I didn't have her phone number) but she had said she would try to be there at 8 a.m. to give me a ride to the airport, but she would call if the traffic was bad. I told her I could meet her at the metro stop. So I was waiting down there and tried to find the most apparent spot for me to stand. 8. 8:10. 8:15. 8:20. At 8:30 I knew I had to leave. So I took the metro (the thing I was trying to avoid by getting a ride). I made it up all the escalators, all 5 of them, with my bags. I managed to attract this sketchy man who helped me with my bags and gave me a ticket, and then kept a euro for "helping me with my bags" even though I told him no. Anyways, I got on the train and got to the airport right at the perfect time. I never received a phone call from the lady which means she completely forgot. I was mean for a moment and hoped that she showed up at my place a different day and got frustrated trying to find me.

Then I flew for 9 hours. Then I went through customs and re-entered the United States through New York. Then I bought a 5 dollar bottle of juice, and a book (Little Bee) and called my mom. Then I sat for 20 minutes and then got on another 6 hour flight. I met up with my amazing friend Cami (oddly enough she has spent time in Rupert, but I met her in Rome) and we went to the most welcoming place of American flavors: IN N OUT. Cheeseburger. Animal Style fries. CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE.

Finally, after 30+ hours of being awake, I went to sleep and woke up 5 hours later. Then we went out and saw L.A. We ate amazing hotdogs wrapped in bacon with grilled veggies and avacado on top. .
I heard her speak Chinese. We saw a man roller blading and playing the guitar and singing and being homeless, simultaneously. We walked along Venice Beach (I know, Italy is everywhere) and checked out a cute vintage store. Then we went home and ate Chronic Taco and went to sleep to prepare for the long journeyThe next day we drove to SLC where I saw this lady:


The next day I went with Anna and Wow to temple square and saw a girl, who is now a missionary there, that I knew from Torino. She is so beautiful and friendly. She said my Italian sounded much less American, which thrilled me. I forgot to get a pic even though my camera was in my bag.

After spending the entire day trying to convince my niece to come out, I realized it wasn't meant to be so I left for Rupert. I got in around 10:30 last night and went to church this morning. Everyone says I lost weight! That is always nice to hear. So I had some wonderful moments of first encounters and have been spending a wonderful time with my family! I don't know what is next, but I am just going to take a little bit of time to get settled back. I hope with all of my heart to see Linsvor and maybe Shanna tomorrow and all of my local friends and cousins for my party tomorrow. I am so happy to be home at last!


Even the simplest sunsets in Idaho are better than the rest of the world.

The Final Post (written though not posted) from Italy

Arrividerci e Grazie

One week ago, the days were dragging. All I could think about was the steps ahead. I had classes to finish, things to buy, piazzas to say goodbye to. With all of this I still felt like I couldn't fill my days. Then Sunday night came and I don't think I have truly rested since.

All attempts to "wrap up" the feelings I have for Italy would only be futile. But I must write a small note to the country.

Quanto sei bella

Twice a day I raise my fists to the sky and cry out "Italy!"

Once for hate.

Metro strikes.

Shops closing in the middle of the day.

The stupid basket at the grocery store with the broken wheel.

The people who never let me off of the bus before they try to enter.

TERMINI GRRRR

D@$* Cobblestones that break my shoes, my luggage, and my pride as I trip step by step.

Tourists. Get out of my way.

Take one look at this schedule for the Colosseum to realize how inefficient and impossible Italians make everything:

Once for love.

Cioccolato Caldo

24-hour bakery

Fountains

Piazza Navona

Pantheon

Olive oil and sundried tomatoes

Mozzarella di Bufala

Let's walk by the colosseum today.

Piazza del Popolo

Villa Pamphili

and last but not least

GELATO

I could go on forever, but one thing I have learned is that things must come to a close. We have to live our lives so that when they do, it is just the right time. And for me, it is.

Ali asked me a number of questions about my time here. A few answers follow:

Florence vs. Rome= Rome

Favorite spot in Rome= Villa Pamphili and the Pantheon in the evening

Greatest lesson learned= All we have are our choices. They become our history. There is no existence, in heaven or earth, of an alternate reality. There is no "what if". Our choices determine our destiny.

My heart is full of gratitude and love and cholesterol from all the oil, among other things. Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

I have cried some tears. I have hugged Alison almost a thousand times. I have whispered goodbyes to passing moments and places, and to the most amazing friends. It has been an incredible journey.

Italia; Arrividerci e grazie. Ti volgio bene.