Ciao a Italia!

Well, the end is here. It is still so hard to believe that as of 0700 tomorrow my time in Italia will officially be over!

These past eight months have been truly incredible and life changing for both Niraj and I. However, his time isn't quite over yet... he's lucky enough to have two weeks of finals ahead of him! We have met some amazing people, seen many incredible sights, ate kilos and kilos of delicious food, and truly have had a tremendous experience here in Bologna.

In memory of our months spent living abroad, here is a few of the many things that will be missed, but will be forever remembered:

- vino
- spritz con aperol
- gelato, gelato, gelato (bacio e stracciatella for me / fragola e fior di latte for Niraj)
- tortelloni con burro e salvia
- tagliatelli al ragu
- gnocchi
- Spacca Napoli pizzeria
- apperitivi
- prosciutto hanging in butcher windows
- Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
- Mascarpone
- European style apartment keys and the 4 deadbolts on the apartment door
- constantly searching for buttons to exit buildings
- constantly searching for buttons to flush toilets
- the accordion and violin players on Strada Maggiore
- the woman down the street who is always painting her pottery
- the need to use a lighter to ignite the oven and the burners
- seeing a church around every corner
- the ability to walk EVERYWHERE
- the midnight bakery with the fresh pastries
- uneven sidewalks
- porticoes
- the SAIS Bologna Center and the rooftop terrace
- I Due Torri
- the outdoor market in Piazza 8 Agosto
- street markets and festivals
- Bolognese food (may have said that already...)
- "our" produce guys in Piazza Aldrovandi
- the antique shops that never seem to have customers
- Enotecas
- seeing University students with graduation wreaths all throughout the year
- Piazza Maggiore and Nettuno
- navigating through windy European streets
- the outdoor vendors behind Piazza Maggiore
- the ability to get anywhere via train
- Trattorias
- wooden window shutters on every building
- taking your time to eat a meal without being rushed or hurried
- hearing little children speak Italian
- hearing "allora," "si si!" and "va bene!" everywhere you turn
- oh... and don't forget the food!!

Allora, it is time to say goodbye. Thanks to everyone who has followed our journeys and adventures this year... we can't wait to see you Stateside!

Arrivederci Italia ... grazie per i ricordi ... siete sempre nei nostri cuori!!