My mom and uncle picked me up from Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston early Friday morning, and not twelve hours later we were seated at Pappasito’s with the family eagerly awaiting a feast of Tex-Mex and margaritas. Oh, how I missed the delicious taste of fajita’s! We ate and drank all afternoon and then transitioned to a pool party at my sister Michelle’s house. I couldn’t have asked for a better homecoming: my loving family and the Texas staples of Tex-Mex, good drinks, and swimming. Perfect!

The rest of the weekend was entirely consumed by spending time with the family and visiting friends. Saturday night I went out and didn’t return till the next morning, only to jump in the shower and head to Austin. I would have liked to spend more time with everyone, but summer school would be starting bright and early Monday morning–and I had someone to see before then.

Two days later was July 15, aka the day of my birth. I gathered up a few friends for an impromptu dinner and we took over the PF Chang’s in downtown Austin. I had such a great time! The food was amazing and we ordered limousine style, which means that all at the table told the waiter their preferences and then he ordered a variety of entrees and all the dishes were passed around the table. That way you get to try four, five or six different dishes, instead of just one. Everyone had a great time, laughing and sharing stories from our time apart.

Both occasions reaffirmed something that I had let pass from my mind: my life is incredibly blessed. I have a wonderful family that loves and supports me, a family that has persevered and formed bonds that transcend the traditional definition of family and draw us even closer. I have amazing friends who bring joy and substance to my life, who have stood by my side when I needed them most. I have found someone who truly excites and challenges me, someone who gives me butterflies every time I see her. Even my academic and entrepreneurial endeavors seem to always find a way of succeeding. Daily I am awed by the good fortune and love I receive. I already live a prodigious life, but I also know that there is even more to be gained, more to accomplish, more love to spread. Who knows what wonders the future holds?!

It’s good to be back in Texas.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

Today all public transit in Italy went on strike, so I was unable to attend school. Even though I badly wanted to take the hour bus ride–aka sweat bath–into downtown, I managed to fend off withdrawals by going jogging with a neighbor girl, hiking a hillside farm, and swimming at Lorenza’s private club. Not to mention the three gigantic meals that the grandparents cooked for the family. It’s a hard life, I know.

A week ago I traveled to Capri, but never got around to relaying the story. The total excursion included stops in Sorento, Napoli, and Pompeii, the latter of which I thought surreal to walk through. The ancient cities are like fairy tales to me; I’ve been told about them since childhood, and I find it incredible to finally see them in person. Even so, Capri proved to be my favorite city so far. The water around the island rivals that of the Bahamas (well, close) and was definitely the most beautiful that I’ve ever seen! Imagine swimming out as far as you dare, looking down, and being able to see fish darting about all the way to the sea floor. Be sure and look at my photos. I was only able to spend one full day in Capri, but it ranks as one of the best of my life. Italy continues to amaze.

In three days I will be returning to America. The space between will be filled with field trips, last minute studying, final exams, a performance in Italian, one more visit to the Colosseum, and dinner with all of the host families. I feel like I should only be halfway through my trip, but instead I’m preparing to leave behind all that Italia has become to me. Is the dream really almost over?

I experienced so much and exposed my mind to all sorts of new ideas while traveling and I am so grateful for all those who made it possible. My life has been enriched beyond measure. This trip proved priceless simply by allowing me to walk the life of someone completely different and see a perspective alien to my own. Throw in the cultural, artistic, historical, and yes, the juvenile encounters, and I must say that I’ve had quite the journey.

Next time you hear from me I will be in the states. Arrivederce!