It's over.  I'm home in the states.  I got here last night after about a 14 hour long trip. It's still hard to believe I'm here. I wanted to write an entry a couple days ago as I was leaving, but things got so busy that I wasn't able to.  Sooo I figured I would make this my last entry and fill you in on the past couple days.

 Friday morning I took my last final. It went well, or so I hope. Afterwards, I basically said goodbye to people. It was rough, real rough. I was an emotional wreck. I thought I would be okay...I really did. But when it came down to it I just cried and cried. When I was on the bus with Heidi on the way to the train station I was crying so much I literally snotted on her arm. Sorry Heidi.

We took a train to Venice, and it proved to be quite interesting. We lugged all our bags on this train, which is about as wide as me...so you can imagine just how much fun that was. When all was said and done, we walked to the hotel in the heat. It was about a 10 minute walk, so it wasn't so bad...except I was sweating so bad I could smell myself.

We arrived at the hotel, finally. The hotel was called Hotel Marte e Baisan, and when I reached the street it was on I realized there was a hotel Marte on one side of the canal, and a hotel Baisan on the other side. Taking my chances I went into hotel Marte and found the reception area. Turned out our room was on the other side of the canal at hotel baisan. More sweating going over the bridge. Fun.

We then met up with Jared.  It was really cute because the first night we got to Venice before the program we actually ended up meeting Jared on this bridge...and so we decided to meet up with him there. We even ate at the same restaurant we ate at the first night. It was so cute.

When we were walking around we came upon a Gondola...and we totally wanted to ride it.  Heidi started trying to negotiate with the guy to get the price down from 100 euro...and after a while it actually ended up working.  As soon as we agreed to take a ride for 60 euro, we realize the guy is drunk. Yep, he just chucked his beer. This should be fun.

The ride was extremely interesting. We got about 10 minutes into it when the guy told Heidi he would teach her how to steer the boat. So she got on the back end and took the paddles. Well, next thing you know the guy starts kissing her. THEN, he starts kissing her pretty intensely. Jared and I couldnt believe our eyes. Heidi was tryin real hard to pull away and ignore it, but the guy wasnt getting the hint. I think we were all scared he was gonna charge us more, so we just let it be. Heidi was a good sport, and continued to try and negotiate the price down. Good thing at least Jared and I enjoyed our romantic 45 minute gondola ride.

After that we just went to bed. We both knew we had a LONG day ahead of us. In the mornign when I had to say goodbye to Heidi I tried my hardest not to cry..and to be really strong. We were on the water taxi, so it was kind of a rushed goodbye. To be honest, I was glad. If it had been drawn out I would have lost it.  I'm proud of her though, because she's going to Rome for 5 days completly by herself. It's a big step...and it will be great for her.

Okay, long story of traveling. Basically, I took a watertaxi at 7 am..took a bus to the airport, then waited for 3 hours, then got into switzerland almost missing my connection, and then finally arrived in chicago at 1030 Italy time, 3:30 chicago time. I called Krista as soon as I landed, and got yelled at for being on my cell phone. Welcome to America Molly... glad you're back.

Last night was great though. I went over to see Catherine and Britt and the kids, and had a great time. We had Mexican food. Enchiladas and margaritas...two things I had been missing and craving for 4 months. I got to play with the kids, and it was great. William is so grown up too...I couldnt believe it.  Overall it was just perfect, and I'm so blessed to have such a great family.

So I guess this is it. Last journal entry. Don't cry, it will be okay. I learned a new quote..."Don't cry because you're sad, smile because it happened".  I've decided to take on that perspective...because it sums up my whole Italy experience...and I'll NEVER forget it. 

Future, here I come.  Are you ready?

Ciao..