Our last day in Florence began at midnight when students were still laughing and dancing together at Space Discotheque. Going to Space is a treat, and it seemed like an appropriate way to celebrate the friendships that students have developed over the course of the month. Give them music, lights, and atmosphere, and our students have some great moves! Naturally we didn't want to ruin the following day with a late night, however, so soon after midnight we walked back to the residence together to get some rest. Students also got to sleep in a little bit the next morning! Once they were awake and looking at the day ahead of them, however many students asked themselves what they wanted to do just one more time. Was it one more trip to the best gelateria? One more walk through Mercato Centrale to some goodies buy to bring home? One more chance to stroll across the Ponte Vecchio? For many students, the last day was about one more chance to see art. Some of them had already visited the Uffizi galleries in their art classes, but they wanted to see their favorite works of art one more time. Others, students who had enrolled in the language or cooking classes, hadn't visited yet and wanted to see this world class collection before leaving. Whether it was the elegant statue of Ariadne sleeping, Leonardo da Vinci's breathtaking Annunciation, or some other treasure, each student found something which made them slow down and look with awe. Packing, cleaning, and other practical things filled a good portion of the rest of the day, but once evening came, it was time for our last group dinner in Florence, a three-course meal we enjoyed together at Osteria dei Baroncelli. Bread, pasta with fresh tomato sauce, turkey, green beans, and ice cream made for a delicious and filling end to a busy day. Then, of course, it was time for some goodbyes. Charis, our full-time staff member who taught Italian, will not be going to Venice with us, so students had a chance to say goodbye to her. Charis has been an amazing teacher to many of them, so they were sad to be leaving her behind. Our days in Venice will bring more adventures, and of course, more goodbyes. But for now, one last look at Florence, with its lovely little streets and spectacular duomo, is in order.
-Rachel Van Wylen
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