We had planned to be in Italy for an academic year, which is ten months, but we were leaving three months early. Many of us had trips planned which we now would not be able to go on. For example, I had planned to go to Amsterdam, Greece, England and Africa during the final months of my program. I also had family and friends who had not been to Italy before and who were due to come visit me. All our plans were now cancelled.
After hearing the announcement, I spent the rest of the day running around to all of the places around Florence I had not yet visited. I spent the first couple of hours at Boboli gardens, then walked over to Piazza della Signoria and explored Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace). I climbed the stairs to the top of the tower and took in the sights of the city I had come to love. I thought about the happy memories I had made there and knew I would miss it very much. Florence had become a part of me.
I took my time walking home and picked up two of my favorite foods: a panino (sandwich) and bomboloni (cream-filled donuts). I decided to have them for dinner since I would not be able to find these in the United States. When I arrived at my apartment, I told my landlord I was leaving. He was very kind and understood my situation. We made arrangements for dropping off keys and other move-out details. I thanked him for his hospitality and said my goodbyes.
I spent the next three days packing up my apartment. The school arranged to have all of our extra stuff donated to local charities. So, once I finished packing and cleaning my apartment, I took my extra art supplies, clothes and unopened food over to the school by bus.
