I'm home. And it feels good. There is nothing like the comfort of your own bed. In the next few days I will have to un pack and re pack and make my way up to Merril, NY to have another great summer at camp. I can't wait. I've been going to camp for years, and if I close my eyes I can sometimes smell it. It has a sense of security and home.

Venice was a wonderful experience that I will always remember. Coming back from Rome and Florence I almost felt that "home" feeling, but I don't think I would ever live in Venice permanently. The stay was nice, but I could never live in such a touristy city. I enjoyed the walking, the art,  the maze, and the water...but I missed the comfort of being able to drop my spazzy laptop off at a repair store spur of the moment, or take a drive in my car with the windows down, or order tap water (with ice and lemon) with out confusion. I'm so lucky to live in a place with many luxuries that I can sometimes take for granted.

A common theme in class was "finding one's self in Venice". I don't feel like I've found myself necessarily, but more that I've found I am content with myself. I do not have to apologize for having different interests, thoughts and ideas than my peers, and vice versa. We are all different and take away different experiences and thoughts from studying in Venice. I am excited about the things I have learned, and I will keep them with me for the rest of my like. I learned through our excursions, outings and lectures, but also from observing and absorbing. The knowledge I have acquired here is invaluable.

The end. For now ;)

xo - sam