Who Says You Can't Go Home?

Ciao!

I can't believe I'm actually writing my final blog. This is really it. I thought maybe I'd write one when I get back and talk about what it's like to return (plus that'd put my blogs at an even 50), but the point of the blog was to tell you about my trip here, not the mundane things that go on in the states. Plus, I won't have time. So this is really it.

My last weekend here was good, I suppose. The weather wasn't so hot Friday or Saturday, so I spent the day cooped up in the house, reading. On Saturday, the clouds were moving so fast, and they kept tricking me. I'd look outside and it'd be bright and sunny, so I'd gather my things to go outside. Within 10 minutes, though, a raincloud would roll in and it'd be raining! :(

Yesterday, though, was gorgeous. I went to the lookout and stared at the ocean and Isola Bella for probably over an hour. It was very peaceful, and I'm so glad I got to spend some time there. I think it might be favorite place in town (right after Osteria dal Rita and Martina's place, naturally). I left the lookout in a great mood, only to meet up with the creepy old man who tried to ask me out two weeks ago. I spotted him way ahead of him on the road, and he saw me coming. Actually, he had followed me to the lookout, I believe, but got distracted hitting on an Asian tourist, so I was relieved he had left me alone. Anyways, I pulled out my phone and pretended to be on it. I finally "hung up" when I thought he wasn't really paying attention to me anymore. Wrong. He walked right up and asked if I was on vacation. He did at least recognize me, though. We spent about 3 incredibly torturous minutes in conversation. He asked me the same questions he did last time. I usually answered in one word answers, hoping he'd get the hint to leave. He didn't. He asked for a date that evening. I told him no again. This time he got mad and wanted to know why. It's amazing how simple answers fly out of my head in moments when I really need them. Instead of saying, "I have a boyfriend," which would have been really easy to say, I started stuttering and saying "Because, because! Because I said!" And in general not making sense. He then asked if there was a problem, I said "Yes. Ciao." I think he was quite angry at this point, but so was I. He had intruded on my nice, peaceful afternoon, and I didn't appreciate it. Not to mention we were around several people, and we were starting to create a scene. Thankfully at this point, we were right outside Martina's bar, so I ducked in to grab some lunch, and he didn't follow, which was probably a good decision on his part. Martina would've taken care of him! :) So I chatted with Martina for a few minutes while she heated up my arancini. I then decided to retreat to the house to enjoy my lunch. I spent the rest of the day enjoying the view from the terrace at the house. And then I walked the Corso that evening.

I didn't think I'd really be sad to leave here. I've been looking forward to going home this whole week, but this morning, I've already had two goodbyes, and I'm feeling a bit emotional. I stopped by Aurelio and Angela's house to say goodbye this morning. I saw Aurelio Friday and already told him bye, but I sat and chatted with Angela for awhile. I meant to get them flowers to thank them for everything, but never got around to it. I wasn't sure I'd actually get a chance to see them, either. I'll make sure to send a nice thank-you note when I get home. About an hour ago, I told the teachers goodbye. I'll really miss this bunch of teachers. They are all so sweet and fun to be around. Naturally, tonight, we'll have to say goodbye to Elsa and Nini. Clay and I have some Auburn things to give them, which will have a lot more meaning now that they know about "War Eagle." Once Clay gets back from Barcelona this afternoon, we'll also head to Martina's to say goodbye. And naturally, I have to pack everything as well.

Tomorrow will be a long day, no doubt, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We leave Taormina at 5 a.m. in a taxi. We have a flight from Catania at 7:10 a.m. We land in Rome, and from Rome we go to London (Heathrow) and from London we go to Chicago, and from Chicago we go to Atlanta. Assuming everything goes according to plan, we'll land in Atlanta a little after 10:30 p.m., which is 4:30 a.m. "our time." By the time I make it back to the house, I will have traveled for 24 hours straight. Yeah, long day.

Anyways, I've got things to do now, so I suppose I better sign off. I hope y'all have enjoyed reading the blog as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I'm so glad I'll have a record of my trip when I get home. I've enjoyed it so much, I've contemplated blogging once I start teaching (Teach for America actually has a blogging site), but I'm thinking I'll be too busy. We'll see. If I decide to do it, I'll e-mail out the link. Thanks for thinking of me while I was over here, and if you ever decide to head to Sicily, I have loads of advice, so let me know!! Alright, I'll see y'all back in the States!

Ciao and AQUILA DA GUERRA!!!!!!