The Last Day of the Program

For the last day of the program and my last day in Italy, Steve took us to two different parts of Italy: Murano and Burano. We took a water taxi over to Murano to see the glass blowing factory. We got to see them form the glass for a chandelier as well as see their studio where they sell the pieces. We learned that their red glass is the most expensive because it is made from molten gold! We also learned that the art of glass blowing is dying; there aren't many masters left. If you look into buying a Murano glass item, make sure to get it with a certificate, otherwise, it might not be authentic. 

A lot of girls bought some of their pieces, while I narrowly escaped. Once we all met back up, we got on another water taxi for the island of Burano. It's just a cute place with cute buildings. It was there that I had the best pizza I've had during my entire time in Italy, all because it had some flavor!

Here's Kathy, Megan, and me waiting for our water taxi!

Here's just a picture of me and Megan. She has easily become one of my best friends on this trip.

After lunch, we split for the rest of the day until dinner. A few of us headed to the Guggenheim to see works of art by Dali and Magritte. It was a smaller collection of art than I expected but I'm still glad that we went.

This piece was a part of a temporary exhibition called Growth by Crescita in the 1930's. I like it because growth isn't always a straight upward motion. The light catches on it in such an interesting way.

For the last meal of the program, Steve treated us to a very nice dinner; we were able to eat anything we wanted. I had some of the best pasta! Megan let me try a bite of her salmon and I don't think it made me sick, so maybe I could be a pescatarian someday. Before the night was over though, I was just a wreck, crying about the program being over. This has been so incredible and it seems impossible to put it into words. Over the next while, I'll be able to ruminate on it and put it in writing. I am so glad that I was able to make the sacrifices necessary to come to Italy. I am so grateful for those who helped make this possible.

Before the night came to an end, a few of us went on a gondola ride down the canals of Venice. What a perfect night!

I'm not wearing any makeup because I cried it all off.

Before heading back to the hotel, we had our last Italian gelato and it was in the shape of a heart. How perfect! I'll always love Italy and I am ready to return to it at the drop of a hat.