Arrival, Departure, Return

The Train Station of Florence:

One location can be the cause and stur of such varied emotion.

Departure:

Whenever I boarded a train in Florence, I was ecstatic, bright- eyed, and completely psyched for the adventure ahead of me. Whether it was to another part of Italy, or rather another country, the experience ahead of was one that was original, unfamiliar, and unanticipated. Each trip had a new story, a new thrill, a new problem solved, and each experience so different than the one before. Whenever I stepped foot on the train leaving Florence it was me waving goodbye to the life I was becoming accustomed to, to greet the thrill of the escapade ahead.

Arrival:

"La fermata finale, Firenze" ("Final stop, Florence"). I cannot put into words my feelings of relief when those sweet Italian words came over the train intercom. After a long day of travel, returning to my temporary Italian home never felt better. Finally, a full night of rest! For many people on my train back to Florence, it was their first time to the city. I was returning, they were experiencing. I would hear giddy shrills as people jumped off and exclaimed, "omg i cannot believe were in Florence!". As weak and exhausted as I was, I couldn't help but smile listening to their excitement, for it reminded me of my eager enthusiasm on departure.

Final Departure:

As I rolled all my belongings through the station, and prepared to board the train, I felt as if I was stuck in a hurricane of emotion. The wind was blowing in the direction of the train, forcing me to a place I wished I could resist; I wanted so bad to turn around and run back down my cobblestone street, unpack, and extend my stay. However, at the same time the thought of returning home for Christmas with my family seemed so inviting. I was blatantly confused. I had gained so much knowledge and was now filled with greater life experience, yet the thought of leaving made me feel so empty.

I finally heaved my five bags of luggage onto the train and took my seat to say Arrivederci to Firenze. Finally, the train blew its whistle and the wheels started to turn their track. As I looked out the window, I couldn't believe what I saw, Florence's first snow fall. It was the perfect ending to the perfect trip abroad. My experience was being blanketed by fresh white powder and it was my time to say goodnight and go. I knew in time I would return, my fairy-tale memories and experiences would someday be reawakened, and for the time being they were just being put to rest.