That's a Wrap (August 7th)

On August 7th, I returned to the United States of America. My morning began with a 45 minute taxi ride to the airport. As I rode out of the city of Rome, it hit me for the first time that I was leaving Europe. As excited as I was to go home and see my friends and family, I was also very sad to be leaving Rome; it proved to be a remarkable, unbelievable city that I had the privilege of spending my entire summer in. I arrived at the airport immediately after two gigantic groups on Astro buses. Perfect. Fortunately, they were not flying on the same airline as I was or else I might have missed my flight home. I checked in with US Airways and watched Pirates of the Carribean 2 on my laptop as I waited to board my plane to Charlotte, NC. The plane was an hour delayed leaving Rome. I can't say that I didn't expect it, but I was still an unhappy camper. When it finally came time to board the plane, a mob formed and we all pushed and shoved through to board the plane from the tarmac. During my summer living in Rome I learned how to push, shove, and weave better than most Americans; I was through the mob and on the plane in no time at all.

The plane ride to Charlotte, NC was 10 hours. This flight home seemed shorter than the ride over there and I was grateful for that. Although we made great time to Charlotte, we arrived an hour later than scheduled due to the delay and I was most likely to miss my flight. I tried to be patient through the long line at customs, but spent most of my time in line bouncing up and down. When I made it through customs it was 5:20. Boarding began in 5 minutes and my flight left in 40. I sprinted to the baggage claim where I had to pick up my luggage and re-check it. The lady at the help desk suggested re-booking my flight due to the time, but I said "No thank you. Please put my luggage on the flight, and I will see it in Jacksonville at 7:00 p.m." I was determined to make my flight. To my unfortunate surprise, I had to endure another security checkpoint and time was growing close. It was now 5:40. 20 minutes until departure. A few understanding people let me cut them in line and made way for the anxious girl trying to make her flight. As I made it through security, I threw everything in my backpack, slung it over my shoulder, hopped into my shoes, and sprinted to my gate. Literally. I passed dozens of people on the moving sidewalks and a few shouted "You can do it!" or "Good luck!" as I passed by. I made it. With almost no time to spare, I boarded the plane and we took off within 10 minutes. I was on my way home. I was seated next to four Florida students...what a small world! The hour plane ride flew by with conversation about the University and Gainesville.

I scurried off of the plane after it landed and sped walk to the baggage claim to see my parents who would be greeting me when I arrived. As I turned the corner, I saw two signs labeled "Kristy" and "Schmidt" being held up by two young men. Around them was a group of 15-20 high school and college aged guys. I tried not to show my confusion and scanned the group for familiar faces. None. As I walked towards this herd of men, I had no clue who any of them were. When I get about 20 feet away  or so, they began to chant "Kristy! Kristy! Kristy" and divided into two lines to form a tunnel. I decided to go along with it all and ran through the tunnel of cheering boys to find my parents waiting for me at the end of it. What a greeting! I was so confused, but also so happy to see my parents. As things settled down, I learned that they had been waiting on their friend Scott who had just returned from a month in Spain. After they greeted him, they said to my parents, "We're waiting for Kristy Schmidt" and asked for the signs. My parents had no idea who this group was, but they said yes. Of course. Well it made for the most interesting, exciting, and unique greeting I will probably ever receive at an airport. We picked up my luggage at the baggage claim (all of it!) and headed to the parking garage after a farewell to my new friends. I was finally home. Almost. 3 hours later, I would arrive in Tallahassee, Florida...but Jacksonville was close enough. With Zaxby's in my belly for dinner, I was a happy camper.

Below is a music video that I created while abroad. It features Jennifer and I around Europe in famous places such as the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, Florence, Venice, and much more! It is to the very popular song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Ray Jepsen. This video, to me, reflects my experience in Europe just as accurately as all of my blogs. Enjoy! Thanks so much for following me on my European Escapade! I am now back in Gainesville for another school year at the University of Florida and will resume my normal blogging routine this coming Monday. Have a wonderful Wednesday! :)