Bright and early, here we go!  We left the hotel around 5:30 am after a light breakfast.  By that point in the morning, I had already fought with my luggage and I was ready to send my checked bag on its way.  Luckily, it was under 50 pounds and they accepted it.  At this point, our leaders, Stephanie and Dr. Spirk, had left us.  There we were, a bunch of American students navigating a foreign airport with a plane to catch in less than an hour.  Luckily, everyone made it through customs and arrived at the gate on time.  As we did when we arrived in Munich, we had to take a bus, then stairs, to board our plane.  

It didn’t hit me until we were over the Atlantic that we were leaving.  Not just that we were leaving but that I was so blessed to have taken my first trip to Europe with such amazing people.  To be honest, I did not really know my classmates during class time.  Yes, we did a presentation and an introduction but most of the time was spent listening to lectures.  Now, I can say I know everyone and I want to travel with these people again.  Maybe the altitude was getting to me but I definitely had a moment on the plane.  

We finally touched down in Charlotte.  We got through customers in about 30 minutes, no biggie.  Once we got through customs, we had to split off since everyone’s gates were in different directions.  This was it.  I hugged everyone and thanked them for making this experience so great.  We did an awkward group hug huddle thing and went on our way.  I was so sad that after spending every minute of the last two weeks with this group I would not see them again for another three months.  

I was heading back to Pittsburgh with two other students that I knew well.  We grabbed some food and we were on our flight within the next two hours.  I did not want to go home.  I was denying that this was the end.  Nonetheless, we touched down in Pittsburgh.  I picked up my bags and met my dad who took me home.  I joking told my parents that I was in mourning and that they should not talk to me for 24-48 hours.  I came home and slept for 12 hours.  I regret nothing.