April 16

Being abroad in the wake of an American tragesty has been eye-opening and humbling. I was watching my Twitter feed yesterday afternoon, enjoying updates and oogling about the winners of the Marathon. Within a matter of minutes, as you all know, things changed and I was glued to CNN.com for more information. Today, every one of my professors took time to give his or her condolences and to make sure we were aware of the situation. I found this both comforting and touching that tragic events, though far away, bring pause regardless of national identity. As I ran the route nearest and dearest to my Florentine heart this afternoon, I was shocked to see that the American embassy had been entirely taped off and there were more guards out front than usual. Something inside of me left me wanting to yell, "Take care of my country!" Today I saw just how much American news, culture, politics, events, and happenings come to affect the world. We do not exist in a vacuum. Rest easy knowing that many thoughts are flowing across the Atlantic and into the Boston Harbor on this day.