I can’t believe I only have 1 week left in Spain. 1 week! Just thinking about leaving makes me feel like I’m riding a bicycle straight for a brick wall and desperately trying to pedal backwards. My stomach instantly twists in knots; I feel anxious and scared. I want to run in the opposite direction and I’m on the verge of tears. The culture shock entering Spain was hard but I’ve heard that the reentry culture shock to your home country is even more difficult. I’m not ready to let go and say goodbye. “I love it here” is an understatement.
Although I still have more travel adventures in Europe between now and flying home on June 26, I’m feeling scared about going home. I’m overwhelmed by the thought of being in America. When people ask “how was Spain” how the hell am I going to condense a 3 month experience into one sentence? Is anyone actually going to care? Will they understand? Will my friends and family treat me the same? I view myself different- I’m independent, flexible, capable, confident, quick learner, adaptive, observant, open minded. Will those changes be acknowledged?
My perspective on the world, my goals, and perspective of people has changed. I imagine that when I return home I’ll have Spain on my mind and be the only thing I want to talk about. I imagine that all my stories will start with “when I was in Spain…” and my friends will instantly tune me out. I’m currently surrounded by friends who are experiencing the same amount of growth as me and get it. Thinking about returning home where everything will be virtually the same and unchanged sounds frustrating and dull.
Before I left for Spain I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do after I graduate. Now I desperately want to figure out a way to come back to Spain because my bucket list is twice as long with goals and dreams. I still have so much more learning to do in Spain- I know what I don’t know.
Things I’m going to miss the most about Santander:
- Siestas. I like knowing I have time to rest and recharge
- Spanish tortilla
-My host mom: I get to talk to her 3 times a day about everything I've been doing and what's going on in my life. She's even opened up to me and has been sharing about difficult things she's going through in her life.
- Spending every day with friends I’ve become really close with
- People watching. I admire how the people of Spain value themselves and dress beautifully. They are aware of the way they present themselves to the world.
- Traveling on the weekends
- Meeting other travelers- I have friends all over the world!
-Being entertained by Marian our grammar professor while learning Spanish
- The culture allows people to be honest and straightforward. There’s no need to sugarcoat everything or be superficial. When you pass a stranger on the street there’s no need to pretend they’re your best friend when you could actually care less.
-Living simplistically. I only have the things I absolutely need and that fit in my suitcase.
-Walking home with Nikko, Marisol, Michael, and Oresta every day from school then going to class and sit and chat with Natalie, Erika, and Alex
- Being spontaneous and having an open schedule. If I want to hang out with a friend we arrange it for later that day. It’s not necessary to schedule with them 2 weeks in advanced and squeeze them in during that one hour break between classes.
-Spaniards live in the moment. People aren’t one their phones 24/7
I’m going to enjoy my last week in Santander by visiting the beach one last time, spend time at Mercado del Este with my friends (the guy who works there has been giving us free patatas fritas since we are regulars), eat tortilla with my host mom, make some last minute purchases, and enjoy our final night all together with a celebratory dinner. After leaving Santander I’m heading to Germany and London. On June 16 I’ll be meeting with my mom and exploring Paris, Rome, and Madrid with her. Then it’s back to America on June 26.
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