It has only been two weeks since I returned from my time in Spain but it feels like forever ago- partly due to the fact that I have been going non-stop since I stepped foot in Texas. In my short time back I have managed to tackle the holidays, take a trip to Florida, attend my father’s wedding, and prepare for my next adventure in Hong Kong. I got back from Florida this morning, went to the wedding this afternoon, and leave tomorrow night for Hong Kong. I may be going crazy. Even with all of this hullabaloo, I still find myself noticing the cultural differences every once in a while between Spain and the US or recalling fond memories from my time abroad.
One of my first days back in the states I went to a store to buy a Christmas present for my Dad. I saw the price and immediately pulled out exact change. When the cashier rung it up and told me the full price, I was surprised when it didn’t match what I had…tax! It was in that moment that I realized how accustomed I had gotten to my life in Spain. I had found my own routine, adapting to the different lifestyle without even realizing it.
There is no doubt that I miss the Spanish culture: fantastic food, even better wine, social cities with unique and friendly people. But I know that with the end of this experience begins the start of a new experience. I have learned, I have grown, I have lived. And I look forward to what is to come.