Well, the moment has arrived all too quickly that I must say adios to España. It’s taken me this week to fully grasp the idea that I am now in ‘full time traveler’ mode.
This has meant, less exploring, not as committed blog posts, and the need to throw out half my wardrobe. Again.
I thought I already did that in London?
Regardless, I feel back to high spirits and totally inspired. I have a faint tan, I experienced a true night out in Barcelona, and I treated myself to a full meal of paellea and sangria tonight.
Because I totally over-budgeted at the beginning of this trip and didn’t realize until I re-budgeted this afternoon. No more penny pinching! Or skipping lunch to replace it with a single blueberry…
I spent my night strolling my local neighborhood and finding the best place to chow down. I ended the evening attending the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. It was a ten minute walk from my Air Bnb, and such a great way to spend my last night here in Barcelona.
Spain, you were such a good place to begin my European adventure.
As I sit, packing again, I am blown away by the circumstances I find myself in.
Last night I was drinking sangria on a rooftop in Barcelona, surrounded by strangers, who eventually became dear friends. The day before I was lying on a gorgeous beach, swimming in the Mediterranean, with tapas waiting for me the moment I decided I had received enough vitamin D for the day. Today I hung washing out on the line of my tiny back terrace, like a true European. And tomorrow I jet off to Vienna, Austria.
Who am I?
We all experience travel differently. And that’s kind of the beauty of it. I want stories. I want pictures of beautiful places. I want to find the best seafood dish I can get my hands on.
As long as I return home after this year abroad with stories to keep my family laughing for hours, a broader mind in terms of, well, everything, and a heart full of love for the culture, people, and experiences I stumble upon, I’ll be one satisfied lady.
My short week here has prepared me for what is ahead of me. Many flights, train rides, and bus rides. Air Bnb’s, mixed dorm hostels, and the comfort of staying with family. So many adventures await! By this time I will be on the road with one of my oldest friends and college roommate, Breanna.
But right now, I sit in anticipation knowing I get to see her huge smile tomorrow afternoon! She is one of those friends that keep your soul happy. Laughter so full it usually brings, at least her, to tears. And inside jokes that will be created within moments of our reunion. It’s just the way things go with us.
So I say another goodbye, just to say an even better hello.