Do I want to write about Paris?

This past weekend I went to Paris. I wasn’t impressed. The architecture all looked the same, the Eiffel tour wasn’t that remarkable, I didn’t understand the big fuss about the Mona Lisa, I personally believe the cathedrals I’ve seen in Spain are more extraordinary then Notre Dame, and to top it off, it cost me an arm and a leg to be disappointed.

So, I’ve made the executive decision to not write about my experience in France; instead I am going to share some of my more recent emotional thoughts.

As of late, I’ve really been thinking about my homecoming. How is it going to feel to be back stateside? When I first got to Spain, I was convinced that the experience wasn’t going to be life altering, but recently I’ve noticed just how much I’ve learned and how much I’ve changed. I arrived with the intention of learning to speak Spanish, and while my language skills have improved, the life lessons I’ve been taught are what have really brought about change.

I have made some really great friends while I’ve been here; friends that are very different from the people I spend time with back home. I’ve found myself loosening up a bit, not being so high-strung, and enjoying life for what it is now. Over time I’ve noticed what things are really important to me, and what things I just thought were important; true friends have been revealed, and not so true friends have been found out.

I’ve learned that it is ok to make some bad decisions as long as you learn from them (orange soda + vodka on Saturday = a miserable Sunday), I’ve discovered that journaling can really help sort out thoughts (thoughts can flow smoothly from brain to hand onto paper), I’ve seen the power of prayer (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me), and I’ve realized just how blessed I am to have my family (the rock my socks off).

In 16 days I head back to home; I can honestly say it won’t be easy to leave Spain. I’ve grown accustomed to long lunches and siesta time. I don’t mind walking miles and miles everyday to get where I need to go. Tapas and wine can be the makings of a great night, and it is always the right time for a Schwarma. I’ve gotten use to seeing people drinking out of liter bottles of Alhambra beer at 10:00 in the morning, and it no longer shocks me to see people smoking everywhere, all the time. I’m going to miss the culture and the lifestyle, and I’m going to miss my friends.

Nevertheless, all good things must come to an end. Studying abroad has been an amazing life lesson, by far one of the best things I have chosen to do in my life.