And the water works begin…
So I am now in the last stretch of my European journey. Although there were a few little bumps in the road, these 15 weeks have undoubtedly been the best of my life. Not only did I fall in love with this city, I also made some amazing friends, who I am going to miss more than anything. Even though I was not crazy about my host family, I am so lucky that I had such incredible roommates. Brittney and Kim, you guys inspire me, I love you guys and I don’t know how I’ll survive at home without Kim’s random, but hilarious comments and Brittney’s goofyness… Or for that matter without having you guys to consult with every other minute about what to wear, if my makeup is evenly distributed on my face, how to make burns stop hurting, what chocolate bar to get, whether my cold is just or cold or if I’m dying, what to say when sending emails or texts to boys, whether or not I should go running, how to correctly phrase pretty much everything I want to say to people in Spanish before saying it, and how to get glass out of my feet. You guys made everyday here so memorable, and I am really going to miss living with you two. The rest of my wolfpack, Elena, Erin, and Eileen, I love you guys so much and you better visit me as often as possible. Elena you are hilarious and I cannot wait to visit you like every second with Kim this summer. Erin, you are one of the most genuinely sweet girls I have ever met and definitely the best dancer in the WORLD. Eileen, I cannot wait to visit you in Chicago and at school, and although you have a horribly negative influence on me and make me eat ice cream, gummies, and chocolate with you every second of every day… I am going to miss you so much. You give the best advice and are hands down the best storyteller in the world. Everyone else in API, its been real, you’re all goofballs and I will miss you all! Also a shout out to Christine and Stef from home, I’m so glad that I had you guys here in Sevilla with me. Stef, thanks for introducing me to fagels (fake bagels) at Cien and being the best travel buddy EVER, I’m not sure how I’m going to survive next week at home without you my common-law wifey!
So as I said, I have fallen completely in love with this city. Although the pollen from all of its blooming trees and flowers is killing my allergies, I really love walking around being surrounded by such beauty even though I’m living in such a big city. I do not know what to say about all of the amazing bakeries and ice cream shops other than I will miss them severely, but I think that my body is happy to see them go! I will also miss my daily walks and runs (not so much daily now that I am out of clean running clothes) along the gorgeous Guadalquivir River. I am undoubtedly going to miss my Wednesdays here, having pints of beer and bocadillos (small sandwiches on yummy rolls) for one euro and going to “Hip hop” night with all of my fellow Americans at the infamous club Bandalai. It will also be weird not being able to walk around the gorgeous Maria Luisa park and go in the world’s third biggest cathedral whenever I want. Sevilla, siempre te amaré y nunca vas a dejarme.
Although I love the place, it is going to stink being back home in the States and not have endless options of beautiful close-by countries to go to. My trips were all so much fun, there will always be a small piece of each of those places in me. I will never forget Ireland’s beautiful landscapes and friendly people, Amsterdam’s cool canals, the incredible grottos and beaches of Lagos, Portugal, the history and cool architecture in Prague, Paris’ bakeries and awesome sites, and Athens’ delicious gyros and spinach pies, awesome ruins, and quaint side streets.
With all of this said, I have had an incredible time here in Europe and would do it again in a heartbeat. And although I do not want to leave the city and friends that I love, nor see such a great period of my life come to an end, it is time. America, I cannot wait for your good customer service, food free of ham, the American dollar, and normal eating patterns (no more having dinner at 10 pm!!) I cannot wait to be reunited with my amazing family and friends, the YMCA, ice water, long showers, and McCarrolls breakfast sandwiches at home in just a few days! Mom you better start cooking some of my favorite dishes and have some cookies waiting when I get in from the airport! No more Spanish food for me yay!
Mom and Dad-
I thought I’d take the opportunity now to thank you guys for supporting (emotionally and financially) my travels. This semester has changed my life, and I am so lucky to have been able to do all of the traveling that I did and to have parents like you to email and call anytime I felt homesick. Also thanks to my grandparents and Aunts for checking in on me while I have been here. I loved getting everyone’s emails, text messages, and letters - I miss you guys a lot and cannot wait to see you all!
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