So I've been back in the States for over a month now, which for me is hard to believe. I've been meaning to write one final blog post about traveling in Spain with my family and what it's like being back in the States. But I haven't really gotten around to it. I've been fairly busy this first month back, but I also think part of me didn't want to write this last post because it means my study abroad experience is really and truly over. But here I am, writing. So if you're in for one last cliché blog post, read on!
My parents and my two sisters flew over for my last 10 days abroad. We met up with my aunt in Barcelona, and then continued on to Sevilla and Granada. It was wonderful to spend time with my aunt in Barcelona, and our two day trip to Granada was fantastic, but I really enjoyed being with my family in Sevilla. Not only did I show them all the tourist attractions and sights, but I got to show them my Sevilla: my favorite place for churros con chocolate, my favorite riverside view, the small windy paths I took to school. I got to show them a bit of what my life was like for the past 10 months, and we just had a really nice time.
My family also went to go see my host family during our last few days in Seville. My family doesn't speak any Spanish, and my host mom and brother don't speak any English, but that didn't stop them from getting along famously. We bonded over a mutual love for Bruce Springsteen and gazpacho, and laughed and told lots of stories. For me it was a fun translating experience, and I got to put in to use all that I have learned here in Spain.
It was so incredibly hard to get up the morning of our return back to the U.S. As much as I was excited to go home and catch up with old friends, I was so sad to be leaving Seville. In some ways it was much harder to leave Seville than the U.S. In 10 months that city came to feel like home, but unlike Northbrook Illinois or Madison Wisconsin, I don't really know when I will get the chance to go back to Sevilla.
We made it out the door and onto the plane, and before I knew it I was back in the States, back at home, back in a routine summer of work and friends. Holy culture shock. It was weird to hear English all the time, weird to have to drive everywhere, weird to have lunch at noon, etc. etc. I think the reverse culture shock was more intense than the culture shock of arriving in Spain. When you leave, you expect that it will be different where you're going and you will have to adjust. You don't really think about that as much going back home. But things have changed, and you have changed, and your outlook has changed, which is a lot to wrap your head around.
Now that I've been back for a month I feel pretty well adjusted. I miss Spain a crazy amount, and often end up being all nostalgic and day-dreamy. I remember being so worried and hesitant about leaving, but I am so glad I did it. I feel so much more confident in myself, not only in regards to my language abilities, but myself as a person. This year taught me I am capable of solving any problem or of doing anything as long as I just go for it. So if you ever ask me if you should study abroad, I will give you a very emphatic yes. You get to see the world through a different lens, travel, meet new people, study new things, and learn so much about yourself. Honestly, what could be better.
Finally, I would like to give a few shout outs to people who helped make this year the best:
SO to my parents, who from the very beginning supported me and made it possible for me to do this.
SO to my extended family in Belgium, for always being around.
SO to my host family. My time in Sevilla would not have been the same without you guys, who made me feel at home.
SO to anyone and everyone I met abroad: Maybe we hung out a lot, or had a passing conversation in a hostel, but it was all of you who made this the experience of a lifetime.
SO to friends at home, for all the Skype sessions at odd hours and the reassurance and support.
SO to my boyfriend, for patiently waiting for 10 months while I was off galavanting halfway across the world.
SO to Sevilla, for giving me a the most enjoyable year. Nunca me va a dejar.
