April 28th marked my 100th day in Spain (and all of Europe). I thought it’d be fun reflecting on the things that I will/will not miss when I head back to the States in a few short weeks.
Things That Will Be THOROUGHLY Missed:
(In no particular order, I’ve had this list pending for a while now)
1) Living in SPAIN: probably the best part of this semester
2) Traveling EVERY weekend: just a hop, skip and a jump away from a new foreign land
3) European Money: it’s totally monopoly like; makes the US seem BORING
4) My Host Family: Lola and Manolo have been the greatest parental replacements anyone could ask for
5) Speaking Spanish 24/7: or so it seems, compared to the ZERO Spanish I spoke in the US
6) Tapas: or rather any Spanish/European gastronomy; my pallet’s definitely matured
7) Being Asked for Directions: feeling like a local, after a few weeks, is the best feeling ever
8) Walking Everywhere: take a college campus, put it on steroids and then double it; that’s my daily walk
9) PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE: Europe is a great place for social butterflies, like me, to meet very interesting and cultured individuals
10) Islamic Influence: it’s everywhere; all I had to do was step outside the US
11) The Arts and Architecture: breathtaking and beautiful; it converts a non-enthusiast (like me) to an intrigued observer
12) Hollywood in my Backyard: if I had a dollar for the number of times I stepped on a once-movie set, I would be able to buy nose-bleed tickets to the next Bulls game
13) History Meeting Modernity: the marriage between the two made traveling even more exciting; every street that I walk down has some historical significance
14) European Fashion: I may have to get rid of all my sweats and PJs once I get home, sad
15) Gelato: NOM NOM NOM, enough said
16) 6th Grade Cell Phone: having left my pseudo BlackBerry at home, I have become accustomed to a “pay as you go” basic-function mobile device, disconnecting me from the world of constant texting
17) European M&Ms: Mars seriously needs to use the same recipe in the States
18) The 2€ Store: like the dollar store except with better quality and selection
19) Yogurtlandia: Red Mango should be ashamed of itself
20) The Nightlife: Spaniards truly know how to do it best; party don’t stop till 5 in the morning
21) The Metro: seamlessly taking a directionally challenged tourist from one end of the city to the other
22) Blogging as the Globetrotter: I need to continue traveling in order to maintain this blog; I may have a few ideas up my sleeve
23) Cola Coa: the best hot chocolate mix known to mankind, promise
24) Té Rojo: yes folks, I’ve become a tea drinker
Things That I Will Gladly Live WITHOUT:
1) Piropos: translated as compliments, these are whistles, catcalls, obnoxious kissing sounds and physical advances carried out by men of all ages
2) Euro to Dollar Conversion: it hurt watching my savings dwindle, everyday
3) The Smoking: I’m pretty sure my life expectancy has decreased by 10 years; I’m coming home with a grey lung
4) PDA: things that happen behind closed doors should stay there, not be displayed for the world to see
5) Cobble Stone Sidewalks: totally not conducive to heels
6) Stereotypes: not all Americans are self-centered, stupid or the poster children for McDonald’s, promise
7) Sevici Bike Lanes: if I had a quarter for the number of times I was almost run over by a bike, I’d have enough money for a year’s supply of M&Ms
8) Slow Internet Connections: makes skyping a pain in the butt
9) The Seven Hour Time Difference: became a hassle when I had to call mom during the week
10) Military Time: I mean who wants to do math when checking the time
11) Not Being with Family and Friends: I hated not having my loved ones with me when I was touring each country
12) Constant Airport Security Checks: just because I’m brown, doesn’t mean I’m dangerous
I’m sure I’ll add to this list over the next few days. A special shout out to MF who is celebrating her 22nd Birthday Today! So glad I got to know you on this trip! T-Minus 16 Days Until Chicago!
