'Ta Luego, Espana!

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Thoughts to Jot: I leave tomorrow morning and can hardly believe it...I am a mixture of a bit of sadness, a bit of peace and a lot of gratitude for all that is behind me and all that is ahead of me. A thousand thank you’s for reading this blog. It kept me buoyant in challenging times to know I have so many who are cheering me on as I continue to find my way in this life...Thank you for your kind, funny and encouraging words along the way.

I decided to do my Top 5’s for each category as my parting blog. Hope you enjoy and can't wait to see each of you soon!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE....

Sentiments: How very much I will miss..

1. Rarely having any idea of the date or time. I found myself constantly asking people around me what day it was or realizing that I hadn’t the slightest idea what hour it was. I’ve never had this gift before!

2. The old Spanish men. Really don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so precious. I will miss seeing them gathered together on benches or in cafes, wearing their boinas (hats) and holding their bastones (walking sticks).

3. Being called “nina” in that precious way whenever I helped an older Spaniard. That word is so dear to me now.

4. Experiencing living in a foreign country and all the craziness that comes with it!

5. The language. I have LOVED being immersed in Spanish, hearing it all around me, and speaking it all the time.

Something of the Ridiculous: How very much I will NOT miss...

1. The confused, deer in the headlights look on my face every time I have absolutely NO idea what someone is saying to me. And following that up with the typical nod I give as if to demonstrate that I do understand, when it’s painfully obvious that I don’t.

2. Luke warm milk and meats-really have never been able to adjust to this European way of things....

3. What I now jokingly refer to as “Espana-” the small belly I have grown since taking on the local Spanish diet.

4. Which leads me to: Every single food group being served fried or doused in olive oil.

5. The Spanish gods Futbol and Jamon. It’s impossible to be out of the eye of either of these gods-even in the smallest of pueblos, their presence and importance is known. I am very happy to say Adieu to you!

Newish Words for the Day: My favorites...

1. Disfruta: To enjoy-something I learned well how to do in Spain.

2. Nina: A most precious nickname

3. Vale: The California equivalent of “like” or “ok.” Almost every phrase or comment in the Spanish language here begins or ends with “Vale.”

4. Majo/a: Someone who is very kind.

5. Guapa!: What all the gross men shout at you as you walk down the street.

Questions: Answers welcome...

1. How long can I drag out this wonderful lifestyle of doing nothing all day?!

2. Will I be able to lose belly Espana or is this my 34th birthday gift...a reminder that I am definitely no longer in my 20’s...

3. How long after I’ve touched down in California before I am aching to be back on a plane somewhere again?

4. Spanish language-will I succeed in keeping you?

5. Where o where is this thirty something year old going to land next? Keep your fingers crossed-at some point I will need employment!

On Today's Menu: Creators of Belly Espana...

1. Gummy candies at my beck and call! Literally every 5 feet you walk in Spanish cities, there is a small little store with gummy candy just waiting to be devoured!

2. Date and Bacon Empanada: Yes-they finally got me to submit and love a ham product. Everyone keeps telling me I can learn to make it at home, but there’s no way it’s going to taste as good as it is here!

3. Zumo Naranja: Orange juice here is always freshly squeezed-whether it’s served on the streets, in a cafe or a restaurant.

4. Hornazo: Not because I liked it, but because it was around every single corner in my day to day life in Salamanca and it’s forever a reminder of my time there!

5. The Best Sugar Doughnut in the World: I will credit Madrid for one thing-this doughnut. I have never had anything like it and I ate one just about every day in my last week in Madrid.

Note to Self: Lessons learned, things realized...

1. Yes! You can travel internationally alone.

2. California really is one of best places on Earth! I came to Spain to see if I would want/be able to live in Europe long term. I certainly can, but at the end of the day I love my life in California more. Who knew!

3. Flexibility is within my realm of capacity! I can adapt and be fine on my own. Being away from family and friends was tough that first month, but it was awesome to see myself adjust and to realize I could happily live abroad if that’s what I want.

4. Nina I am. I still have so much more maturing and growing up to do. This whole experience certainly opened my eyes to that!

5. It is like they say-it’s all meant to be an adventure. I left my job of over 5 years, passed my licensing exam two days before flying out here, and accomplished another one of my life’s goals. Cheers to chasing down your dreams!

XOXO Sarah

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