Until Next Time

Even though I didn't want to leave, saying goodbye was a lot easier this time around. I cried only a couple times; once because Alex's mom came to take me to the airport. When I walked out the building and saw his mom waiting, I couldn't stop myself from tearing up. I absolutely adore that woman and was glad I could see her once more before I left. From a conversation I had with an American girl I met here, we concluded that Spanish mum's are the sweetest; when they like you, they really, really like you.

I know I'm getting better at saying good bye but that bitter sweet aftertaste never truly goes away. Saying goodbye to Carlos in the morning was different than the last. The first time we ever had to say goodbye was in December in Florida, and I remember crying like I had just watched the Titanic. This time, he made me promise that I wouldn't cry, and I kept it. I realized that saying good bye is so much easier on the heart when you know that you will see each other again.

The past three months passed by like a dream. Every region and every city had it's uniqueness and charm, and it was difficult not to love every place for it's individuality. Not everyone has the privilege to travel, and I know exactly how fortunate I am for being able to do so. So, in an attempt to say this without any pretentiousness, it has been an incredible blessing to be able to experience this, and it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my family and some of the most amazing friends I know. I can't believe how lucky of a girl I am for having people that care so much about me.

I have some of the best friends in the world! Literally!

They told me I wouldn't want to leave. But I didn't realize the extent to which it would affect me. I wasn't ready to board; waiting for the final call was one of the worst feelings. It's like a really, really bad breakup. But no matter how much I wanted to, I couldn't stay. There is unfinished business in Vancouver. All I know is that as soon as I finish, the world will be fair game.

When I was asked if I would come back to this country, my honest answer was "I don't know." No doubt I want to come back, and to spend more time in Spain getting to know the different regions and it's people more, but it's just that this trip has been so fulfilling. It's like the feeling you get after enjoying an extremely delicious and satisfying meal. From the dazzling and theatrical nightlife in Ibiza to the mouth-watering pintxos and sandy beaches of San Sebastián, Spain has opened me up to the idea of endless possibilities for the future. I've learned so much about what I value as well as what my limits are; I've learned when to stick up for myself, and when to keep my chin up and walk away.

It's amazing when you notice how much you've grown. It's like you're a brick of clay when you're born, and experience is the chisel. Some experiences don't change you, because you're not meant to be shaped that way, but other experiences chisel you to reveal something more about yourself. Experiences refine you into who you really are.