I think the title of this post just about sums up my last few weeks..."Goodbyes and the return to the US." Now, I've actually been back in the US for one full week now, and I'm just getting around to writing this final blog entry. I think I have been putting it off for several reasons- one, because I've been exhausted, both physically and emotionally, from the adjustment-and two, because it meant admitting that my wonderful year in Madrid really was over. It really was an amazing year- I learned so much and met so many incredible people, who I already deeply miss (and you know who you are). I know that I chose an apt name for this blog, because this year truly has been unforgettable. Spainm and the people I have met this year, will always have a special place in my heart.
While my last few weeks in Spain were wonderful, they were also quite difficult, which is to be expected. I returned to a lot of my favorite places in Madrid with my friends and went on a great trip to Northern Spain (Santander, Comillas, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Oviedo, and Gijon!) The trip was really great; definitely a nice note to end on. Then, I was back in Madrid for three days, with just enough time to pack and say my final goodbyes. And those goodbyes were indeed difficult- which I know means that I have met some amazing people this year, people who will always be important to me. Nonetheless, that also makes the return to the US more difficult.
My sistuation this year was quite unique, in that I knew all along that I would be returning to the US, since I have a job here for next year. And of course, I'm extremely excited about that job and about my move to Boston, but at the same time, a big change like this is always tough and even confusing. Right now, I don't know exactly what my relationship will be with Spain in the future, whether it will just be a common vacation destination (and the home of many great friends) or a future home (short or long term).
I also understand that I can't expect to know that after just a week at home. At least, I have been lucky, in that I have some time to relax and re-connect with my family and friends before I have to move and start work. It has been nice to be in the same time zone (and even in the same town!) as some of my friends, to be able to talk to them more regularly, and even see some of them. I can appreciate the little things that I missed too, like certain foods that were hard to find in Spain, having a dryer for my clothes!, certain television shows I was missing...silly things like that. At the same time, I miss being in a big city, being able to take the metro or walk anywhere, going out until all hours of the night, long walks with friends in Madrid etc etc..
Anyway, I could keep analyzing the situation for hours, but basically, my conclusion will be the same--this past year has been incredible and this coming year is sure to be full of new experiences and surprises as well. So, while goodbyes are always tough, I'm trying my best to think of this time not just as the end of something great, but as the beginning of something else (great, we hope) as well. So...vamos a ver, as I would say in Spanish (We'll see...)
