Me echo de menos

Four months ago I was sitting on the floor of my room testing every dimwitted URL I could think of to create this blog. Studying abroad in college fulfills so many stereotypes and lends itself to making students into walking cliches. I've struggled the entire semester with the concept of how to make these four months meaningful and memorable, and without a doubt they have been. I can't say it's been carried out in the way I anticipated or planned, but I am leaving the peninsula with a greater sense of who I am and how I want to live my life when I return. I could never move to Spain to live and work, but nor could I have been the same without it.  


And now today, with just six days remaining, I can't help but think of the wonders of the US and Spain that I miss and will miss, respectively. 


The Dollar
No brainer. Goodbye Euro, hello dolla billz. 
My iPhone
I have no shame in admitting I missed 3G (or is it 4G now?) this semester. Yes, it is incredibly nice to be out of tune sometimes. Hiking in Almaden de la Plata? Do you need a phone? Absolutely not. Getting lost in Sevilla and stumbling upon the Jueves market? Nah. 


But I really do like having radio, email, internet and essentially anything I need in the palm of my hand. 
Oh honey badgers.
No words needed.

Duke
To know me is to know how much I love this dog. And whoever said dogs aren't life companions has never been met at their front doorstep by this hunk of love:

The day I left. God knows what the smirk on his face will be when I'll return.

And what will I be jonesing for back in the USA?
Puente Isabel II
Every Monday through Thursday on my walk home, I saw the different forms the Sevillian sky would take about an hour before sunset. The sun sets everywhere and is beautiful in other places, but nothing can compare to seeing this old city in the light of dusk.

Another iPhone gem.

Drinking insane amounts of espresso
Hearing people sing to themselves as they walk down the street
Smelling fresh baked bread walking to class
Getting wine because it's the cheapest thing on the menu
Having my socks ironed
Casual weekend trip to London
And so much more.
Europe.
Could I live here? Yes. The distance from family is quite a factor, but what a beautiful continent this is. And how I can't wait to return here and explore the rest of the world (and know how to do it right).