Un Viaje Espectacular: Why would you go to London by yourself?

Let me start off by saying I am safe and sound back in the United States. I know it's been a while since I've written, but my last few weeks in Spain were a bit crazy and chaotic. Now, to fill you all in. Where do I even begin? Sevilla: the hottest place I've ever been. Bought way too many clothes. Went to many cool places, including Granada, Amsterdam, and London. Spent my last weekend in London, and yes, I went by myself. Why did I go by myself?

This was a question I was asked by everyone: my parents, my friends, my teachers, and my host mom nearly had a cow. Honestly, I went to London by myself because I wasn't afraid to. So many people are afraid of big cities, afraid of being alone, afraid of having no one. And yes, I will admit to having these fears as well. But after spending two months in Europe I felt that I could take on a challenge and manage in a big city alone for a few days (It also helps that they speak English in the UK). And I can honestly say that I do not regret it, although at times I felt lonely or I wished someone was there, traveling alone is really something special and unique. It is hard to describe the feeling without actually experiencing it for yourself, but in all honesty, it made me more confident, forced me to figure out things and make decisions for myself, and it was extremely liberating. As a somewhat introverted person, traveling alone was just what I needed, as I was able to capture the entire world around me and drown in my own thoughts. This past weekend was absolutely perfect, as before I was starting to suffocate of both heat and homesickness in Sevilla, and finally I was able to breath again. And now, here I am, home at last.

After sleeping off the jet lag the past few days (I still feel off), my entire trip feels like a dream. Now I am just trying to record as much of it as I possibly can, for fear of my memory erasing it entirely. It seems so surreal that a week ago I was living an entirely different life, in a different country, eating different foods and speaking a different language. It all sounds silly but Spain really did make me open my eyes to an entirely new world out there. It amazes me that, although I feel as if I've traveled the world now, I've only just begun. I've only seen a glimpse of all that is out there. I know I will go back to Spain someday, and I hope that day comes soon. But I also hope to travel to even more places in the world, to experience even more cultures, to see even more things. For as I am happy to be home at last, I know that after resting I will once again desire to travel.

It is great to be reunited with my family, friends, and beloved macaroni and cheese, but I do miss Spain. I met some amazing people there who I will never forget, and both of my host families took me in and treated me as one of their own. I also learned things I never thought I would, both in the classroom and out of it. I cannot believe the time is up, as it feels like I never even left. However, I know time will really catch up to me when I have to go back to school in just a few weeks. Back to reality!