The Close of a Chapter

Well, it's definately a ghost-town here! *tumbleweeds float by* but I sincerely hope my prolonged absence hasn't made this blog a total empty void!

That was pretty poetic, I'll try again:

Hello once again to my blog, which in I'll finally type the last update, promised about a week ago. (yikes-sorry!) Needless to say I have been very busy catching up with my family, rushing to trying to get onto school pace once again, (though studying abroad, all I really need are some new pencils to get back into the flow of things!) it's been rather difficult to find time to sit down and write exactly what happened those last couple of hours, but a quiet Monday afternoon has my parents visiting the doctors on an update on my Dad's Chemo, (Dad's the A-Awesome man!) and I'm patiently waiting for the repairman to come and fix the washer.

Back track!

So it was Tuesday morning, and the alarm beeping at my bed-side only made me dimly aware of how getting up this early was that special. I yawned my way up, eyeing the books and papers that I had haphazardely left from the day before. They were a bit dirty, since I eventually had gone back to that Park near my house, (Garcia Lorca) to finish my studies. On a fun note, I did run into my host siblings while there, and took a couple pictures of them as they ran amuck with their friends:

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(booooooooring)

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But on the brightside, this morning would finally end my studying woes: exam day!

I ate a quick breakfast, more determined to get some last minute memorization in than anything. The house was pretty quiet as I was the only one in a scramble to get out the door!

Finally I was packed with the few books I had left, and I made my silent exit out the door. This day, however, wasn't the fast walk of usual. A buddy I met from Study Abroad had been taking pictures one late afternoon of every different part of the school. I had been particularly curious, and I had asked what she had been up to. Aimee, (the girl who had been doing the pictures) replied that she was taking a picture everyso often of her route, so that her family and friends might know what it was like on a typical day for her.

I never forgot that, and it inspired me to take a picture of my route from home, all the way to school:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP5235.jpg (Apartment Complex, the beginning)

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(Classroom, the end. NOTE: I was originally going to post all the pictures, but it ended up stretching the page far too much. Head over to my photobucket- they start on the first page, so it is pretty easy to find!)

After spending a good deal of time taking pictures throughout my beloved city, I jogged into class, joining another class of my teacher's to take our exam. A little over 2 hours later, I finally put my pencil down, and crossed my fingers for a good grade, happy I had felt confident the whole while. I bid my teacher good-bye, and we both kissed the opposite cheek, in traditional Spanish fashion. It was sad to say good-bye to her, because we definately had fun in her part of class.

From class, I still had about 2 hours left until lunchtime, and as it was my final day, I still wanted to make sure and accomplish everything I had planned to do for the day. First up was revisiting the park in front of the Alhambra, where I enjoyed the emptiness, (it was Tuesday morning, after all.) and the shade provided by the hundreds of trees. I looked upon the entrance of the castle, seeing the familiar hand inscription carved in its gateway. I spent a good hour and half walking around the whole complex, trying to take mental pictures rather than real photos, so that I could remember it always that way.

Lunchtime was soon coming up, so I hurriedly made my way home to be in time for lunch. All of the family was present, so I took the opportunity to make some final pictures of them, so I certaintly won't forget what they looked like when I was there!

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP5262.jpg (My host sister, Eloisa!)

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP5263.jpg(My host brother, Sergio!)

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP5266.jpg(My host mom and dad!!)

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll32/natalia_en_espana/IMGP5268.jpg(Me and my host mom Eloisa. :) )

Lunch was delicious as usual, but it was a kind of sad part for me in a way. I had spent all morning worrying about my exam, that I hadn't stopped to realize: oh, this is my last day too. I still had a bit to pack, so I thanked as usual for my yummy 2 PM lunch, and then began the process of packing.

Everything did pack and fit in well, so I didn't have any problems in that department! I only slightly worried if my new souvenirs would be too heavy, but I shrugged my shoulders, deciding not to worry about it. If they make it, they make it: if not, I'd just shuck out the money. I wasn't about to leave them in Spain!

It took me a bit under an hour and half to fully pack myself to my liking, and my family would look over, my host siblings imploring me to stay for an extra day. I would smile as I'd like nothing more than a week to spend with my Spanish family, and reply back that this meant the fast I got home, the faster they could visit me! They went off to go to their afternoon activities, and I called Brendan, eager to start my last day.

Brendan was happy to accompany me, even if it wasn't his last day- go Brendan! Evelyn still had class in the afternoon, so the two of us soloed out, whipping out the map to figure out once again to do. It was definately hot at 4 PM, (I mean... scorching. Literally!) I promptly declared that it was my last day, so heat wasn't going to keep me home- but it might keep me at the souvenir shops. The two of us spent a good part of the beginning shopping to escape the heat, I buying some last minute souvenirs. (Nothing makes you buy like: I'll never see this again!)

After buying enough to satisfy my urge to compra mas, we went up to the shopping district of the Albacin, only stopping at a helado outlet to grab some delicious ice cream as well (take that, ice cream cake flavored ice-cream! And yes- only one time will I stand in this one part of the road and step on a piece of ice-cream cone *inside joke*.)

Sure, it was still shopping, but seeing those Moroccan stores one last time was pretty important, seeing the hundreds of times I had passed them by! We did stumble onto the favorite tea shop as well, and vowed to return later, as the despite the heat, tea sounded awfully good.

Leaving the Albacin district, we were back on the streets of Granada, stumped what to do next. I berated myself: who knows when I would be back in Granada, and here I was sitting stumped on what to do! Ahhh! But Brendan was the man of the hour: he suggested we stop by the cultural center, and see what was inside. (I had thought it was an art museum- ding ding! Wrong answer!) Either way, they had a nice gift-shop of Ancient art, so we did get our cultural experience on!

We quickly tried to get ahold of Evelyn, as our tea-craving had gone beyond control. Evelyn was still stuck in classes, so we agreed that tapas was in order for later that night, so we could still get in both experiences, and see Eveyln one last time! So the two of us made our way over to the tea house, splitting a delicious cup of the house special. (Best drink there, by the way: tell them I sent you!)

As the famous saying goes, if you die without having looked upon the Alhambra, you haven't lived- I had to go see my favorite castle one last time. Brendan and I hiked our way up, as the climb wasn't too horrible: the afternoon breeze had set in, and ducking into the shade was always a help.

The climb was rather short, and we were soon in front of the Alhambra. Immediately my stomach began to clench- not with sickness, but rather sadness. Sure, I was beyond excited to go home and see my family, but.... it really was the end. Two months whizzed by faster than a NASCAR race car, and only in that moment did it really feel like it. I quietly made my way up to the overlook, Brendan on my right, as we sat and contemplated the Alhambra: I remembering everything I had accomplished in my two months:

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As Brendan will attest to, It took me about 2 hours to finally leave the spot. We laughed as I kept saying I was ready to leave, but a half-hour would pass, and I wasn't. And I really wasn't ready to leave- I don't know when I would be. Maybe 5 minutes, 5 years, 5 centuries- I'll always miss Granada, the views, the city, the people. That's what is different between studying abroad, living abroad, and simply vacationing: whenever you are in one spot long enough, and really get to know the city, it is much harder to leave. Especially with the amount of fun and friends I made, it was a really difficult transition!

We finally made our way out, as dinner time was approaching. I only stopped to buy a small 15 Euro painting of the Alhambra, (which the seller attested was an original painting-even better!) The painting lifted my spirits considerably, because now I had something to look at every day, even if it wasn't the real thing.

The two of us got ahold of Evelyn, and we agreed to meet at the tapas place we had found the other day, so that we could all say a farewell as I set out to the States. Dinner was pizza, (James, our Hong Kong resident, had a penchant for not eating anything he didn't like- so pizza it was. Graah James!)

As I meandered around, waiting for my last night out in Granada to begin, my cellphone began to buzz. Curious to who it could be, I picked it up- Inma! My spirits lifted from the sadness of my last day, since I had been bummed that I wouldn't have said good-bye to her! She said she had a picture she wanted to give me, and like a Spanish person, had waited to the last minute to give it to me. We laughed at that, and she said she'd quickly stop by before she went out for the night.

She was true to her word, and under 10 minutes, she quickly stopped by, visiting my excited family, (they really like Jaime and Inma!) She gave me a huge and presented me with a photograph card. I looked to her, and she shrugged, saying it was nothing special: but when I opened it, a beautiful photograph of a bull awaited me. Inma's brother raised fighting bulls, and Inma had taken the picture on his ranch. She said every time she saw a picture of a bull, specifically this one, she thought of me while I was in Spain: since I was so bull-crazy. (note: still am!) I was particularly moved by this, and gave her a hug and a thank-you. The photo is very special to me, and I'll always treasure it, my one final farewell from Spain!

Inma had to get going, and so did I, so I bid my family a quick farewell for the evening, (they were very happy that I was going out in Spanish fashion-for tapas!) Inma and I walked out into the night sky, and finally made our farewells. I refused to say good-bye: good-bye signifies not seeing someone again, and I really hope in some strange universe I'll run into Inma again. We both shared a lot of fun experiences together, and I know she'll be visiting the States sometimes soon: How about a quick run down to Florida, or over to Wyoming! :)

I met up with Evelyn and Brendan at Correos, apologizing for my 5 minute tardiness. They simply smiled and shrugged as I explained what had kept me, and they were happy for the news of saying farewell to Inma quickly before I took off. We chatted for a good while, but we couldn't just stand at Correos all night, so we made it over to the tapas place.

It was busy that Tuesday night, but not as packed as the weekend crowd: this time we found a table to stand around. The small tapas dish was tiny bowls of chicken in some sauce, which was horribly delicious. Alhambra all around, as we watched passerby shuffle by in the warm, summer night. The evening was mostly a chat about all our respective experiences, mine in particular, and the month ahead of us. Brendan and Evelyn still had Spain, but I had a homeward bound, and college semester ahead of me still- but of course, it was still exciting to talk about it with them, as now my focus had began to shift.

They were headed to Barcelona that weekend, and I made them promise to write about it so I could read on their adventures: kind of like reading a blog, instead of just typing one!

But then night did have to end, and I bid them both farewell at their respective stops, wishing them both the best adventures to have while they were in Spain. They were getting some new members in the Abroadco group as well, and I was happy to hear they were going to give them the run-down on Granada as well: it's always fun to go with peers around town to explore!

I headed home for the night, looking at my city one last time, remembering all I had accomplished, and all the adventures taken place there. Sure, it was sad leaving, but more than anything, I felt like I had done all I wanted to do. And that's definately wanted counted the most as I pondered my time, my steps leading me home, and into bed.

My alarm was set early for the next day, but I could barely sleep: due to the combination of hot, summer air and my growing excitement. I checked and double-checked my bag, took a quick shower, and zipped up my belongings. I only ate a small bit of toast, as I was too distracted to think of food at that point!

To my happiness, (and surprise- I mean I was up at 6 AM!) All of my family had gotten up to see me go. (minus Dario, but he's only 4 years old!) My host dad got up to make sure I had gotten my sandwhich, (my family packed me food for the trip home- how kind!) And the kids wanted to get in some last minute hugs, and James wanted to take about 500 pictures of my exit.

But my host mom.. well, needless to say, we chatted in the kitchen, me thanking endlessly about all the fun we had. The two of us hugged.. and yes, despite my slight embarrassment typing this, we both cried. I think it was more of a happy crying than anything: I had a lot of fun in my time in Spain, and from the looks of, so did my host mom!

We embraced, then stepped back, wiping away fresh tears. We both laughed to try and cheer the mood, and went to go show her the things I would leave behind: Advil, Shampoos, and other things I had left untouched. I simply shrugged and suggested she take what she like, and throw out the rest- whatever partial thing she would like for the house! Almost forgetting, but by a margin, we exchanged email addresses, making sure to stay in touch!

I grabbed my suitcase, my laptop (unused, of course), and my backpack, and made my way out. All of my family stood at the door and watched me go, and I gave them all a final farewell, thanking them so much for all the fun I had had with them. They all smiled knowingly, waving me a final farewell, and I likewise: the door quietly closed, and I was on my way out of the apartment, one last time.

I quickly flagged down a taxi, and it took me to the highway, as I cast a final look towards Granada, brief as it was. The ride was long, but the fare wasn't bad: 19 Euros was my charge from my house to the airport, which I was expecting 20-25 Euros. But still near to my guesstimate!

The wait was long for the airplane, as my flight didn't leave until 9:55 AM, and I set foot in the airport at about 7:30 AM. But I did manage to finally get my ticket an hour later, and my baggage cleared for weight, (no extra fee for me- hurrah!) I ran into another girl from the CLM, and the two of us chatted at our gate, as we we both headed to Madrid, then onto our respective flights. I was sticking to Iberia, and her Continental. A girl nearby us turned out to be another student of the CLM, on the same flight, so the time flew fast as we all chatted, waiting for our flight.

My buddy, Stephanie, had a longer flight ahead of her- all the way to California! She mentioned something along the lines of food, and I remembered I had two sandwhiches packed from my host mom. Stephanie insisted she couldn't take my food, but I pointed out that I only would need one: I only had a 9 hour flight, anyway! She accepted, thanking me, and then our flight was boarding.

The three of us walked out to the airport tarmac, casting looks to the surrounding area as the flapping of the jets made hearing a bit difficult! I was to the back of the plane, they to the front. But the plane ride was definately shorter than the last time I had been to Madrid: 30 minutes, as compared to 5 hours!

We landed a little under an 1 and half to our flight, and were soon in Madrid. The three of us walked together to the international flights, where Stephanie had to recheck into Continental, and the other 2 of us had to go to our respective flights. We waved Stephanie a good-luck, then boarded the small airport train to get to our gates.

We'll.. you'd think this story would be a simple, easy, get on the plane part, right? Nope. Double nope. When we made it to the passport checking area, I mean.. it was PACKED. To the brim. With people. EVERYWHERE. More than the Juanes concert filled!!!

The two of us turned to each other in horror. Our flights were a little under an hour away, and this line looked to be maybe an hour wait. This.. wasn't looking good. At all.

We pushed behind the mob to get at the furthest lines, where it looked to be slightly shorter than the mid-section. The two of us nervously laughed, shifting on our feet, cracking jokes to make ourselves feel better: but it really wasn't helping at all. Two English guys in front joined in on the complaining fun, and when the time closed in, nicely let me cut in front so I could get a head start on my sprint.

The wait felt like hours, but I had just under ten minutes to make it to my gate when I finally made it through. The other girl was ahead of me by a second, and soon as my passport was looked through, I was literally sprinting up the staircase. I hadn't ran all summer, due to my bulging disc in my spine, but my feet felt like air as I hustled through the busy aiport. Gate U 75, here I run!

I saw the other girl, and we ran together: weaving in and out, trying not to trip. There! There's the gate, I'm going to make it! I huffed and puffed my way over, the passport checker at the gate simply staring at me, as I had ran a marathon to get there. (That u 75? At the waaaaaay end of the terminal) She brightly told me to calm down and breathe, and I simply stared at her, my stress from the last hour not letting me do anything more than blink. But I was soon through, and in my seat, staring out in Madrid.

My plane wasn't in any rush though, and with a mis-placed luggage fiasco, we were stuck for an hour more. I suppose I didn't have to run at all, but at least I had an hour to catch my breath and relax for the 9 hour flight ahead. But the hour finished, and then our plane was in the sky, flying out from Madrid. We crossed Portugal, and then... the sea. I stared at the sea for a good while, only breaking to stare at the television screen with the 2 movies played.

9 hours later? I was back in Miami, my fingers thumping on my knees in excitment. Surprisingly, the 9 hours flew by.. but the 15 minutes of taxing into the aiport felt like an eternity. My small sadness at leaving Spain had been replaced with an overwhelming excitement to go home and see my family... and after disembarking, checking through customs, and getting my bags, I met my mom for a cheerful hug and greeting... I was home!!!

That night I was pretty tired, (6 hour difference!) but I energized myself with the enthusiasm my family gave me at my return. I handed out gifts and souvenirs, and tales of my last couple of days, but the funny thing was, I really didn't have to talk about my travels.. I mean, they had already read them!!

This week has been full of catching up to do, and general hanging out with my family and friends before I set sail to college. One big highlight was Friday night, when my family took me out to a Themed Dinner night... with Spanish food! It was really great to be eating gazpacho, (which, I traded with my mom for some beef snacks.. yum!), fish, tapas, and maybe a not so Spanish chocolate cake.. but the little Spain flag on the table definately made me grin. Maybe I wasn't in Granada, but Granada was still with me.. and my family, too!

So I suppose this is where I'll stop from here. The adventures in my life aren't over, (heck, they've just begun!) but my study abroad has, and so this journal comes to a close. But here's a couple of afterthoughts below.....!

One question I seem to get alot, is if that I really, really miss Spain now. As you read above, while I was there, I missed Spain. Even now, it would be nice to take a stroll outside and find myself in the hub-bub of the city. But as Dorothy said so long ago in a movie far away, there's no place like home. Being with my family now definately makes those words permanent in my head. But if I could have it my way? I'd have my family with me in Spain, and my Spanish family with me in Florida. As you can see, wherever family is, is where I want to be. Because it really comes down to having loved ones to share your experiences with- as this blog has done for the many who have come here to read day by day of my adventures.

To my family and friends, thank you. I don't have to write a long winded speech, because you all know I mean more than two simple words. To all who have enjoyed reading this blog, (and have kept up with my epic long posts!) another great big thank you. I wouldn't be able to write without the enjoyment of knowing there are people out there liking my writing. It's always fun to write, but even moreso to write for others to enjoy! And thanks to Abroadco for having such a wonderful program available. Heck, this might sound cheesey, but I did have a blast with them-from Inma and Jaime to the folks back in the office making this happen. And they made my blog updates look fantastic on their site. Thanks so much.

And to anyone beyond the updating of this blog, to someone who has just been sent here, or maybe has just randomly searched in 'Spain blog', I say hello! Sure I'm not here writing anymore, but for an inspiration, some ideas, or maybe just a read for an afternoon, I hope you enjoy my blog. I wrote as much as I can, and tried to give a fair representation of my journey in Spain- but don't take it to heart: every trip is different! But feel free to use it as a guide: it is why it was made, and why it remains up even now. (Unless Blogger has collapsed.. then maybe not so much.)

And who knows? This might not be the last update... perhaps someday I'll be sitting in a cafe in Madrid, log into this account and begin typing my next adventure in Spain down. I really look forward to that day, because I have a feeling, as my host dad put it, someday I'll return. Maybe 1,5, 50 years from now.. but I really hope someday my steps will lead me to the beautiful country of Spain, and the second home of Granada. Life is so vast and uncertain at times, and thinking about going back to Spain may seem to be a lifetime away, but from what I've seen, it goes by fast. It's really just enjoying your time where ever you are- the memories last forever, even if the time doesn't.

But who knows? The future is bright, and the days are counting down to when I'll find my way back to Granada, and look upon the beautiful Alhambra, and the listen to the humming of the city. Perhaps I'll see my host family, the kids all grownup, and maybe I'll have a family of own as well. It's pretty hard to say when I'll find my way back, but... the story will begin again someday.

But for that, I'll have to wait... until next time.

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