To Be Continued

My time in Spain is winding down. 12 days and counting! I am probably way too excited for salmon on the grill, my queen sized bed and a swimming pool. Yet, is that unheard-of? For almost 5 months I have shared a room, lived off ¼ of my wardrobe and somehow politely stomached rabbit, eel and gulas (wiggly worms). When I said I miss home my mother assured me, “that’s normal you’ve been away forever.” Yet, thinking about everything that I will soon be reunited with in the United States makes me reflect on everything I have grown to love here, that which I will miss once I’m fully Americanized again. 1. Maria Jose, I have never had a teacher, guidance councilor or tour guide who has taken so much pride in her job and pupils. Maria Jose is unlike any person I know. She is unbelievably smart, honest and caring. She took every possible measure to make our time abroad, both in the classroom and outside, truly enjoyable and successful. That woman deserves a medal! 2. The CAN CAN and every other local restaurant and bar that welcomed my group with free drinks, as locals, whom they wholeheartedly included in every ounce of fun to be had in this small town. I will miss the European students I met here that improved my Spanish and expanded my outlook on everything from politics to my classes, music and life. 3. Plaza de Cervantes, our meeting ground before every night out and again, the next morning to discuss the night’s festivities. The Plaza is our beach, our cafeteria and library. It is where my stay in Alcala began, where I first exchanged double cheek kisses with my host parents before timidly and silently (as I spoke no Spanish yet) followed them home. The Plaza de Cervantes is also where I will bid Alcala de Henares, its charm and my time here, good-bye, when I load my life back into two suitcases then stuff it below the bus that will inadvertently send me home.

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and
adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only
we seek them with our eyes open.” - Jawaharial Nehru

Although I miss home I will miss what I have gained here, much more. I cannot say that I will ever return to Alcala. I do promise, however, that this Spanish adventure is the first of many trips that I will take, leave and miss. There is more to see and learn and love. Turn the Paige: A Travel Blog; to be continued.