Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Final Post (From Spain)

My time in Spain has come to an end. Wednesday morning I will be boarding a flight for Newark, and then arriving in Kansas City after 6 PM. It is hard to believe that my adventures in Spain are coming to an end but the conclusion to this journey is just over 24 hours away!

To update you on the last couple of days, I moved out of my old apartment and moved in with Cole for my last 6 days in Spain. Our living together has consisted of poker and fine dining. I haven't complained yet, even with sleeping on a couch (that is more comfortable than the bed in my old apartment). Judith left last Thursday morning so it there has been a lot of brother hang out time.

We went out for Judith's last meal at a wonderful little restaurant in Born that served some of the best ham on this trip thus far and some epic bottles of Albarino. It was a stellar meal that may rank up with one of the best.

Cole, Andres and I stumbled across a new bar just up the street from El Otro. I am sorry to say it but it is somewhat better than El Otro. This bar is air conditioned, has a brand new dart board and serves cheaper drinks. The only reason we tried it out was because El Otro was closed for some reason when we wanted to go there one night.

This is the part of the post where I do some reflection on my last 70+ days in Spain. I have learned a lot about my self. When faced with adversity, whether it be a language barrier or a cultural one, this always work themselves out. There were a couple of time that I would have killed for an early flight home but I am glad it never happened. Being in Barcelona has opened my eyes to many different cultures outside of just Spain's. This city is full of tourists from all of Europe and the world and you interact with each other on a daily basis. It leads to some interesting and fun encounters, but all are taken in stride and are part of the journey of living here. This trip has also helped me realize what I have back home in Kansas. It takes time and distance to notice the things you miss and take for granted on a daily basis. For me, I have longed to see my family and friends, to drive my truck, and to speak my native tongue in all situations. I miss the familiarity of Kansas City and Lawrence.

But now the time has come to go back home. My new job with Kansas City Power & Light awaits, along with moving out on my own. I have another Half Ironman to finish training for and maybe a dog or two to buy. One thing that unfortunately is not happening is that I will no longer be enrolled at the University of Kansas. I will miss being a student. I am not sure when the full effects of this will hit me, but in the next couple weeks I bet it does.

So here's to you Spain! Thanks for a great summer full of learning about a new culture, learning about myself, and wonderful times!

Homeward bound!

Adios!

P.S.- I got my bike sold!

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