18, 303, 2

18

The number of countries I've visited this year. From Morocco to Ireland, Finland to Turkey, and in between- all different, unique, and although I've been asked many times, impossible to pick a favorite. The final country on my adventure wasn't Spain, but a week relaxing in southern Portugal with Julia. It was a much needed lazy week and a great break from the Madrid heat, and a perfect way to relax and unwind after a long and at times trying year. Eighteen countries later the journey has wrapped up an my next stop is home.

303

The number of consecutive days I've been out of the US. While traveling, and especially while relaxing in Portugal this past week, the countdown often doesn't exist and fades into the back of my mind while I am busy learning phrases in new languages, trying delicious and ever interesting food, drinking in new cultures, and truly enjoying the experience.

I was once told that the lives of ex-pats are full of great highs and bad lows but never a dull or monotonous moment. Traveling was always a high; more often than not the days of living in Madrid were the lows. I'm really glad I took this experience but it was disheartening at times. I'm definitely open to living abroad again- I'd love to move back to Chili for awhile- but I'll probably only ever return to Madrid as a visitor, not as a resident. On the surface it appears close to home, which is part of its problem. The appearance of another bustling, modern, western city but instead I'm mostly met with cold people questioning why I'm there. Obviously this isn't true of everyone; my pilates teacher and my banker are two of the nicest people I know- always willing to help, and I will truly miss their help, support, and friendship. I will also truly miss my fellow ex-pat friends, particularly Julia and Cassie- the fearless three willing to take on everything Spain and this program threw at us. The rolling stones that we all are, our paths are sure to cross again!! Siempre hasta luego, nunca adios.

2

"Welcome Home" The number of words awaiting me at passport control to welcome me back into the United States! It's still surreal that this year/adventure/chapter in my life has moved onto another. Semisonic said it best, "Every new beginning comes from some other begin's end." This blog has come to a close; thanks to everyone for keeping up with all my ups and downs and unforgettable adventures. I'm off to start a new beginning. Another exciting adventure surely awaits and I'm off to seize it!!

Hasta Luego,

C

Aprovechando hasta el ultimo momento

Taking advantage until the last minute

This past week has been jam packed with good times! Our last week of work was ridiculous- they were having to come up with things to do off the top of their heads and there was absolutely no need for us to be there. Oh well, we got to hang out and survived!

Wednesday was the beginning of all the final weekend excitement! Wednesday was Cassie's last night in Spain, so of course we went out to celebrate! After only a quick nap I had to get up to work on Thursday, and after my last day of work I took off with some friends to La Pedriza (where I had gone hiking back in January). We spent the whole afternoon rock climbing! In fact, we didn't stop until the sun had set and it was 11 at night!?! After climbing we set up camp by the river and slept under the stars! It was gorgeous weather so we didn't bother with a tent. It was really nice to be camping in the mountains again, not to mention much cooler temperatures than in the city. Friday through Sunday I had a couchsurfer staying with me which was really cool. We went out Friday night because it was Leigh's last night in Spain, and Saturday we walked around Madrid for a bit and then watched the PRIDE parade on Gran Via and then went to the concert in Plaza Espana. It was a great party and in true Spanish style we didn't get back till 8am both nights.

Today is my last day in Spain as tomorrow I leave for Portugal for a week before heading back to the States! I've pretty much finished packing, but it still hasn't hit me yet that I'm leaving. Portugal will be the 18th country I've visited since I was last in the United States. I guess traveling so much has made me used to packing, but I'm sure once I leave with all my bags instead of just my backpack it'll start to sink in. For my last night in Spain there's a group of us going out for tapas here in Alcala. Nothing as extravagant as the past few nights as I do have to get up to catch my flight to Portugal tomorrow.

Well Spain, it's been real. Chau!