Why I could never live overseas (permanently)

"If you love Spain so much, why don't you just move here?" "Why not just move to Europe?"

I'll tell you why not.

I lived in Spain while studying abroad for a mere 4 months...but I was actually ready to come back at the end, which I never saw coming. I thought while I was out there, I wouldn't miss a single thing about the U.S.A.

I was wrong.

Despite how corrupt our government may be, despite how normal and ritual things may be in Michigan, I'm proud to call myself an American. It's also easy for me to say... everything that I love is American.

Experiencing a new culture was great, but there was so much to miss while away. I love Americans. I love that we're independent, we strive to achieve, we're confident, loud, outgoing. Spanish people are much more reserved and family-oriented, which is okay...but it's not like being around a group of Americans.

Like the Irish, we know how to have a good time. We like to explore, expand our minds, and be different, and we're okay with it. Despite how annoying it is to see people argue and fight when you're out in the U.S., at the same time it's reassuring that people like to stand their ground and what they believe in.

I also missed the freedom. Spanish people are very tied to others. Not very independent. I like to do things alone sometimes. I like to be alone when I feel like it, come and go when I feel like it. My family stays out of my business and I stay out of theirs. Yes, we love each other but it's just a different way of showing it.

I missed the food. All of my favorite food belongs in the U.S. We have variety. We have cultural influence. Everything in Spain was the same. It was all very bland and flavorless. Every bakery had the same pastries, every restaurant had the same tapas, every cafe had the same coffee and croissants. It was all the same. Same. Same. Same. Just like the people. Everyone was skinny and brunette. No variety.

The U.S. has variety. We have differences, which is what makes us unique as a country. I never thought I would really miss that until I was away from it.

So while living in Europe for a little bit would be an amazing experience, everything that I love is right here in the good ol' U.S.A.

Back in Michigan & the readjustment phase

It's an emotional time for me right now because I'm looking back at Spain and it almost feels like it never happened. It came and went, just as quickly as a really good dream. I can't believe 4 months has passed and I'm already back into the familiarity of Michigan. 

There's been a few things I've been trying to readjust to. First of all, what is going on right now with global warming? How is there still NO snow and it's January? Even though I'd be okay with not seeing snow ever, it seems a bit odd. It made facing Michigan a tad bit easier, even though it is still bone-chilling cold. 

Another thing I've been trying to adjust to is just how completely normal and ritual everything seems. The same restaurants, shops, people, places. It just lost all of it's shine now. More than ever, I want to go to new places and more than that, get out of Downriver (no offense, Downriver). 

Because of that tiny bit of being somewhere new, exciting and cultural, I have a yearning to do it all over again. I want to experience every aspect of this world, not just what Michigan has to offer. I want to see more than just the same streets. It's my goal and I'm sure I will make it a reality someday, although it may be a struggle to reach it.

All I can say is... coming home has been comforting, but traveling has left this whole in my heart that needs to be filled with new adventures. 

2015 goal: save up enough money to move to the west coast by 2016.