"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.
