I knew leaving Spain to come back to America would mean leaving behind quite a few things I had grown to really love. However, I never could’ve imagined just how much I would miss it all. Here are two of the more specific things that I am really missing!

The food! I have been craving a seafood paella since the moment I landed in the States. It’s not just the traditional Spanish dishes that I miss, though. I miss the freshness of all the food and its ingredients. Being able to go to the farmers market and pick out the biggest, freshest and most delicious fruit I have ever had was a privilege I definitely took for granted. Not to mention the fresh seafood! Living near the beach had many perks but for me the food was one of the best. I feel like my body is even having a hard time adjusting back to the food here at home. Although I missed a good cheeseburger, I am ready to go back to the Mediterranean diet (and the chocolate pastries of course). My family and I have tried to try to recreate some of my favorite meals from Spain, but it’s just not the same!

The routine! Life is Spain feels much more laid back. Readjusting to the go-go-go mentality of America has honestly been a little exhausting. I feel as though abroad I learned to really slow down and appreciate the smaller moments throughout my day. At first it felt like I was wasting a lot of time or missing out on things, but I came to really appreciate their work-life balance. The later meal times, naps and late night outings was a routine that I much preferred to the typical one here. I have tried to still implement their ways into my average day, but it’s hard when it’s not how the rest of society does it. Instead of spending all my time back at home longing for things in Spain, I have tried to enjoy all of the things that I missed while I was gone. It’s hard to fall so in love with a place then have to leave, but I will soak up all the things I love here and count down the days until I get to go back!

---

Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: ALI Abroad: University of Alicante