Becoming Home

When I was on my flight over to Europe, I dreamed of all the things I would do, all the things I would experience, and all the possibilities that could end up changing everything. I hoped I would grow in ways I couldn't imagine and begin living a life unlike the one I had known for the past four years at the University of Houston and the eighteen years in Boerne before that. 

And I did. I found a life different from Boerne and from Houston. I found another place that feels like home. When is a place considered home? I'm sure it differs for everyone, but for me it is when I feel comfortable wandering alone, when I have people in that place I care about, when I can get around (for the most part) without google maps, and when I truly feel happiness in the place. Not the kind of happiness that tags along with visiting a new place on travel, but the happiness that fills you up when you are doing nothing, nothing special, just living your everyday life with the people around you.

And that doesn't mean there aren't difficult days, either from too long of a day teaching or from missing my people in the states or even from just getting knocked over because I am still learning this Spanish culture. But they are all worth it. All the days contribute to the whole experience.

I have been lucky with living two blocks from the beach since October and it is busy with walkers, runners, bikers and tourists. It doesn't matter if it's cloudy, windy, sunny, or even the light rain that seems to be common this past month or so. It is busy. And I love it. Everyone is active here, whether they are running through the river or biking to work. One of the things I imagined when I was coming was riding my little bike everywhere - check. But it definitely isn't easy. I have been blown over by the wind or taken a turn too quickly or simply been too lazy to adjust the seat and toppled over. All of which makes hilarious stories and honestly can brighten any day.

There is no rush here. At least, I don't think so when I compare Houston and Valencia. Both major cities, but there is a certain vibe in Valencia. It is calming. I see everyone taking a coffee break or a cerveza break every day at the local cafes. They sit there for an hour or so and chat away and casually drink. It is amazing. Siesta is no joke, I look forward to it and it is a dream come true. Once we all get to high school and university, everyone always talks about how we "wish we could nap like we did when we were younger." Well Spain stopped wishing and just did it. I say we implement it in the states!!! Who's with me? Some of my favorite nights have been the ones where we happen to find a local band in a new bar we wanted to check out. We get to watch them perform and all of their friends and family cheer for them. It is so family-oriented.

Living with a host family has so many perks. #1. You are surrounded by a family, which makes any transition easier. #2. you get to live the real Spanish life filled with real Spanish food, lots of family and siestas. #3. You can do all the tourists things, but get to return to a home instead of a hostel or empty airbnb. #4. You have people to tell about your day, your highs, your lows, and all the funny things that happen. This was huge to me because when your people are 5-7 hours behind you, they aren't awake to laugh with you when you fall off your bike on the way to school or to hear about what a kid did the first period.#5. You have a home where you can do normal things at like all sit and watch a movie, or have pizza night on Sunday's, or all watch your own shows together on the couch. You have your people. 

When you make another place home, you have your places!!!! The best place to see the sunset and sunrise. The bar where you go for your favorite beer after school on Friday's. Your favorite hot chocolate and sweets place. One of these places might even be the homes of a child you tutor. You have your route home and to your friends houses on the bike memorized. The amount of time it actually takes to get to school on bike, car, or by walking. A running route that no longer confuses you. Eating cereal in a mug is normal and a piece of cake for breakfast is the best.

There are things I have yet to do in this beautiful city, but am saving it for when I have visitors. (3 of my favorites have finally booked their tickets!!! Mom, dad, and sis can't wait to show you everything!!!!)

P.S. Finally checked off #8 from the Bucket List!!!! It was one of the most difficult things both physically and mentally, but I am so so happy I did it and beat my own goal! The goal: finish in 2:30:00 and run the whole time. I finished at 2:08:08 and never stopped running (really because I don't think my body could've started again). 

  

P.P.S My host mom, Ana, had pizza waiting for me!!!!