I’ve been home for a week now and it’s been really nice in a lot of ways – but I’m starting to miss my adventures.

Getting home has been a lot easier than arriving in Spain. I really struggled with jet lag in Barcelona, a lot more than most people. It didn’t help that I had to adjust to a new place and culture, use a foreign language, and start a new job the day after I got there. It was all just too much for me to handle all at once. If I had known how much of a problem I’d have with jet lag, I would have gotten there a few days early so I’d have time to adjust before I started work.

I felt like this, basically.

In Oregon, everything is already familiar, so I don’t have the same problems adjusting or dealing with culture shock. I’ve also heard that you recover from jet lag faster when you travel west. Even still, I slept for 12 hours straight after I got back, and then kept accidentally falling asleep on the couch.

There were a lot of things I’m glad to have back: my family and friends, peanut butter, TV, being able to go outside without getting sunburned, the clothes I didn’t bring with me, my cat, texting, Pandora, speaking English, American money, etc.

Unlike American coins, Euro coins are good for more than change and parking meters, so you have to carry them around.

But I really, really miss the metro. It was so fast and convenient. Driving is fine, but I have to deal with things like finding a parking space. The public transportation system in Corvallis is fine, but not nearly as good.

There also aren’t as many places to go, or as much stuff within walking distance. I got used to having a grocery store right down the street. I never really thought of myself as being a big city person before, but now I miss being in a city. Maybe a trip to Portland is in order?

I had to leave as soon as I learned to ride the metro without clinging to the bars for dear life.

I’ve been through a lot of emotions over the past few days: happiness, sadness, emptiness, relief, frustration, exhaustion, restlessness. I want to be home but at the same time, I don’t want to be. It’s complicated and I’m not exactly sure how to put it into words.

All I know is, going to Barcelona was a great experience and I learned a lot from it. I hope I get the chance to travel again sometime soon! There are so many places I want to see, and not nearly enough time (or money) to visit them all!

First: Spain. Next: the entire world.

This is my last post here. It’s been nice sharing my thoughts and photos on the blog and reading about other people’s experiences. Safe travels!

Cicely