The Unexpected Companion.

Living in Spain has definitely bought some unexpected challenges including times of homesickness, pneumonia, missing my sister's graduation, and managing the rainy spring climate that has masked the months of April and May.  However, the one question I have received rather consistently is the age-old "have you met anyone?"  So I thought I'd take some time to write down my thoughts.

The typical conversation goes something like this,
"Have you met anyone?"
"No."
"Nobody??"
"Nope."
"Are you trying??"
"Not really."
"Well, Jeez Sarah, arn't you lonely? Don't you WANT to meet anyone?"

The one challenge I don't have hovering over my head is the one most people have been worried about.  Ahh irony.  

So where does this come from?  Why is this the buzzing question?  Is it really so odd that a young woman decides to spend a year overseas and can enjoy every day without the need of sharing it with some significant other?  

Now don't get me wrong.  I've had those cringing moments of loneliness with no way to ease it besides holding onto a pillow and falling asleep, however, I was also very accustomed to having some form of male relationship in my life since I was 17.  I had never actually taken Loneliness along for the ride.  I just sort of kept kicking him to the curb, but somehow he showed up as valiant as ever, and I ended up being the one bruised and battered!  So I made a decision.  I was gonna take him along this time. Let's go, Loneliness, get in.  Nos vamos.

So during the first part of our trip together we really did not like each other very much.  I was trying to enjoy my time with my new family here in Spain and Loneliness was a buzz kill.  He kept trying to bring back all these old memories of past relationships and heartaches, broken friendships, and low self-esteem.  I, however, remained steadfast.  I was taking in all the new sights, sounds, and flavors of Spain while maintaining this adrenaline rush that comes with new travels. Everything was new and exciting--yet also a little scary--and it didn't help having a little pest by my side.

By Christmas my steadfastness and my 'travel bug' had worn off a little.  I was becoming much more comfortable with my surroundings and my life here started feeling like home.  But it's just when things start to settle in that some people come along and try to take advantage.  That's what Loneliness did.  I had a good two months of "Can I do this?" moments.  I think some of that had to do with my hatred of winter, as well as missing my sister's graduation from UNCG.  Wherever it came from, Loneliness had the upper hand, and I needed to change that real quick.

By my fifth month I had gotten so used to having Loneliness around that it started to seem like old hat.  I have had more mid-day coffee dates with Loneliness that I care to count, but he became more of a companion than a bother.  What started to happen was that Loneliness turned into Solidarity--a complete acceptance and enjoyment of being alone.  A fulfillment, rather than a burden.  We have actually done some pretty cool things together!

This is an art project we did together

This is us straddling the Belgium/Holland Border

This is us in Italy

So what happens when you take Loneliness for a ride? You become friends, and then ironically you are not lonely anymore--but completely content with who you are, where you are, and what you've become.  Loneliness is not a sad thing, its an empowering thing and should be used as such.  How wonderful is it when your best friend is...YOU.  So thanks, Loneliness, for the trip of a lifetime.


--I owe so much thanks to Ali Berlinski, author of A Beautiful Mess, for being my best friend in Santiago, Jacklyn for being my rock through everything here in Spain (and the best travel buddy), and Levon for showing me the fiesta spots in Santiago. <3.

Birthday parties and Italy

It's been so long since I've written on my blog and I apologize for that!

Spring in Galicia has definitely brought a lot of rain--but there have been a few amazing days.  One of those days I went to one of the spectacular beaches in Galicia with my friend Levon and Fan.  A short 40 min drive took us to one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Here are a few photos.

The weekend before my birthday my WONDERFUL host parents surprised me with a birthday dinner and cake!  They have a friend who is a chef and he came over and made fresh sushi and homemade Tiramisu for dinner.  It was just the sweetest surprise and I feel so lucky to live with such a thoughtful and generous family here in Spain.  It was so touching.

My mom also sent my girls the CUTEST towels!! Here are some of them modeling the towels.

This past weekend was my birthday weekend and my friend Jacklyn and I planned a trip to celebrate :)  Jacklyn had a break from school so we decided to spend a few days in Italy.  We flew into Milan on my birthday and had the most amazing birthday dinner of my life!  Italy is clearly known for their food, but having Italian food IN Italy is a whole different ball game.  The freshness, the flavor, the simplicity...it was just a perfect combination that left you wondering why on earth you'd ever eat anything different.  

The next day we caught our train to the Cinque Terre-five little towns that have a hiking path connecting each one to the other.  Also known as paradise.  Arriving to the Cinque Terre was one of those out of body experiences where you are there but ...not there.  You are above yourself looking down and wondering if you are dreaming.  Right after checking into our hostel, we threw our stuff on our bed, rushed into our bikinis and headed for the beach.  I did the first thing anyone would do when arriving to Italy--I bought a gelato :)  The first of many to come.  Jacklyn and I decided to lay out on a large rock for a few hours and reminisce in our decision to visit the most beautiful place on earth.

That night we went on a ferry ride to visit the last of the towns.  During our trip we met two super sweet Canadian girls and hit it off! We got drinks by the beach, had yet another gelato, and then went to dinner.  During dinner two more of their friends showed up and we decided that the next day we would do the hike together! BEST DECISION!  Hiking the trail with our new Canadian friends made the trip!  My legs hurt from the climb and my stomach hurt from laughing so much! 

That night, Jacklyn and I decided we would make a little dinner for our Canadian friends :)  Our hostel had a kitchen, so we went to a small store and bought fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, olives, and pasta.  Everything necessary for a delicious Italian meal.  So with a little wine and dessert from our Canadian friends--our meal was complete! Delicious!

Next Jacklyn and I decided to head to Verona to visit the town of Romeo and Juliet.  Verona is a beautiful, quaint little town that is the perfect setting for the story book romance of Romeo and Juliet.  We visited the iconic balcony from the movie and went inside Juliet's house.  On top of that we visited the Coliseum in Verona, roamed the streets, and just enjoyed passing the day in such a lovely city.  People say 'right out of a story book' and this town actually is.

 Anyway--It was the most amazing birthday weekend and so glad I got to spend it with Jacklyn and meet some new friends!  I missed my family so much and want to give a big shout out to my AMAZING TWIN, Kelly, who I am  so lucky to share that day with. You make my life complete, Kel! LOVE YOU!