After spending the last month living in Spain, I’m finally back home: jetlagged, disoriented, and wildly confused about when I’m supposed to eat dinner. (Seriously, how did I adjust to 10 p.m. meals so fast and now can’t seem to make it past 6:30 p.m. without my stomach growling like it’s been abandoned?)
Readjusting to life back in the States has definitely been an experience. The time difference alone is enough to throw off my internal clock, I find myself wide awake at 3 a.m. and struggling to wake up anytime before 10. And don’t get me started on food portions. I went from beautifully balanced, whole Spanish meals to what can only be described as greasy, fattening foods on my first night back. No complaints, just observations.
That said, there is something undeniably comforting about returning to my own cultural norms. I missed the simplicity of casual small talk, the convenience of drive-thrus, and the glorious, ice-filled drinks that don’t come in thimble-sized glasses. But of course, leaving Spain wasn’t easy. There are so many things I’ll miss:
- The walkability of the city – Everything was just a beautiful, scenic 15 to 30 minute walk away. Walking had purpose. Now I have to drive at least 10 minutes to get to a walkable area in my city steps in.
- Delaney – The best kind of travel companion. Genuine, hilarious, and effortlessly stylish, even while sweating through cobblestone streets.
- Iris – Pure fun wrapped in human form. Spain was more exciting with her in it.
- The stores – Something about browsing a curated boutique in a Spanish alleyway hits different.
- The chocolate croissants from my favorite corner store – My truest, most loyal love affair abroad. Every day. No regrets.
Of course, my home has its perks. And while I was exploring around Europe, there were definitely some things I dangerously missed:
- Dr Pepper –The best soda in the world! Spain unfortunately just doesn’t get it.
- Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Cava, City Bowls – A fast-casual thing that I will never take for granted again.
- Bobbi, Mommy, and Milli – My people. My heart. My car.
- AC – Spain taught me that sweating is part of the aesthetic. America reminded me that I prefer air conditioning.
- Being on the same time as my friends – No more calculating whether it’s too early or too late to text.
Travel always changes you, and this trip was no exception. Spain gave me new perspectives, deeper friendships, and at least five pounds of croissant weight. But coming home reminds me that comfort, routine, and a large iced Dr. Pepper from Chick-fil-A still holds a special place in my heart.
So here I am, still jetlagged, always nostalgic, and 100% grateful!
