Musings of an American Abroad

Frighteningly, I am half way through my time here in Barcelona. I haven't been homesick at all, just people sick. I know that by the time May rolls around (which will come sooner than I think I'm sure) I won't want to go home. So far, I have traveled a lot, taken tests, learned about culture and language, met new people, expanded my world view. But here are some of the littler things and random musings:

I think Spanish children may just be 5,000 times cuter than American children. I might just steal one. Ok, well if I can't steal a child, I might just steal a puppy, because there are tons of cute ones of those too.

Spanish food is surprisingly bland. I was expecting spice and OLE OLE! but they like their mild paella and custards

I feel really cool and cosmo riding the metro, but I actually prefer to walk. People think I'm crazy but I usually walk at least 5 miles a day.

Americans should wear scarves more often. I have bought an embarrassing amount of them and feel naked without one now.

I'm nervous that I will return to America a huge jerk due to the influence of big city life. Walking down the street, people are in their own little world listening to their ipods with their "I dare you to even smile at me" face. There's not usually tipping at restaurants or customer service, and I miss the Midwest friendliness.

I may also return to America weighing 300 pounds. Please be my friend anyway. I am addicted to Spanish chocolate and all of its products, especially Nutella (which goes best on everything) and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate here is literally chocolate that is hot, like a melted candy bar, so thick you eat it with a spoon. So good, and enhanced all the more by dipping churros in it.

I am now a smoker. Not by choice. Second hand smoking here is equivalent to smoking 5 cigarettes a day.

Spaniards have dinner around 9pm. I don't know if I will ever adjust to that.

Parking lots do not exist in Europe.

I don't care for all the globalization and tourism here and at times wish I were the only American.

It is considered rude to not have both of your hands visible at the dinner table.

I am in love with cafe con leche and all of the cafes hidden in little streets.

I aspire to be a wine-o and Euro fashionista.

All of my travels have only inspired me all the more to see the world and made me realize how much more I have to see. At the end of my trip, I will have been to 7 countries, but will have barely scratched the surface.

So far, I have taken 1,212 photos.

Often having to figure out things on my own and in a different language, I feel much more confident and independent.

Although I am living in Spain and with a host family, I am not magically fluent like I thought I would be, but am trying.

Things I miss the most: my guitar, Mexican food, grass, driving with music and the windows down.

I love Barcelona!