I am now on the second week back to school at Baylor and missing Madrid. I had world geography today,(remember my Belgium incident? Belgium=country) which is a necessary class for me, but studying the European countries brings back fantastic memories and gives me the desire to see so much more of the world that i was unable to see in four short months. Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy... There is SO much to see!
My last night in Madrid I pulled an all--nighter. All of the SLU students had one last good night at Dubliner's, a good place to say our goodbyes. Max was saying "another, another!" all night while Stephanie and I were saying goodbye to everyone but each other for fear of crying (which we did.) Much dancing and "cheers to friendship, cheers to Madrid!" was going on in between the "keep in touch!" and "I will miss you!" The night ended once again with our last and favorite 24 hour pizza place in Puerta del Sol and at 6:30 a.m. I decided it was time to go home and finish up packing so I could catch my flight. I showered, began packing, and Senora came down frantically telling us we needed to hurry. I ended up throwing out quite a bit, and giving this single mother who lives below us many shoes and clothes not just becuase I have a "good heart!" but also out of fear of paying another $500 in luggage fees. I accidentally still had my Bailey's bottle that I bought for myself on my 21st back in October (some drinker I am) and shoved it in my bag so Senora wouldn't get the wrong idea (I ended up leaving it on an airport bathroom counter? someone's lucky day?). Lindsey, Amy, and I brought our luggage down with Senora and waited for taxis. Dona perfecta (Lindsey) left first and then I followed after a tearful goodbye with Mama Espana (After an all-nighter emotions were high). It was extremely sad. Through bloodshot eyes I said goodbye to Madrid's beautiful streets, plazas, and tall buildings and then fell asleep for a good two and a half minutes before arriving to the airport. There were a few students I recognized on the group flight, but I mainly chatted (in between brief naps) with a business man who travels all over the world.
Luggage costs weren't bad. I was proud, especially becuase I bought a final pair of fantastic blue boots on my way home from my last final on Tuesday (situation: I had bought a blue scarf at rastro, so I HAD to buy something to match it!). In Chicago, the luggage man cut me a break and didn't charge me overweight costs and complimented me on my European "look" instead (I thought he was gay until he reached over the counter to squeeze my side. too much?) In Chicago I immediately went to Chili's for ranch dressing and my first legal margarita. The meal was heavenly and it felt so good to be in America (even though I accidentally started speaking Spanish to the first person I ran into).
Christmas break was fantastic, but short, and I miss my family terribly already being in Waco. I am happy to say that I had Qdoba every single day it was open that I was home in Colorado.
Now that I am back in Waco, at Baylor, I feel restless and like there is so much more out there to do and see. I plan on studying in New York City in the spring of next year through another program that Baylor does.
While it is good to see old faces, I miss the ones of Madrid, and I miss the genuine friendships created throughout the experience. I have kept in touch with many of the people, and ironically ran into one of my friends who goes to Wakeforest at a Qdoba in Dallas on New Year's. Small world.
I am so blessed. Madrid was the best decision I have made this far, and I am a better person becuase of it. "Madrid has my heart forever."
