Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Traveling in Spain, ten years later: an excerpt from a journal entry I wrote lying on a beach in Barcelona this fourth of July.

The summer after my first year of college, when I was eighteen, I studied abroad in Spain. It was my first experience with international travel, and I was so naive about life then. On that trip, I drank alcohol for the first time, stayed up all night dancing, traveled to northern and southern beaches and places in between like Pamplona during the running of the bulls (where I slept outside since we didn't have a hotel room). I felt lonely, inspired, and found a contentment unlike any I had known near home that came from a sense of spending time in a different culture, exploring, and learning more about others and myself in the process. That trip ignited a spark in me to see the world and to get to know as much of it as I could. Since then, I have traveled to six of the seven continents, seventeen countries and counting, and learned so much about myself and the world in the process.

Traveling taught me that I wanted to marry Matt, because being near him was so much better than being apart. I wanted to discover the world with him by my side. Traveling gave me the courage to quit my first teaching job and go back to school full time to get my master's in Peace and Justice Studies. During that year of school, traveling taught me that the most important job in the world for me was to be a high school teacher in San Diego in spite of how romantic it may seem to live in another country or do something else. And traveling has taught me the importance of a sense of home and community, because most of the time, life is extremely fulfilling just staying put and investing time into my community and friends and family. Friends and family provide a true sense of self that often can't be found in another country. 

Here I find myself, ten years later in that same country that caused me to fall in love with traveling in the first place, Spain. On that trip as an eighteen year old, I never made it to Barcelona, and it has been on my list ever since. Ten years later, here I am. In some ways so much the same and also completely different. I am older, wiser, more comfortable with who I am, and more content to live life as it comes instead of always seeking out that next adventure. 
(photos taken from our balcony where we stayed in Barcelona, a nice spot to drink a glass of wine)

80 comments:

  1. I and my friends came looking at the best thoughts
    from your website and then then I had an awful suspicion I had
    not thanked the blog owner for those techniques.
    All of the young boys

    came as a result happy to read

    them and have in fact been tapping into them.

    Appreciation for being

    simply kind as well as for

    settling on this kind of essential topics most people are really desirous to understand about.
    Our sincere apologies for

    not saying thanks to you sooner.
    Look at my homepage : http://www.fishingspain.net/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the

    pictures aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why but I think its
    a linking issue. I've tried it in

    two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.
    Also see my page: hardcore

    ReplyDelete
  3. In this awesome scheme of things you'll get a B+ for effort. Where exactly you confused everybody was

    first on all the specifics. You know, people say, the devil is in the details... And it couldn't be

    much more true at this point. Having said that, let me say to you what exactly

    did give good results. Your writing

    is quite

    engaging and this is most likely why

    I am making the effort in order to comment. I do not make it
    a regular habit of

    doing that. Next, while I can easily see the leaps in reasoning you come up with, I am definitely not confident of just how you
    seem to

    connect your ideas which in turn produce


    the final result. For now I will

    yield to your issue but hope in the near future you link the dots better.
    Also see my web site :: pamplona spain clothing brand

    ReplyDelete
  4. I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this!

    Thank goodness I found it

    on Bing. You've made my day! Thanks again
    Also see my site :: http://svatba.podgorny.cz

    ReplyDelete
  5. I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking all
    over for this! Thank goodness I found it

    on Bing. You've made my day! Thank you again
    Feel free to visit my webpage :: property in Albox for sale

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have to convey my gratitude for your kind-heartedness supporting those
    who require assistance with your issue. Your very own dedication

    to getting the solution around has been incredibly



    powerful and has consistently allowed employees like me to get

    to their pursuits. Your own

    invaluable guide signifies a whole lot a person like me and somewhat more to
    my mates. Regards; from all of us.
    Visit my weblog : brl.thefreecat.org

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you, I have recently been looking for information approximately
    this subject for a while and yours is the greatest I've found out till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the supply?
    Here is my web-site ... www.jamillan.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I used to be more than happy to seek out this

    internet-site.I needed to thanks for your time for this
    glorious learn!! I definitely enjoying every

    little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to
    check out new stuff you blog post.
    my site > http://www.Villaagent.Net

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your

    site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content

    so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text
    for only having 1 or 2

    pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
    Feel free to visit my web site nirvana spa in miami fl

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello there! This is my 1st comment here so I just

    wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely
    enjoy reading through your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums
    that go over the same

    topics? Many thanks!
    Here is my web site : mail.uhp.org

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you

    hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I'm looking to design my own blog and

    would like to know where u got this from. kudos
    Also visit my blog post synovias

    ReplyDelete
  12. I’d should verify with you here. Which isn't something I normally do! I take pleasure in reading a submit that may make folks think. Also, thanks for

    permitting me to remark!
    Feel free to surf my web site fordham.onearmedman.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. you are in reality a good webmaster. The web

    site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you

    are doing any distinctive trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece.
    you have performed a wonderful task on this subject!
    Check out my site : diysolarheatingspain.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have read several just right stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how a lot attempt you

    place to create this sort of excellent informative site.
    Also visit my homepage tumors

    ReplyDelete
  15. I was recommended this blog by means of my cousin.

    I am not positive whether this publish is

    written by way of him as no one else recognize

    such targeted

    about my trouble. You are wonderful!

    Thanks!
    My site :: jobs in spain pamplona

    ReplyDelete
  16. You made some decent points there. I looked on the
    internet for the subject matter and found most individuals will agree
    with

    your blog.
    My web page ... holiday classifieds Roses

    ReplyDelete
  17. I simply needed to thank

    you very much once again. I'm not certain what I would have made to happen without the tips contributed by you concerning

    my situation. It became an absolute frightening

    scenario in my opinion, nevertheless

    seeing

    your specialized manner you handled that

    forced me to weep over joy. Now i am grateful for

    the help and as well , wish

    you really know what a powerful job you have been accomplishing educating others with

    the aid of your web site. Most probably you've never got to know all of

    us.
    Feel free to visit my site ; hetalia doujinshi spain uk

    ReplyDelete
  18. I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was
    looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God

    Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
    Also visit my web site ; alboxproperty.Com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Whats up very nice blog!! Guy ..

    Excellent .. Amazing .. I'll bookmark your blog and take the feeds

    also…I'm happy to search out a lot of

    helpful info here in the put up, we need work out extra techniques
    on this regard, thanks for

    sharing. . . . . .
    Stop by my weblog ; chinese restaurants costa blanca

    ReplyDelete
  20. Awsome info and straight to the point. I am not sure if
    this is

    in fact the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where

    to employ some professional writers? Thank you :)
    Feel free to surf my website ; devisors

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi my friend! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include

    almost all vital infos. I would like to see
    more posts like this.
    Stop by my homepage ; www.catral.biz

    ReplyDelete
  22. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run
    into any problems of plagorism

    or copyright violation? My website has a lot of
    completely unique content

    I've either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up

    all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any

    methods to help prevent content from being stolen? I'd truly appreciate it.
    Feel free to surf my web page : perching

    ReplyDelete
  23. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism

    or copyright violation? My website has a lot
    of completely unique content

    I've either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up

    all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any

    methods to help prevent content from being stolen? I'd truly appreciate
    it.
    my site :: perching

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly

    informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I’ll appreciate if you continue

    this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!
    Feel free to visit my blog post ; mohawkschools.org

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thanks However

    I'm experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable

    to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss

    downside? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkxxx
    My page :: fusiform

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast!

    What host are you

    using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours

    lol
    My web site :: click through the following post

    ReplyDelete
  27. Keep working ,great job!
    Here is my page ... www.jobsinspain.org

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for another magnificent article. Where else could

    anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect way of writing?
    I have a

    presentation next week, and I'm on the look for such info.
    Also see my page: spain croatia live tv

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend
    your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a


    acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear

    concept
    Also visit my page ; Websiteshadow.Com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I enjoy what you guys are usually up too.
    This kind of clever work and exposure! Keep up the awesome
    works guys I've you guys to my

    personal blogroll.
    Here is my web-site : http://intersectfund.org/member/604/

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi!
    Thanks for the kind comment on http://exameoabordem.blogspot.com.br/2008/01/ranking-das-escolas-unip-foi-faculdade.html.
    Because of the review, I discovered your blog. Good website! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. Many thanks for sharing!
    Feel free to ask or criticize. I will always be available. Learn more. Pay a visit to blogs on my profile: articles and notes on matters of law, Portuguese, poems and chronicles ("tales"): http://www.blogger.com/profile/14087164358419572567. Feel free to ask, comment, question or criticize. Thanks for the comment. Feel free to comment, ask questions or criticize. A great day and a great week!
    I wish, now, a great new year, full of success!
    Maria da Glória Perez Delgado Sanches
    Corresponding Member of ACLAC - Academia Cabista de Letras, Artes e Ciências de Arraial do Cabo, RJ.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I definitely wanted to jot down a quick message to

    say thanks to you for some of the

    awesome guides you are placing on this website. My particularly long internet search has now been compensated with awesome strategies to exchange with my friends.
    I 'd point out that many of us

    visitors actually are really endowed to exist in a great

    network with so many outstanding people with helpful hints. I feel

    very grateful to

    have discovered the site and look forward to plenty of more fabulous

    times reading here. Thanks again for all the details.

    Here is my page: http://scuttle.scorpimen.eu
    Also see my site > Map

    ReplyDelete
  33. I've been browsing on-line more than 3 hours lately, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is beautiful price sufficient for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the net can be much more helpful than ever before.

    Also visit my blog - www.rockspringsairport.com
    My page - asiana card credit

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and
    also with the layout on your

    weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the nice

    quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.

    .

    My page :: http://it.feofaniya.org/
    Here is my web page - spain expat forum expats living spain Niebla

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hello there, just turned into aware of your blog via Google,
    and located that it is truly informative. I am gonna

    be careful for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you happen
    to continue this in future. Numerous other people can be benefited
    from your writing. Cheers!

    My webpage: http://www.tpca.or.tz/index.php/member/151958
    Here is my webpage :: angling excursions Spain

    ReplyDelete
  36. This design is steller! You obviously know how to


    keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was
    almost moved to start my own blog (well,

    almost...HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had
    to say, and more than

    that, how you presented it. Too cool!
    my website - http://walnut.forumscloud.com/user/profile/cyrstalpayne1981

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!
    Feel free to visit my webpage : Wiki.annatel.net

    ReplyDelete
  38. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. However imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, "pop"!

    Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this blog
    could certainly be one of the best in its field.
    Amazing blog!
    Feel free to visit my weblog ; Best prices

    ReplyDelete
  39. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as
    I provide credit and sources back to your webpage?
    My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my
    users would really benefit from a lot of the information you present here.

    Please let me know if this alright with you. Appreciate it!


    Here is my weblog; search engine optimisation specialist

    ReplyDelete
  40. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
    it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just
    posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something
    informative to read?

    Here is my web-site :: traditional Life insurance

    ReplyDelete
  41. I am really thankful to the owner of this site who has shared this enormous article at here.


    Visit my web-site :: Dental Insurance Course
    My web site: insurance claims

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi there, its pleasant post concerning media print, we all
    know media is a great source of facts.

    Also visit my page: 163.19.62.16:8080
    Also see my web site > minute halloween costume ideas

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is a topic that's close to my heart... Take care! Where are your contact details though?

    Look at my site - how to quit smoking

    ReplyDelete
  44. Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the good work.


    my webpage - hi4tamil.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for finally talking about > "Traveling in Spain, ten years later: an excerpt from a journal entry I wrote lying on a beach in Barcelona this fourth of July." < Loved it!

    my weblog search engine marketing

    ReplyDelete
  46. This is really attention-grabbing, You're a

    very skilled blogger. I've joined your feed and sit up

    for searching for more of your excellent post. Additionally, I have shared your
    web site in

    my social networks!
    Look at my homepage ; http://comunidad.molinux.info/index.php?title=Usuario:ChassidyJones1978

    ReplyDelete
  47. Article writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with after
    that you can write otherwise it is difficult to write.


    my web-site: working at home
    Also see my site: make money

    ReplyDelete
  48. Just desire to say your article is as surprising.
    The clarity to your publish is simply excellent and that i
    could suppose you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to seize your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.

    My web page: Well Water
    My site - commercial plumbing apex

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi there, I found your web site via Google while searching for a related topic,


    your web site came up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Check out my webpage ... firstofthemonth.org

    ReplyDelete
  50. I believe this is among the so much significant info for me.
    And i'm happy reading your article. But want to statement on few basic things, The website style is ideal, the articles is in point of fact great : D. Good activity, cheers

    Here is my page - degrees of financial literacy

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my
    comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again.

    Anyways, just wanted to say great blog!

    Feel free to visit my site http://insectink.org
    my web page: www.fickelab.southsidemasters.org

    ReplyDelete
  52. Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It is the little changes which will make the biggest changes.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Have a look at my webpage; frank irby plumbing company

    ReplyDelete
  53. obviously like your web-site but you need to check the

    spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues

    and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will surely come


    back again.
    Also visit my web site ... http://aheadhunter.Blogspot.fr/

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi there! I could have sworn I've been to this website

    before but after checking through some of the post I realized it's new
    to me. Nonetheless, I'm definitely glad I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back

    frequently!
    My web page : http://edinoborstva.bosa.org.ua/

    ReplyDelete
  55. I am not sure where you're getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some

    time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent

    info I was looking for this information for my mission.
    Feel free to surf my blog post ; http://www.bullrunnow.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Whats up this is somewhat of off topic but I was

    wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I'm starting a blog soon but have

    no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with

    experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
    My web page :: pt.wiki.simutrans.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. You could certainly see your expertise in the work you

    write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who


    are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
    my site :: Spacesbook.com.ar

    ReplyDelete
  58. I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest
    but your sites really nice, keep it up! I'll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later on. Cheers

    Feel free to visit my blog: best light truck tires
    Also see my webpage :: custom alloy wheels

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon
    it ;) I am going to return yet again since i have saved as a favorite it.
    Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be
    rich and continue to help others.

    My webpage - stemless wine glasses
    my web site > holiday wine glasses

    ReplyDelete
  60. advertising
    Feel free to surf my site - www.aileportal.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'm curious to find out what blog platform you are

    utilizing? I'm having some minor security problems with my latest site and I would like
    to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?
    Also see my website: xoloxolo.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  62. Today, I went to the beach front with my children.
    I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She
    put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside
    and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
    LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!


    Here is my web site Yoga props help

    ReplyDelete
  63. Useful info. Lucky me I found your site by accident, and I am stunned why
    this accident did not came about earlier! I bookmarked it.



    Look at my web blog ... Deena Marietta

    ReplyDelete
  64. I think this is one of the most important info for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is
    great, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

    Also visit my homepage - antique dinnerware

    ReplyDelete
  65. It's an amazing paragraph designed for all the online visitors; they will obtain advantage from it I am sure.

    Look into my website; Drink umbrella wreaths

    ReplyDelete
  66. After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new
    feedback are added-

    checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get four emails with
    the identical comment.

    Is there any approach you can take away me

    from that service? Thanks!
    my website :: Electricfireplacewebsite.Blogspot.fr

    ReplyDelete
  67. I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this!

    Thank goodness I found it

    on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again
    my site > Zqwyvsce.xbmb.cexbxr.tcsq.Qypvthu.loqu.forum.mythem.es

    ReplyDelete
  68. Valuable information. Lucky me I found your website by accident,
    and I am shocked why this

    accident didn't happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
    Also see my site > glossary.kimiawan.org

    ReplyDelete
  69. If some one desires expert view on the topic of blogging and site-building afterward
    i suggest him/her to go to see this webpage, Keep up the nice work.



    Feel free to visit my web blog ... ncl hawaiian cruise

    ReplyDelete
  70. I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for
    this! Thank goodness I found it

    on Bing. You've made my day! Thx again
    my page - http://www.Seodolphin.com/

    ReplyDelete
  71. The crux of your writing whilst appearing agreeable

    in the beginning, did not sit properly with me personally
    after some time. Someplace within the paragraphs

    you actually were able to make me a believer but just for a very
    short while. I still have a problem with your jumps in logic and
    you would do nicely to help fill in all those gaps.
    In the

    event you actually can accomplish that, I will undoubtedly be
    amazed.

    Take a look at my web-site ... rainbowshop.vn

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hi! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I

    came to take a look. I'm definitely loving the information. I'm

    book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Outstanding blog and amazing

    style and design.

    Also visit my web site - mobabon.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Great blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics discussed here?
    I'd really like to

    be a part of community where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any

    recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!

    My blog post ... www.publicvanlines.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I simply could not leave your web site before suggesting that
    I really loved the standard info a person supply to your guests?
    Is gonna be back ceaselessly to check up on new posts

    Feel free to surf to my web blog - just click the next web site

    ReplyDelete
  75. Please let me know if you're looking for a writer for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd absolutely love to
    write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please send me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

    Stop by my webpage :: https://midi-pyrenees.partipirate.org/

    ReplyDelete
  76. We stumbled over here coming from a different web page
    and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to looking into your web page yet again.

    my web site; vintage clothing In Nashville Tennessee

    ReplyDelete
  77. A person essentially assist to make significantly posts I
    might state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and up to now?

    I amazed with the research you made to create this
    particular post incredible. Magnificent process!

    Here is my web blog http://abcreditcardpayments.com/regatta-clothing-has-a-new-online-store/

    ReplyDelete
  78. I'm not sure why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my end? I'll check back
    later and see if the problem still exists.



    My blog post - elkhart-realestate.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. What's up, I read your blogs like every week. Your humoristic style is witty, keep doing what you're doing!


    Here is my web-site: http://vampirediariesau.com/?p=14

    ReplyDelete
  80. A great content material as well as great layout. Your website deserves all of the positive feedback it’s been getting. I will be back soon for further quality contents. villa for sale marbella golden mile

    ReplyDelete