The Departure

Gate E11? Check. Scarf? Check. Passport? Check. What are we going to do during orientation? Will my students like me? Where am I going to live? Did I pack enough clothes? Will I remember any Spanish from college? A million thoughts and questions race through my head as I sit for hours waiting for my final flight from Miami, Florida to Madrid, Spain. I’ve been waiting all summer for this day and oddly enough, I still don’t feel like it’s hit me—it probably will hit me though after some sangria and jamon serrano. This is going to be my fourth time in Madrid and certainly not my last. I’ve kinda fallen in love with this city; it has the perfect blend of modern and authentic Spanish features.

So what exactly led me to return to Madrid for a fourth time? Why am I here sitting at the airport headed off to a land far away where the clubs close at 6, naps are taken on the reg, and the sangria is practically on tap?

As if those reasons alone aren’t convincing enough, I ultimately decided to come back to Madrid because when I was there, I was happy, and happiness is all I really want out of life. Months ago, while I was still in college (wow that’s kinda weird to say) I felt confused and uncertain about my future. Especially after having sent in many job applications, all of which, the companies didn’t even respond to (#rude), I was left feeling unenthusiastic. It was only until I learned of an opportunity to teach abroad that I felt a spark, a ray of hope, and happiness for what was to come in my future; this feeling was something that I believe no other job offer would have brought.

Eager about this opportunity I completed the application in a matter of days, sometimes even working on it while in my college classes. This part of the process was easy though—convincing my parents, not so much.  Nevertheless, I eventually received their support and my application was on its way. Several weeks later I found out I was accepted and going back to the city I fell in love with, Madrid!

So here I am just an ocean away from Madrid and from many new experiences to come. While I like to consider myself a frequent traveler, I am bound to encounter many “hot-mess” moments as well as moments of joy and clarity. I invite you to join me in my adventures abroad and get a glimpse into my life as I embark on this journey.

-Amanda