Hoy te dejo Madrid...

I'm down to my last few hours in Madrid, and as much as I hate to say it, there are some things I am certainly going to miss about this place. Saying goodbye to the kids at school, some of my co-workers, the kids I tutor and the friends I've made here has been more difficult than I imagined it would be. As hard as I may have tried not to let myself have "too much" of a life for fear of attachment, it happened. And saying goodbye, knowing I'm not coming back next year, is a bit scary.

It's really a deja-vu feeling from last summer, when I had to say goodbye to Northwestern and the life I'd made in Evanston. It feels like I'm dying -- I'm saying goodbye to everyone, knowing that life will continue without me there to see and hear what's happening.

As I told a number of co-workers yesterday, moving to Madrid was nothing like I expected. From the apartment to my school, things were totally different. At the same time, my decision to move here for a year was probably one of the best choices I've made in life, and I don't regret it for a second. And even if I could start over again, I don't think there's a thing I would have changed about the experience. Everything I've gone through has taught me a lesson, and I've matured way beyond what I imagined I could. I've learned how to be financially independent and responsible, how to appreciate people for better or worse, and how life is really about what you make it. Plus, I've met some fantastic people along the way, some really bright kids, and seen exquisite places this world has to offer.

Ultimo Domingo

v

Much like Palm Sunday, today feels like something special is around the corner.

Today is my last Sunday in Madrid. It's the last day for picnics at Retiro, the last day for sleeping in and waking up to the screams of my Spanish neighbors across the courtyard, the last Sunday of waking up and considering going to El Rastro, the flea market, before opting to watch something on the Internet instead. It's a little bittersweet. I'm really excited to go home, to see my family, to have carne asada after Mass on Sundays in Denver. But I'm also -- dare I say it? -- a bit sad to leave Madrid. I'm going to miss the freedom I have here, and I'll miss stepping out everyday to 5 lanes of Spanish traffic. I'll miss the little posh dogs on their leashes out for a walk, I'll miss the old Spanish women dressed to the nines and on their way to the grocery store. I'll certainly miss some of the people at my school, and I might even miss one or two of the kids.

But enough for nostalgia. This weekend, I did my best to enjoy the last nights of freedom I'm going to have before moving back in with my parents. I went to a house party with Meagan on Wednesday night, where I spent the evening dodging an old, very drunk Spanish man who kept trying to rest his head against my shoulder. Instead, I met two great Dutch guys who taught me some Dutch phrases, geography, and history. One of them has a Mexican internet girlfriend from Michoacan, and I warned him to tread carefully with the verb "coger" when he visits her at the end of the summer. Needless to say, he was my favorite Dutchman.

Friday night, I went out with a few other Americans and we spent the night dancing away at Club Me Da Igual, to Latin beats. There was some Thalia, some Chayanne, and even a little Lady Gaga. I got down with my bad self, as usual, spinning, jiving and even throwing a bit of elbows in there for a little harddcore-ness. We arrived home at 4:30 am, still very early by Spanish standards. I stank of cigarettes and sweat. Fantastic.

I spent the day yesterday packing, and taking trips down memory lane, remembering the different places and people I've met on this nine-month adventure. I just know that when I get home, I'll wake up in my bedroom and think the whole experience was just a dream. All I'll have will be "photos y recuerdos," much like Selena said.



For now, I plan on going to Retiro one last time, and talking to the group of people who have an African drumming circle. I'm writing an article about them for In Madrid, although I'm not sure exactly when I'll be turning it in, since I'm headed for Cairo on Friday, and back home a week from then. I guess technology can bridge the gap between a Spanish publication, an English editor, and a Mexican-American writer.

The past, the present

It's a well-known fact that I've been bitten by the travel bug, but now this is just getting ridiculous. I've realized that this weekend will be my third consecutive weekend outside of Madrid.

In late May, I went to the Spanish province of Andalucia, birthplace of Flamenco, Spanish guitar and huge cathedrals. You know, all things typically Spanish.

While visiting Angela in Huelva, I went swimming at the beach. I can't even think of the last time I actually swam in a beach -- usually I only get in hip-deep before the paranoia of floating trash, sharks and my poor swimming skills get the better of me and I splash about on the shore. At this beach, however, the waves were calm and the water somewhat warm, making it a rather pleasant experience overall. Less pleasant is the sunburn and subsequent peeling of my back and shoulders.



Last weekend, I took a trip to Italy on a whim. I found a cheap flight to Milan, and took a train to Genoa (birthplace of Cristopher Columbus), Pisa (no time for sight-seeing outside the train station, sadly), and eventually, Florence. Since I didn't plan anything outside of the flight, I ended up spending way more money than I meant to, and being too stressed about being homeless in Florence for a night to really experience Italy properly. Plus, I've discovered that traveling by yourself kind of sucks. At least in my opinion. I need someone next to me to hear my witty remarks and to appreciate the beauty of whatever place you're seeing. Going into Europe's largest Gothic cathedral and enjoying a Mass in Italian isn't the same when you can't turn to someone and share that moment.







Saturday I'm off to Copenhagen for a few days to check out a statue of the Little Mermaid, visit some Danish beachtowns, couchsurf and hear some up-and-coming Danish bands. I'm actually really excited to visit Scandinavia, and it will be nice to take a break from the 90+ degree weather Madrid's been having. It's making me miss winter.