Six Weeks - Three Weeks - A Whole New World

It's been just over six weeks since I left California and three weeks since I left Philadelphia (and the U.S.). Wow--what a trip it's been!

Hmmm... What do I miss? As always, people are the first thing on the list. My family. My friends in California and Philadelphia. Second? Probably the food. Mexican from CA and the variety of pork products in PA. Oh yeah, pretzels and butter cake are in there too. Next, definitely driving the MINI! Oh I miss that crazy little car--the one I hate to love. After that, probably the weather in San Diego. You honestly can't beat it anywhere in the world (as far as I know).

So what am I grateful for here in Spain? The people (funny how that's always first). I've met some amazing, kind, and generous people during my short time in Barcelona. I've gotten invites to birthday parties, lunches/dinners, the next Formula1 race, a Barça (Barcelona's team) soccer game, a bull fight, and various other things. I'm amazed at how willing people have been to help me get adjusted and fit in. I am super indebted and eternally grateful!

Next? The opportunity to start fresh in a new place. I've learned over time that no matter where I go I'm still the same person but there's something nice about arriving in a new place with no baggage. "Learning the ropes" as they say has been great. Figuring out the bus and subways; where to buy stuff; where the good places are to eat; it's an amazing thing that I have. Once again, life's pretty good.

Remember that Ferris Bueller quote--"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it"? Well, I wouldn't have guessed that I'd be here, at this point, in this place, if you'd have asked me two months ago. I can't wait to see what the world holds for me in another two months, two years, and/or two decades. Until then, I'll continue to live life to the fullest, stop to look around regularly, and to be exceedingly grateful for the opportunity that I have.