One of the strangest (yet, most fantastic) culture differences I've encountered in Spain is their extensive vacation time. They have random holidays at least once a month and during the summer, most employees can take up to 1 MONTH of vacation if they didn't take too many extended holidays during the year. 1 MONTH paid holidays... are you kidding me?? Well, with the Spanish culture being the way it is, there isn't a lot of work during the summer months as large percetages of people are gone July, August or September. So my academy requests strongly (basically, requiring) that every teacher take off at least 1 month of the summer. Unfortunately, being foreigners, we don't get the priviledge of paid vacation time.
I planned my vacation for months. I knew I wanted to go home as I haven't been there since the previous October (and that was for only 5 days!) So an extended period of time was definitely in order. I contemplated for months when I should go back. I decided on the month of July. I'd make it in time for the 4th, it was my mother and siblings birthdays and my really good friend Sarah was having her wedding shower/ bachelorette party. I wanted to go to her wedding instead in September and take my vacation time then, but it just so happened that my grandmother and aunt were planning a trip to visit me in Spain during that time. So, July was the obvious alternative!
At the end of June as classes were ending, I decided to move apartments. I was having difficulties with my roommate and mostly, I just wanted a change of scenery. One of my colleagues and close friend, Nikki told me that one of her roommates was moving out the end of July. We thought about living together before so this just seemed to perfect. After my month of vacation, I could move in with her and not worry about paying an extra month of rent. Perfection.
After weeks of anticipation, the day had finally arrived! And wouldn't you know it... all the subway workers conviently decided to hold their huelga (work strike) the same day. So I was walking around the streets with 2 large suitcases, unable to take public transport and not an available taxi in sight! After over an hour, I finally spotted an old couple getting out of a taxi and quickly slid into the backseat. Already exhausted, I arrived and the airport and made it to my plane. One layover and 14 hours later, I finally landed in Sweet Home Chicago.
My family met me at the airport and within minutes were arguing and screaming at eachother as we walked to the car.... ahhhh so good to be home :)
The first week was spent cell phone less as my parents 'misplaced' my old one and going to doctor/ dentists appointments. Oh joy, 3 cavaties and my WISDOM TEETH had to be removed. Spain clearly doesn't have flouride in their water! So the end of my first week and most of my second week was spent popping pain killers and eating nothing but pudding, jello and ice cream (can't complain too much)
For the 4th of July, one of my friends had a huge picnic and bonfire. I got to see a huge group of people that I haven't seen or really spoken to in over a year. Luckily, it was like I never left. We sat around talking about the same old, same old with a few Spain questions thrown in the mix. At night we lit off a small armoury of fireworks. The following days were spent visitng family and hanging out with friends: bowling trips with my siblings, laying poolside with cocktails, hitting up all my old hangouts, baseball games, birthday parties, Taste of Chicago and simply relaxing at home. That's what I love about my life... no matter how long I'm gone, I know I'm always welcomed back and it's as if I never left.
Here's a collage of random awesome events throughout the month with my awesome friends:
@ Teehans
@ The Taste of Chicago
4th of July
besties in Naperville
Chris's Bday Bash
Thunderbolts Baseball Game w/ Meg
prepared for our 1st night out together :)
Probably the most important thing I did back home was getting a tattoo. I had 2 already and was thinking about a third for quite some time. But knowing that this would be my last one (at least for a while), I wanted it to be something meaningful... at this point in my life, there's nothing more meaningful to me than my siblings. So I researched for weeks and weeks prior to coming home for something that would really illustrate how important they are to me.
I liked the idea of a short phrase. But nothing really seemed poetic enough in English. I thought Spanish would just be korny. So I opted for the root of most modern languages: Latin. Not being one really to show off my 'artwork', I opted to put it on my foot. I already had a small heart above my little toe so I knew that I wanted to incorporate it into this tattoo. Therefore, I decided to get 5 additional smaller hearts- each one to represent each of my 5 siblings. After searching even more, I finally found a phrase I wanted, the most basic phrase that completely 100% says how I feel...
SINE VOS NON POTERO VIVERE
WITHOUT YOU I COULDN'T LIVE
The last week I travelled back to my college days by flying to Ohio for Sarah's bridal party weekend. I stayed with my best friend from OU- Amy and her boyfriend. We spent hours gossiping, watching bad movies, walking around Cleveland and making jello shots! Majority of my closest friends came in for Sarah's shower so it was incredible to see everyone again. We laughed, cried, drank a LOT as we reminisced about the good old days. Sarah's shower was during the day and later that night we started her bachelorette party at her sister in law's house before hitting some bars in downtown Cleveland. I was an amazing night with some really amazing ladies! I said goodbye the following day, hugging everyone and fighting back the tears as I returned back to Chicago.
MORE PICS FROM OHIO...
Amy and I in Cleveland
Cleveland Skyline
Sarah's Wedding Shower
A few days after that I was doing it all over again but this time to all my family and friends back home as I boarded the plane back to Madrid. The month flew by and I only got through a fraction of the things I wanted to do on my list. I got to spend time with most people I wanted to and I send my deepest apologies for anyone that I didn't. I love Spain, but these last few months I'm really starting to miss Chicago. Being away definitely helps you put things in perspective. I now know that Spain will always be one of the best highlights of my life but I also realized that the latter part of my life will be spent in America. Spain has my heart forever but the US is where I belong. So as you have probably figured out, I've decided to return back home.... but not until next summer! haha I still have a few more adventures left to have here in Spain.
our ritual goodbye Sushi Dinner
