It's Been Quite a Ride

As the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end.”  I have never found that saying more true than I do right now. As I sit here typing my final blog in Barcelona I am overcome by so many different emotions; I’m not sure if I want to laugh or cry, but I do know that I am so happy; so happy for so many different reasons. I am so happy that I get to see my family in one day. I am so happy I have had the opportunity to live and work in Barcelona for two months. I am so happy I have met so many wonderful people. I am so happy that I have gotten to learn so many new & different things.  I am so happy that I took a chance, jumped without looking, stepped outside of my comfort zone, and, in return, learned so much about myself.

Two months ago today I was packing my bags, more like stuffing them, saying my final goodbyes, and running last minute errands to pick up extra toothpaste and sunscreen. Although it sounds cliché to say, I am no longer that girl that rushed from store to store, worried about how many pairs of socks I should bring, or how I was ever going to stay in contact with everyone. Living on my own in a new country has shaped me into a much calmer, happier, and independent person who truly sees the beauty of the world and the people who live in it. Two months here has brought more change than any one event in my 20 years, and for that, Barcelona, I will forever be grateful.

I have truly fallen in love with this city, the people, the food, music, and culture. It has swept me off my feet, and I feel blessed to have called it home for two short months. Sure we’ve had our differences including the lack of free refills, not having the best internet connection, a less than user-friendly transportation system, and an abundance of pigeons, or rats with wings as I’ve heard them called, but all-in-all I would never change this experience for anything. I would relive all of the tears, laughter, frustration, joy, and homesickness because this beautiful city by the sea has won my heart. I hope that someday I can bring my kids here and show them where I lived for two months, discovering the world and myself.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog throughout this adventure. Your kind words truly inspired me and reminded me how blessed I am to be surrounded by such amazing people.

Paz y Amor,

Kate

Trains, Hostels, Boy Bands, and Best Friends

What could be better than living in Spain for 2 months? Seeing your best friend while you’re there, of course! My friend Erin is doing a 4-week study abroad/immersion experience in Segovia, Spain, a little west of Barcelona. So, last weekend I packed my bags and took the train to Segovia. Just traveling was an experience in and of itself. I took the AVE, a high-speed train, to Madrid, and then took another train north to Segovia.  I’m obsessed with the AVE and propose we build one ASAP in the states. It is such an easy, comfortable way to travel! There were only two “glitches” during the journey, one being I ran over a guy’s toe with my suitcase in Segovia, oops. The other was that while waiting for my connecting train to Segovia, no platform was posted until ONE MINUTE before we were supposed to leave. Needless to say I about had a panic attack!—Still working on this whole go-with-the-flow-you’re-living-in-Spain thing...it’s a work in progress.

Two hours later I was in Segovia, and let me just say it is everything and more that you would expect of a small town in Spain. Its rich history is evident the moment you step off the train. The smells, people, shops, and streets all permeate this history and culture in a way that can only be imagined. I kept thinking, “do people really live here?”

Thanks to Erin’s directions I found the hostel with no problems. For simply googling “hostels in Segovia” and choosing the first one, we did pretty well! It was not completely up to my standards (i.e. room service, elevator, my own bathroom), but it did the trick! Once settled we had a lot of catching up to do, a lot happens in 2 months, especially when you’re in different countries! That night was the Festivals of Segovia (who knew?!?) so of course we took part. Everything from Cirque de Solei performers to a boy band concert (think Backstreet Boys) to ending the night at the discoteca...the night could not have been any more perfect!

The next morning was a little rough (I can’t imagine why), but we grabbed some coffee and went sight-seeing. Segovia has a little tourist bus so we bought tickets and got to see all of Segovia and learn all about its rich history in just under an hour, my kind of tour! That night we went out with the UD group that Erin is with for her study abroad program. Nothing like a group of loud, American, UD students to turn heads! We got lots of shouts and whistles; I think they knew we weren’t from around there. We didn’t get home until 4 am both nights, and we were one of the first to leave—those Spaniards sure know how to party!

Again, Sunday morning was a little rough...don’t even think to ask for extended check-out, this isn’t the Marriot people! Although well intentioned, we didn’t make it to church (sorry mom), but walked around the town a little bit before I had to leave.

Overall, I could not have asked for a better weekend, I’m still worn out! My Uncle Jimmy and his family are in Barcelona now so I’m going to meet them soon. I’m so excited to have some visitors!

Only 3 weeks left, and lots to pack in...whoever said 2 months was a long time was lying! You all still have a chance to come see me, pack your bags and get on the next flight, I’ll waive the tour guide fee!

Peace & Love,

Kate

You Learn As You Go

Four weeks ago today I landed in Barcelona, scared out of my mind, and wondering if this was really the best idea, to leave home and live alone for 2 months in a new place. I can say today that yes, it was the absolute best idea.

 It is unbelievable what a difference four weeks can make. The last four weeks have brought so many new discoveries, experiences, friends, and foods. I have gotten the chance to explore the world and myself, and for that I feel blessed.

My time here has been a whirlwind. I've gone to the zoo, walked in the park, translated at a major business conference, swam in the Balearic Sea, figured out how to travel in Spain (believe me, it's not easy!), toured the city (from la Sagrada Familia to Gaudi, and everything in between), tried new food, spoken lots of Spanish, read 2 1/2 books, learned phrases in Catalan (menjar=to eat), figured out how to go different places on the subway, drank cheap wine, laughed (a lot), gone to Spanish mass, learned to cook, taken lots of picture, and people-watched. I never knew it was possible to grow and adapt so much in such a short amount of time.

Speaking of people-watching, I've become a pro. Here's a little list of some things I've noticed during my month in this wonderful city:

1. Spaniards don't like to form lines (my first taste of this was at mass during communion, everyone just went up when they felt like it, a little unnerving for a girl who is all about lines and organization).
2. Bananas are green here, even when they are ripe.
3. Read labels carefully--ham flavored chips are disgusting (this is coming from the girl who will eat anything)
4. Spanairds are very passionate people---talk about PDA!
5. Coke light is not the same as Diet Coke, I plan on getting a diet coke the minute I land in Atlanta!
6. They're stingy on the ice here.
7. If you want a coffee that takes more than one sip to finish, order Cafe Americano.
8. It is easy to pick out the Americans--don't ask me how, just trust me.
9. All beaches are top-optional here, don't think I'll ever get used to that.
10. Even though the Euro looks like Monopoly money, it is real.
11. The first thing they ask you when they find out if you are American is if you voted for Obama.
12. Whoever said Europeans are ahead of us in style was wrong, people are still rockin' the mullet here.
13. Everyone smokes here, including around babies, gross!
14. Life is slower here, & people cherish the time they spend with friends and family...they aren't as worried about work and making lots of money.
15. Catalan is a beautiful language with a mixture of Spanish and French, I would love to speak it, but for now I'm sticking to Spanish.
16. All the cars here are manual.
17. Traffic is ridiculous, and motos can drive between cars!
18. Eating is a sport here, and I am a more than willing participant

This experience is teaching me so much about myself, other people, and the world as a whole. It is an experience that I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime, what a blessing.

Peace & Love,
Kate

Living Young, and wild, and free

So it's been a while, which I feel is how I start every post on here, but I promise I'll get better! Some things have changed since my last post, most notably my location. I'M IN BARCELONA! It's been just over a week since I got here and I'm already loving it! It has been a tough transition and I miss my family and friends a lot, but it's an experience that I already know I will never forget!

The past week or so has been all about getting settled. I was lucky enough to have my beautiful mama here for the first few days to help me with the transition (most notably finding the closest Starbucks to my apartment). I'm so happy that she was able to experience a bit of this with me! Unfortunately she had to head back to the States last Thursday, saying a tearful goodbye, but that will only make seeing her in July that much sweeter!

Since mom left I've been trying to stay busy to keep my mind off of being homesick. Friday night my wonderful host family made a traditional Spanish dinner for me filled with lots of seafood. Yum! Saturday I went sightseeing, going to to the FCB (Barcelona's soccer team) Stadium and to a pretty park nearby. Later that night was the European Cup game between Barcelona and Manchester United which I watched with my excited host family. Barcelona won!! The excitement filled the streets and you could here horns blaring and people celebrating long after the final goal. Sunday my host family took me to the stadium again to celebrate the big win. It was so exciting to see such enthusiasm and pride for one's hometown team! Overall it was an exciting first weekend in Barcelona!

Monday marked the beginning of my second week at work. So far I am loving getting to know the company, its products and its costumers. It makes me happy that I have chosen to study PR and Marketing because it does truly interest me. My boss is also the Vice-President of the Barcelona Soccer Club so Thursday I get to go to a conference with him to assist him in translating. The conference is in English, and although my boss speaks English very well, I will be there to help him if he does not understand a question that is asked or needs clarification. A little nerve-racking, but I am excited to step up to the plate!

It's only been a week, but already I feel that I have made the best decision for me at this time in my life. Although it is so difficult to be away from my friends and family, I know that this is something that I will remember for the rest of my life! God has blessed me so much, and it is time to use those gifts and show the world who I am!

"Make something beautiful of your life"--Abraham Verghese ("Cutting for Stone")

Peace & Love,
Kate

Learning to Live

It's been awhile. Things have been absolutely crazy lately with the end of the semester and finals, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am loving everything about my life, the people in it and the places that I am going. It is a sense of calm and ease that I am not used to. Ask anyone who knows me, the words calm and at ease are not normally used to describe me. This year has been a journey that I can now finally appreciate.

So many changes have come this year that I wasn't ready for, or atleast I didn't think I was, until now. It's funny how I can spend so much time planning for the future, only to have things turned completely upside down. However, for some odd reason my neurotic self isn't freaking out. Well not anymore. I've taken a calmer approach to my life that has led to a feeling of peace and understanding that I can't control everything that goes on in my life.

My family has been a great source of strength for this past year as I struggle to find who I am, what I want to do, and who should be involved in that journey. They have stood by me when everyone else left. It has been through tears, laughter and some good wine that I have come to realize and appreciate who I am, imperfections and all. I am blessed to have a family that no matter how far I may stray, stands by me and the decisions (or mistakes) I make.

Just thought I'd get these thoughts out there before the crazy week of finals sets in and I forget (momentarily of course) how blessed I am to live the life that I live with the people I love. The journey isn't over, but I've finally reached a place where I can take a breath and appreciate all that God has given me.

Peace & Love,

Kate

Girls Rule, Boys Drool

I was listening to Taylor Swift, furthering my state of utter depression over my lack of a love life (you think I'm kidding) when it hit me. Okay, so it wasn't that bad, but still T.Swift has a way with words, even if she can't sing live to save her life.

There's one song that really stood out to me, "Mean." It's basically an ode to all those mean girls out there who find happiness by making others feel inferior. It made me wonder, why do we, as girls, allow others to define who we are? Why does what one jealous person says or thinks have the ability to make us question who we are as a person?

Why do girls, and women, feel the need to tear other girls down? Isn't it like they say in High School Musical, "We're All in This Together"? Our similarities far out-weigh our differences and we need to embrace each other rather than tear one another down. If we came together as women and appreciated ourselves more instead of finding any reason to call the other a "bitch," maybe we really could rule the world (let's face it, men will never rule, sorry guys).

Be the person that you want to be. Don't let what others say or think of you define where you choose to go in life. Make your own definition, you may have to revise it a few times, but that's life. It's okay to make a few mistakes, get messy and change directions along the way. The journey is the exciting part, and if you're not happy with who you are, it'll all be for nothing.

I know it's easier said than done, but know that I'm right there with you...fighting to define myself. I'm done letting others tell me who I should be; I'm in charge from now on and it's going to stay that way. It's not going to be easy, if it was then everyone would be doing it.

As T.Swift so eloquently put it, "Someday I'll be livin' in a big ole' city, and all you're every going to be is mean."

Peace & Love,
Kate

Fearless

It's crazy how just driving by my old house can make me feel so much better. It represents everything that is pure and simple in life. When all I had to worry about was if I should play dress-up or ride my bike. I miss that little white house on Hampshire Rd. I miss being able to ride my bike around the block, play soccer in the backyard, and take walks to Dairy Queen in the summer.

I wasn't worried about the exam I have on Thursday, that paper I have due tomorrow or how I'm ever going to schedule for all of the classes I need to take. I lived in the moment, not afraid of anything. Why can't I still be that fearless? Why can't I just say what I want to say?

These days it feels like I have so much to say, but can't find the words to say it. I'm scared of the possibility of rejection. It's the most frusturating feeling in the world to know exactly how you feel and what you want, but being too scared to go for it. It's almost as if every time I have the opportunity to show how I really feel I tense up and forget what to say.

I wish I could talk to that little girl and see how she does it. How does she trust in her own ability? How does she see the beauty in herself even when no one else does?

It's time for me to start living life like that little girl: fearlessly (if that's even a word). I'm ready to speak up and say how I feel. If that results in rejection so be it.

It's time to live out loud.


Peace & Love,

Kate