The End

Well, it's here. I never thought it actually would come, but it has. The end of my adventure in Spain. I sit here typing this blog post at my relatives house in Sweden, but my study abroad adventure is all but nearly done now. Of course, I'm excited to see home and the people I left behind, but let's be honest how me and 90% of my program friends are feeling/thinking right now.

This sucks.

Spain was, undoubtedly, the best experience of my life thus far. It has changed my life in so many ways, from my current views on topics and life to my future plans, and many details in between, that I can't even begin to express how much I appreciate the opportunity to go abroad like I did. I earnestly hope and pray every other student has the chance to do what I did these past five months - experience a whole other world and live your life to the absolute max (do I sound inspirational, or what?!) in this short time frame of college.

The people I've met here will undoubtedly be some of my best friends for the remainder of my life. Don't worry, friends back home, we're still tight, but when you are thrust into a foreign country that speaks a different language, operates on a different time frame with different laws, you fuse together really quickly.

Back home, I'm already going over what I will do differently. Language, actions, how I treat others, being able to relate...and then some! Reverse culture shock might kill me, though.

Examples. Let's review the experience.

A trip down memory lane; the first week in Granada. I looked so young.

Our first night out. These two girls would end up being some of my best friends.

And of course, old friends are also present. Kelly, it was awesome getting to share Spain with you! Best buds for life!

Sometimes, you just had to get to the highest point in town and take it in...and then take a selfie.

Best birthday ever. 21st, you're gonna have to try really hard to beat this one.

Festivals that you'll never find on our continent. Carnaval in Cadiz, one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Oh, the people you meet...

Nights out in Spain are undoubtedly the best.

Yet, you learn to appreciate the things you left behind, such as your parents. I love you mom and dad!

Beach days were never more than a quick bus ride away.

And travel was so accessible. Here, one of our first trips, Seville. 

Sometimes, you just have to jump into probably-ill-advised water with friends! (Pretty much a metaphor for my life abroad.)

The locals you meet will stick in your memory forever..

Honestly, I debated for a good hour on what to put in this (not final) blog post. I'm gonna say what I have to say to everyone back home when they ask me the very broad question "How was Spain?".
It is indescribable. I couldn't write down everything because I simply wouldn't have time. More will come in convo, and perhaps some memory blogs I make later, but in the meantime, I'll close with this.

Spain, I'll be back. Don't you worry.

Thank you God for everything!

Jacob