I'm on a bus back to Madrid from the ever lovely (I assume) Valencia. So far, Spain has been wonderful, if not a little confusing. Language barrier aside, the fact of the matter is that I can't help but connect Spain to my home state, Arizona.
For instance, depending on where you are in Arizona, you hear a lot of Spanish. Usually, and if you're lucky, it is accompanied by seriously delicious tacos and fresh salsa. Also, as I am sure you've heard, "It's a dry heat." As, I have found, is Spain.
But, here, there isn't salsa to be found (even if you look for it. I would know). And the heat is shaded by very large and very old buildings that block out the blue sky, and, surprisingly, a lot of brilliantly green trees. So, it's LIKE being home, if home got a massive vegetation makeover, if downtown stretched super far, and everyone decided Spanish wasn't such a bad language after all.
Overall, I couldn't get over Madrid's beauty. It truly is a stunning city. I noticed this even though panicked every time someone asked me for directions in Spanish (I should've paid more attention in high school) and so if I think it's a sight worth seeing despite being regularly uncomfortable, then that's saying something.
Speaking of the language barrier, I never noticed how much I talk to people until I suddenly couldn't. I can't make small talk with the waitresses, or ask their favorite dish, and suddenly, I became aware of how often I seek out that connection. Even harder, if I do get anything that sounds like a sentence, I still can't make jokes, or anything of that sort. I don't consider myself particularly funny, but I do have a tendency toward sarcasm, and that is lost when I'm pretty sure I'm not using proper grammar.
In any case, Valencia wooed me. The beach was fun, the water was warm, and the sun never left. We walked around the city, in parks and by museums, and had traditional Valencian Paella. It was a good time.
But, all things must end, and so here we are, on a bus to Madrid.
Until next time!
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