I arrived back in Michigan on June 21st. I was happy to be back in my homeland. However, even though it was a comfortable feeling, it did not feel real to me that I had actually left Spain. When I said goodbye to my friends it seemed like we were just saying "See you later" not a "Hope I will see you again someday." I arrived home and knew it would be a hard adjustment going back to my American lifestyle, but I had to adjust.
The days of acclimation in Michigan passed. I got back into my American lifestyle rather quickly, and I enjoyed watching the World Cup even though soccer is not that popular in the States. Of course I rooted for Spain. I watched a lot of soccer while I was abroad and got to know all the players' names on the Spanish team. Then on July 11, 2010 Andres Iniesta, a player from the team FC Barcelona, scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup. It was Spain's first World Cup championship. It was an amazing game which I viewed with my family and some cousins from Ohio. I can only imagine how happy my friends and family in Spain must be. I talked to some of my friends via Facebook and they told me about the impressive celebration that was going on because of Spain winning the World Cup in soccer. I know now how Spaniards like to party so I can imagine what it must have been like. Just three weeks before the championship game I was in Barcelona. If only I could have extended my stay somehow. However, as the Spanish expression says "Es lo que hay," it is what it is.
I can honestly say that my exchange experience in Spain was life changing for me. I have become more independent now and appreciate my family and the US more. I do love Spain (especially Barcelona) with a strong passion though and I miss my friends dearly. I can't wait to see these friends again, but who knows when that might be. I still keep in contact with them and will continue to do so. I learned a lot about a different culture. Visiting other countries makes you appreciate your home country in a different manner. Travel really opens your eyes to the wonders of this magnificent world.
Thanks to all those who read my blog while I was on this epic journey.
-Ryan
