After ten and a half
months, we are back.
Since September 3rd of
last year, we learned that the cars were smaller, there are fresher and cheaper
ingredients to cook at home, the coffee is amazing, and that life is a little
more relaxed, among many other things.
We travelled, we laughed
and we learned about Spain’s history, and the people that make the country
special. They love to spend time with friends, but while outside in a park
playing cards, or at a bar drinking a botellin (a bucket of beers to share
amongst friends.) Not only that, but Spaniards love their fine olives and
cheap, but delicious wine.
Besides Spain, we
appreciated Europe for what it offered. Portugal gave a relaxed and charming
atmosphere with stunning beaches and solemn Fado music. Italy, with its
delicious gelato and – stereotypically – unbeatable pasta, is incomparable to
anything else found outside of the country; that is, unless in your Italian
grandma’s kitchen. Then Poland, with its mouth-watering pirogues and emblematic
world war two history, is a far-away land to much appreciate. You get the idea.
Comparing the two, the United
States and Europe are two very different entities. One with its recent history
and emblematic patriotism, and the other with centuries of stories and unity of
nations.
Europe taught us many
things. It taught us to cook fresh and learn the different flavors of foods and
spices. It taught us to appreciate cultures. To learn when they hold special
traditions, or why this Saint is named that way or the other. It also taught us
that smaller is better.
Smaller cars, smaller
cities, and smaller usage of everything. It showed that life is appreciated
simply.
Europe taught us its
charm, and now that we come to the United States to live, we will try to live
life as we think is best.
Everyone has their own way
of living, but after experiencing the joys of both worlds we come back feeling
fuller, happier, and ever more ready to embark on the next step of our lives.
We have an outline of it,
but only the future knows what of it will be carved in stone.
So here it goes, to living
a life that is a balance of everything good.
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