Returning from a Dream

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.