Home is Where the Heart Is

Well, if I had stuck to my original flight itinerary I selected in January, I would actually be in Seattle right now. But of course, fate (i.e. whimsical decisions) would have it that I have another month left before I head back home. But, allow me to confess something: I'm actually ready to go home right now, which was clearly not my mindset a couple months ago when I changed my return flight date. It's funny talking to other American auxiliaries who've enjoyed their experience here so much that they've repeatedly shed tears as they've said goodbye to Sevilla this week. I suppose my situation is different because I do expect to come back again come October. But, as much as I've enjoyed this city, my time away from Seattle has taught me my roots are firmly grounded in my hometown. Additionally, the concept of "home" psychologically carries an enormous weight for me.

Obviously, having applied to renew my position and return to Sevilla for another 8 months, I do enjoy la vida here. I think traveling in general is always a worthwhile experience. You grow, you learn, you change (one would hope). But all the traveling in the world wouldn't change where I feel most centered, most at-ease, most right with the universe. Which, in turn, is why I do want to travel: to explore uncharted territories, not only geographically but also mentally, intellectually, and all the other -allys, and become uncomfortable, which, believe me, I've experienced more times than I can count. Thus is the motive for why I feel ready to return to the all-too-familiar sights, sounds, and (English-speaking) people of my beloved Pacific Northwest, if just for a 3-month breather. But alas, the battle is prolonged for 29 more days, due to the fault of none other than myself.

But seriously, life could be way worse. Being "stuck" in Sevilla isn't too shabby at all. But I am restlessly anticipating the day I step foot again in the greatest city in the world :

Not cliche at all