Week Six

Well here I am after just finishing week number six in Spain. Looking at a calendar I can gaze at the weeks past but the true evidence of my time here is much more objective. My hair has grown longer, my body has changed after a bout with tonsillitis and completely new eating habits. Sleeping occurs from the wee hours of the morning until mid morning almost each day and meeting with friends doesn't happen until at least eleven each night. Time has shown itself in the form of my relationships, which have grown strong and comforting. The awkwardness of being new in a city has subsided and now this place feels like a new version of home. Walking into my favorite cafes and being recognized by the men and women behind the counter, knowing which places to go on which nights, establishing relationships with the Spanish students- these are the little things that all put together create a feeling of such peace. 

Sat by the river today thinking about how accelerated and profound all of these changes feel. When every day presents you with something that expands your mind or challenges your spirit its easy to lose track of what you once were. Being away from everyone and everything you know gives you the chance to strip down to your own bottom lines. There aren't external influences that have you act or think a certain way. Obstacles that I have built for myself and behavior that I have frequently defaulted to can be thrown away because here I am whoever I want to be. An open, more expressive, and more honest version of myself is emerging.