Tag: love

6 Years Ago, I Moved to Spain. You Won’t Believe What’s Happened. [Part 8/9 – Return to Michigan]

On By McKennaIn blog, spain, travel reflectionsLeave a comment

[Click here to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7]

A plethora of American accents buzzed through my ears while I was still in the Barcelona airport. I guess that’s what happens when you fly on American Airlines.

I came back to the United States after being awake for nearly 24 hours.

I saw my mom for the first time in two years. I saw my brothers for the first time in five years. I met my nephews for the first time, one of which was my godson. I wondered what they’d thought of me—this aunt they had heard about and seen in photos, who didn’t live in America, was finally in front of them.

Continue reading “6 Years Ago, I Moved to Spain. You Won’t Believe What’s Happened. [Part 8/9 – Return to Michigan]” →

6 Years Ago, I Moved to Spain. You Won’t Believe What’s Happened. [Part 5/9 – Year Three: Silver Lining]

On By McKennaIn canary islands, europe, spain, travel reflectionsLeave a comment

[Click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4]

I continued to spend time with the church group.

I wanted so badly to tell someone, anyone, about my heartbreak. But I kept quiet. Who would care? Everyone liked this guy.

He was so handsome, charismatic, had a cool job, and was a “good Christian man,” the one my parents may have wanted me to marry, except it turns out that not all “good Christian men” are good Christians.

Continue reading “6 Years Ago, I Moved to Spain. You Won’t Believe What’s Happened. [Part 5/9 – Year Three: Silver Lining]” →

6 Years Ago, I Moved to Spain. You Won’t Believe What’s Happened. [Part 2/9 – Year One: Feeling So Gatsby]

On By McKennaIn europe, spain, travel reflectionsLeave a comment

[Click here to read Part 1]

My plan was to stay in Spain for one year. I thought it was my only opportunity to live in Europe. My goals? Travel. Party. Make a bunch of friends. Fall in love. Try to enjoy teaching again.

It was August 2019, and I had 7 months left of being 29. 7 months left of society still thinking I’m young, beautiful, and a ravishing rebel without a cause. I figured that, once I turned 30, society would deem me overnight old, ugly, and irresponsible. What would I do when I turned 30 and my visa expired? Where would I live? Who cares when you’re in Madrid and the wine is cheap, the men are beautiful, and every day feels like a dream?

Madrid was my oyster, and I was grabbing as much as I could, headfirst and hands full. Every date, every drink, every discoteca, every experience–it was mine for the taking. And oh, my, was Madrid gorgeous.

Continue reading “6 Years Ago, I Moved to Spain. You Won’t Believe What’s Happened. [Part 2/9 – Year One: Feeling So Gatsby]” →

6 Years Ago, I Moved to Spain. You Won’t Believe What’s Happened. [Part 1/9 – Pre-Departure]

On By McKennaIn europe, Personal Development, spain, travel reflections1 Comment

The night before I left for Spain in August 2019, I felt furious with myself.

My childhood bedroom looked like a Midwestern tornado had pillaged my closet, bookshelf, and drawers. An overweight suitcase sat at the foot of my bed. I’d find out in a few weeks that I wouldn’t even need half of the shit I packed.

Continue reading “6 Years Ago, I Moved to Spain. You Won’t Believe What’s Happened. [Part 1/9 – Pre-Departure]” →