My trip abroad, of which I’ve mentioned not a word here on OM, was a wonderful experience. I spent 18 days traveling to, across, and back home from Spain. I learned and understood more of Spain’s people, geography, history and culture than I’ve ever grasped in my life up to this point. It seems a little bit crazy to me that it has taken me so long – 35 years! – to make that trip across the Atlantic and set foot on a different continent. Despite that, it never felt weird or unnatural. The country, though radically different in countless ways from the U.S., always felt comfortable and welcoming. And even though I felt amazed and thrilled to be in Europe, it didn’t feel surprising to be there.
It is clear to me that the simple act of doing it, of taking the trip and spending over 2 weeks in a foreign land, was a massive education and a huge growing experience for which there is no substitute or facsimile: I had to take the trip, physically, to begin to understand the vastness of our world – society and geography.
I feel so fortunate and appreciative for having been able to take the trip. I truly feel like a new person for it, and without a doubt I realize now how wonderful and mind-opening it is to spend time in different countries. I can’t wait for my next trip abroad – although I still have a lot to absorb and learn from this trip.
