Homeward Bound

It has been great to see Ashley. Of all my friends, she is the most unlike me. She is as witty and blunt as it gets and is one of the most quotable people I know... her brain just works in a different and much more creative way than mine. I told her last week that if she were in a book, the introduction of her character would include the phrase "undeniably cool."

We mostly just relaxed and cooked and finished getting her settled (i.e. went to Ikea). There is an amazing open air farmer's market in Barcelona (butchers, fresh seafood, cheese stands, and really high-quality, cheap fruits and vegetables). We've only bought produce so far, but it has been fun to walk around.

My train pass was ending, so I went to Madrid for 36 hours and really enjoyed the walking tour there. As we were moving from one sight to another, the guide said to us, "And we are passing the American embassy on our right." He simultaneously gestured toward a McDonald's. :)

Jeff and I met back up in Barcelona without a hitch and have adapted a very relaxed schedule. We have gone to the beach twice, but also did a Gaudi tour. Gaudi was an eccentric Spanish architect. At one house I told Jeff I felt like I was at Disneyland and then at the next at The Grinch's summer house.

We have ran into WAY more Americans in Barcelona than any other city, especially at the hostel we're at now. Maybe it's because it boasts a gym (which is a massive embellishment). Jeff's first night in Barcelona we stayed at a huge party hostel and when we got to our room it was empty. A girl came in and after exchanging names, Jeff asked where she was from and she said "Portland". We quickly figured out it was her first night in Europe because experienced Oregonians know that 99 percent of the people you come across in Europe will require much more explanation. She lucked out having fellow Oregonians who knew her hometown as her first roommates. We just looked at her incredulously and then laughed. We have eased into the habit of saying something along the lines of, "The US" and then upon further prodding of location: "Portland, Oregon... the state directly north of California." Without the followup description we are given a vague "Oh, okay" with an uncertain nod.

In any case, I am making plans to stock up on musli to take home and cook "American breakfast" for my friends in Copenhagen one last time while I am there for 36 hours before flying home.

I am beyond excited to get back home after a fun, but long trip. I will spend a few days in Seattle with Julie and then head back to Portland to get everything in order before I start work two weeks from tomorrow! As I told Ashley the other day, I think I have been a 30-year old since I wad 12, so I am very excited to start work and finally begin my career. A twinge of nervousness popped up a couple days ago, but I think that will settle once I get a couple weeks in.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone when I get home. My mom is joining my dad in Europe a couple days after I get back and I have secured permission to have a BBQ/ beer pong day while they're gone... I am thinking it'll be the last weekend of September because both OSU and UO football are on the road. Let me know if you have a date preference.

Also, Jeff and I were talking about volunteering options for me now that I will have a permanent location. Right now I am leaning towards Big Brother, Big Sister... maybe with a Spanish-speaking child to help me practice. I'm also considering trail clean-ups or something basketball related. Let me know if you have any ideas for me!