I try to avoid too much self reflection at the end of the year, but a little bit always seems to creep in. Recent visits from friends and many discussions about what it means to be older. Specifically 32, childless, unmarried, and at the moment not so goal driven. No home, no car, and just enough income to make the few ends I do have, meet. When I talk to friends with plans, roots, and better halves to abuse they seem to possess a greater sense of purpose, admittedly in my weaker times, that I crave. You always want what you don’t have. What do you want to do with your life? When the question was put to me about 5 years ago, I would have answered traveling the world, living in another country. So how have I fared? Am I living the life I wanted? I sat down and looked at where I’ve been in the last year. This has been my year:
January 2015 Barcelona and Tarragona Solo
Just off a traveling high from the holidays, I finally found the courage to start solo traveling again. This was my first solo trip since arriving in Spain and my first trip to Barcelona.
The Catalan capital took my heart away with its big boulevards and astonishing architecture. Three days was not enough. I vowed to return.
February 2015 Valencia and Denía Solo
Spain is broken up into communidades which are like states. There a total of 15 communidades on the Iberian peninsula and I decided to make it my goal to visit them all. So Valencia was the natural next destination on my list. It is most known for paella, beaches, and expats. I spent a night here and headed straight for a small beach town named Denía.
After losing my grandmother in January, I needed to get away. Most of the times I use travel to distance myself from tough times. I hopped on the bike and let the sea nourish me.
March /April 2015 Asturias: Ribadesella, Nueva Llanes, and Llanes Half Time Solo
Spent the time walking trails through tiny mountainous villages of Asturias. Did some biking and relaxing. The most beautiful communidad of Spain, hands down, when its not raining.
May 2015 Nothing…did I need to?
June 2015 Amsterdam, Edam
This was the most anticipated trip for me this year. Life abroad can get lonely and there is nothing like reconnecting with those that know and love you most. This trip was right on time! Holland is one country that I can return to and love every second of. Best of all I got explore it with my best friend and that was priceless.
July 2015 Working at a camp recharging the money source.
August 2015 Freedom and movements. I moved to Leon!
September 2015 Chicago, Colorado, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Dublin, Ireland
I finally made it home. Chilled out with my people and took in the beautiful USA.
October 2015 Asturias
November 2015 Asturias
December 2015 Bilbao (Pais Vasco), Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Utrecht Solo and with Good Company
Right now I’m traveling more than I ever have. This has been my year. I didn’t realize I was already where I wanted to be. This little self reflection has jilted me out of “there’s something wrong with my life” pattern of thinking. My life is just what I asked for. Its funny how you can get just what you asked for, and still not be happy or thankful. Well I’m thankful to be doing what I said I wanted to do, even though its got me broke and with little to show besides fumbling proficiency of a foreign language and tons of experiences.
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