I've realized I'm much better at Hello's.

I'm flying over a piercing blue sky with a blanket of quilted clouds as I write this. I keep catching glimpses of land, but I couldn't tell you where I'm flying over.. The sky seems to fade into eternity.

I've never shed so many tears on a plane before, luckily I have the row to myself.

I've spent the last four months of my life finding myself; discovering the world, people, culture; and learning what it's like to really live. I've had the most amazing time - Barcelona simply has so much to offer. I've seen art, history, architecture and the most breath-taking views. I've discovered wonders in places I didn't even know existed.

I fitted myself into the city. I fell in love with its dark alleyways, bustle of people, smoky bars, and simply how the city feels. The friends i've made are irreplaceable. We share something simply unexplainable. Each person brought something that moved the rest of us. You can't possibly erase so many memories. The phrase "nights that turned into mornings, with friends that turned into family" has never seemed so true. It's going to be difficult not to be surrounded by such great people every minute of the day. And i'm really going to miss staying awake through the sunrises... I really just want to say thankyou to all of you that made this city so much harder to leave. You are all incredible.

Everyone says studying abroad changes you, but I don't think you can understand how until you've done it. I'm not even sure I know how to explain it myself.

For one - I'm pro at reading maps. I still have no sense of direction, but give me a map and I can get you anywhere.
I've also learned that I should, atleast try, absolutely anything. Maybe octopus won't agree with me, but mussles are delicious.
I also now know that my body will c-o-m-p-l-e-t-e-l-y shut down if I force it to go five days without sleep. - but it's quite okay to eat dinner at midnight.
I know that i can get by alone, that I can survive anything the world throws at me - but that it's so much better to find the people that won't leave you on your own.
I've learned that some things, -such as volcanoes- I can't do anything about. In times like these it is so important to make the most of your opportunities.
I've learnt to take life day - by - day. To relax, to s.l.o.w.d.o.w.n..
& I've learned that the feeling of home is SUCH a subjective thing.

Sitting here, 4 months later, I know I am different. It will be interesting to live my old life as who I am now.

Barcelona is the fourth place I have lived. The fourth place I have created a home. Each one has been so incredibly different, and taught me so much. I'm about to begin a new adventure, and I know I need to brave my tears and my heartbreak as I leave; I know I'm headed to something else incredible. But This Goodbye Is Simply Pulling All Of My Heartstrings. I just feel like this is all being taken away from me so soon. I found somewhere I fitted, somewhere I felt like myself, somewhere I belonged, and I'm slowly flying away from it..

I've had the time of my life. I have the memories, the friends, and the realizations that go hand-in-hand with the city. I get to keep those. But I won't say goodbye. I'll be back. I couldn't not come back.

So, Hasta Luego Barca,
Thanks for bringing me back to life.