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The moment I stepped on the plane to leave Spain was the moment I began planning my return. I spent a long semester in Seville during my junior year of college and still regard it as a vital, life-changing experience. It literally gave me new eyes not only about the world around me, but also about myself. It seems like such a strange concept to pack up and live in a foreign country for a while, almost responsibility free. This is also another reason why college is the best time of your life.

Fast forward four years and I finally made it back. The plan was this: arrive in Madrid to catch up with an old friend from college, explore the Calatrava museums in Valencia and visit old friends and sites in Seville. I travelled alone and spent two days in each city, soaking it all in at a rapid pace, contrary to their lethargically paced lifestyle.

One of my favorite parts about the Spanish culture is the warm and welcoming people. Friends who I haven't seen or talked to in four years opened up their hearts and homes to accommodate me and immerse in the nostalgic and new: tapas bars, flamenco music, art museums, shopping, churches and of course…the vino.

Although I had lived there in the past, I did experience a little bit of culture shock. I noticed right away many glaring opposites between the American and Spanish culture. The most obvious difference is quality of life. Although people might not be wealthy and possess fancy material goods, they truly enjoy life. They savor the taste of their food, they saunter down the street not worrying about the time of day, they kiss and hug and laugh out loud all the time. There is an ironic and shallow fascination with the newness of the architecture and amenities in the United States. Spaniards neglect the antique, historical, breathtaking buildings on every corner and the quaint cobblestone roads.

For being such a small country, the differences between the regions and cities are huge. Just going from Madrid (cosmopolitan) to Valencia (modern) to Seville (traditional) I hardly felt as if I was in the same country. I encountered different dialects, fashions, traditions, cuisine and entertainment.

Of course this wasn’t the same Spain as I remembered it, but I learned that a second impression of a good thing gives you a new perspective. Not disenchantment, just fresh eyes, or a more objective view of both sides of the coin. I learned to appreciate the comfort, but revel in the unfamiliar. Never stop craving adventure, even if it is just leaving your comfort zone slightly. Fulfill promises to yourself and nourish your curiosity.

Spain will always hold a very special place in my heart, but I can no longer call it home as I one did in my more transient college years. Spain won't fill the void nor will it solve the confusion and frustration that I might feel from time to time with my daily routine. Home is where your roots are and it always feels good to come back to a place that truly feels like home.