Tonight, is the last night in Barcelona and Spain. However, I am sad, but not not depressed that I am leaving, and the reason is this. I know, and with no doubt, that I will be coming back to Europe in the near future. It's not like I have plans right this minute, but I just know, I will be back here soon!

I really don't think that words can describe how inspired I am at this moment. I think some of this can be explained by the fact that I am excited to be coming home, but honestly, I am truly inspired!

This is the reason why I can not fall asleep! I have finished packing for tomorrow's flight but am far from being tired. Every inch of me is excited and ready for a new adventure. One in which I can apply all the lessons I have learned traveling in Spain.

It is sort of funny that my trip in Spain involved me wearing only my convertible hiking pants and a t-shirt! Normally, I would NEVER do this, but really, I had no other option. And even walking around Barcelona, one of the greatest places in the world for fashion, I was wearing cut-offs and a t-shirt. Yikes! But i had to deal with it. And everything was ok. I also had expectations of what I would buy while shopping in Barcelona. I had quite a long list. But after trying on many different things and many different stores, I decided upon an flattering grey skirt, Benetton tee and tank, simple. However, at the last minute, my dad brought a little Benetton suitcase to mind and we rode the mettro back to the crazy tourist filled Plaza de Catalunya and got it. Great buy! I also got a pair of pants with pleats in the front and a prominent style in Spain right now. Overall, I think I got some really nice things, things that are special.

Anyway, I don't think that this trip was about buying cute clothing or seeing the best sights. I think it was  more an internal journey, one to think things over and learn. And really, I got the chance to really study people, their clothing and their character. Now, I can come home and use all those observations and inspiration and just create!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This whole trip, I don't really think that I have realized I am actually in Spain! WOW! It seems like something I have dreamed about and wanted but now that I have been here, I can't believe it! This really isn't a bad thing, because I have taken in every moment, but it just proves that dreams and hopes do come true(that sounds so cheesy, but it's really the truth)!

It has also been amazing to spend this time with my dad, we have grown closer over these last weeks. There have been some really difficult times, but fantastic ones as well. I really want to thank him so much for working so very hard to make this trip happen! I am really quite proud of you dad!!!

I am still not tired! Rats!

Oh, speaking of rats! We walked down Las Ramblas today. It's a big tourist attraction and actually rather boring and hectic. But, we did pass the bird market. A shop full of pet turtles and birds and rabbits. Rabbits. They were so CUTE!!! I  mean extraordinarily cute!!!!!!!! I wanted one so much, but that was something that would definitely not happen.

I am getting a bit more tired.

The culture in Europe in amazing. For one, people hang out with each other. And I don't mean having a couple of beers while watching Sarah Palin's Alaska! I mean people sit down at a cafe, have a coffee and just talk to each other. Unlike in America, it's not some rushed thing at Starbucks!

Everything here is smaller. Smaller kitchen, washing machine, coffees, cars, you name it, and it is probably smaller than what we have in the states! And because the houses are smaller, space is used so much more efficiently! If we could be more efficient in the U.S. maybe things would be a wee bit better!!!!!!

Maybe because it is all new, but most everything seems way cooler here! Even the trash cans are more interesting!

One fantastic things about Europe, is the Public transportation! Buses, mettro, train, they have so many ways of getting around. My personal favorite is Bicing. It is basically a bike company that has bikes all around the city, one has a little card and can use a bike whenever, to get to wherever. When you are finished, you just bring back the bike to one of the storage places! Imagine if we had that back home, and with decent bike lanes! It would be totally fantastic!!! We could also save on gas and people would get more exercise!

Being away, has made me appreciate home a lot more! For instance, in Sebastopol, I can just walk down to the market and pick up some fresh, organic produce. However, here, besides the local market(which is totally amazing), there are just supermarcados and tiny, weird little fruit stores. So I am pretty darn lucky to live where I live for this reason. I have also learned to appreciate my own house. I love my house! And it is nice to feel settled and know where everything is.

Ok, I am pretty tired, and it is three in the morning here, I have to get up at seven and I have about ten hours of travel a head of me. I need to get at least a couple hours of sleep!

Thanks to everyone who has been reading my blog! It means a lot! I bid you good night from the amazing country of Espana!