Spain I love you

I can see myself being here for a while. I love the culture, language, food, people and experiences. Since being in Spain I've met some amazing people and had some really life altering experiences and reflections. I was told traveling has the power to change you, and I feel changed. Learning how to cope, let go and evolve, I've learnt what's important and how to live in the present with out regretting the past or anticipating the future. I've learnt to ask myself "what's wrong with now?" and to live for now. I've learnt the world is a mirror and if you go out smiling it will smile back. I've learnt the impact the happiness of those who are special to me has on my own happiness and the power of a strong friendship. I love the affect solitude has on your thoughts and how when you travel your true self shines through. I love learning to enjoy my own company and not needing someone else to be there.

I love a lot about traveling and I've learnt so much about myself. Opportunities open up when you least expect it and my path is constantly changing.

So it's a few days till my 22nd birthday, feel like so much has changed in my last year of life. I'm in San Sebastian in spain for one! It's amazing here, right on the coast of northern Spain. It's the first time I've seen waves since I've left the beautiful beaches of Australia. I left Madrid early this morning for a full day on the bus crossing through the middle of Spain and reaching a place I've been Excited to see for months. Madrid was beautiful, it's the capital so is a buzzing metropolitan full of tall buildings, bustling shopping squares, amazing restaurants, theatre, and a rare romance I've only found in Spain.

Annie and I met a few cool guys (Aussies of coarse) on the roof top terrace of our bar and spent a few casual nights and lazy days together exploring Spain. We went out for traditional dinners of tapas and sangria and wandered the streets at night, which is when I really think they come
alive; with street performers, buskers and beggars. One of the days Annie and I made our way to a beautiful old park and found some space on the grass under the tree; we talked about home and how we've found travelling by ourselves. We sat and ate strawberries and read our books for a while before heading back in the afternoon breeze to our hostel for a relaxed night on the terrace and a early night sleep.

On the only early morning I could manage in madrid I joined a free walking tour.... Thank god it was free! I could have led a more informative and interesting tour. We literally walked the streets stopping for an unnecessary amount of time at average sites and receiving relatively common sense information. "this area is famous because this building was once a gaol". End of discussion on that area. Me and one of the boys lingered at the back giggling to ourselves and plotting an early escape before the awkward tourguide walk around asking for tips! I went straight home after loosing the group to get Annie and walk the streets ourselves. Before heading out though I had to check one of the facts the tour guide had given us. "this is the oldest restaurant in the WORLD!"... "really" we thought to ourselves. But google reassured me she wasn't all that useless and yes now it can be confirmed that I have visited the OLDEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD! I'll try to keep my excitement contained!....

Annie and I really wanted to watch a flaminco show in Madrid. However we had troubles finding one open and with a show for the night we had free, so with that unsuccessful we opted for plan B watching the new Disney movie "Brave" at the cinemas. It was in English and was only seven euro! Tip- don't take a 22 year old boy with you, they will NOT enjoy it. Ooops

So now I sit outside my luxury, wait for it, 4 star hostel. That annie and I booked for my birthday. It was a hell of a hike with my massive bag from the drop off point so I'm regaling my composure and trying to make myself look less like a filthy backpacker. Annie is going to head in first and try and get us a free upgrade! She looks more the part and would probably have a better chance convincing the reception than the hippy, five month traveler version of myself, that's now sat on a patch of grass laying on her backpack.

Can't wait to see what San sebastian has in store.

Next time you can't wait for what's coming next, ask yourself "whats wrong with now?" otherwise you'll waste your life living for the future....