Back in America!

This is probably one of the last, if not the last, post I'll be making over my experiences abroad and it's a bitter sweet feeling.

I arrived home on the 21st of December, and could not be more ecstatic to see my family, friends, sleep in my own bed, and so much more, but at the same time, I knew that it wouldn't be long before I was missing Sevilla.

Before I go into some of the more sappy stuff, I feel that I should summarize the whole returning to America thing and customs. I feel like this will be useful, considering that I had no idea what I was doing and maybe this will help someone in my same position. It's basically just a series of checkpoints were you will have to reclaim your luggage when you arrive in the United States, but here are a few tips to make the process easier.

First of all, I brought back plenty of gifts for my family and friends and had to claim all of it at customs. I would suggest packing on the stuff you bought abroad in a separate suitcase as to avoid having to open up multiple bags.

Second of all, have a general idea of what all this stuff costs, as it will save you time filling out paperwork.

Third, make sure to revue airline policies, as they can vary. Also, remember that this can be an intimidating moment, at least it was for me, but I the whole process is pretty quick and as long as you're organized then you'll be fine. Though the process may be quick, it should not be relegated as unimportant. Carrying illegal things, such as meats or fruits, could lead to big fines starting at $1,000, so be responsible!

Finally, I just want to say that these last four months have been some that I will not forget. The culture of Spain was amazing and I'm truly having trouble adjusting back into my American lifestyle. I thought that I would be happy to see 24 hour stores and have the luxury of air conditioning, but I often find myself missing the emphasis that the Spanish culture puts on family and all the little things. Those Sundays where most stores were closed provided me time to catch up on my week, talk to family, and just relax. My host mom provided a great environment for me to live and really enjoy my time abroad. I know that i'll miss all the friends I've made and hope that one day I can return to this amazing country.