Recently I wrote about making big life changes, and now I’m ready to tell you mine!
In less than a month, you might find me at La Playa De Vila Olimpica:
Or getting lost in narrow, winding streets:
This will be my commute:
I will eat tortilla de patatas and drink cafe con leche:
I’ll be surrounded by architecture by Gaudi:
And this will be my skyline:
That’s right, I’m moving to Barcelona. ¡Olé!
I enrolled in a program to get a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certification, and I’ll try to find a short-term teaching position after the program wraps.
There’s no guarantee I’ll get a position (luckily, the TEFL certification is internationally recognized so I can use it anywhere, if I choose), so the shortest amount of time I’ll be gone is 3 months. If I do get a position, I’ll be able to get a work visa and stay longer (six? twelve? months, whatever I want).
Sweet, right?
And thrilling and scary and unbelievable, too.
Since I studied abroad in Seville nine years ago (woah, nine years), I’ve always said I wanted to return to Spain. I talk about wanting to live abroad, be a nomad, travel even more than I do. Become fluent in another language.
Yet … I’ve often held back. Stayed put for a job, a man, a lifestyle. And, no doubt, my lifestyle in Portland is pretty wonderful. But it’ll be here for me when I come back.
This summer, in a strangely mystical series of events, the universe revealed to me that it’s time to fucking woman-up. To quit my job, because it was no longer a fit for me. To pursue this plan, even if it’s not traditional. To take a leap, even if I don’t know what’s on the other side.
So here’s how it breaks down by the numbers:
- In 1 day, I’m done with my job – and my apartment. (Oh, and most of my possessions. I sold a ton of stuff.)
- In 7 days, I fly to Peru to hike Machu Picchu with my mom. (Why not throw in another epic adventure right before Spain?! My mom and I have actually been planning this trip for almost a year.)
- In 27 days, I fly to Barcelona to start the next chapter.
And, then?
Who knows?
I’ll figure it out as I go.
And the uncertainty, surprisingly, feels really invigorating right now.
Know anyone in Barcelona? Or Spain? Do you have recommendations for places to go, things to see? Dígame, por favor.
Wow! How exciting! Have the time of your life!
Thank you, Alison! I will. :)
Did you read Shadow of the Wind? That’s all I can think about when I’m picturing shady mysterious alleys in Barcelona!! So excited for you, dearest darling. xoxox
I haven’t read that. But I prob need a Spanish recipe from you so I can impress the locals. :)
I love your energy and how you are jumping into Life headfirst. It’s like life suddenly becomes Life, when you live it for YOU!
I am reading a book about the Incas called “Last Days Of The Incas” by Kim MacQuarrie. Was thinking alot about Machu Picchu, even before I began this book.. That’s amazing you are going to Peru. Enjoy! Life is truly lived by taking chances, abandoning fear, while following your gut. Cheers! -Carey
Thanks, Carey! I took a look at that book, too…well, skimmed it. Thanks for the support!
life becomes Life when you live it for you!
go for it
Cheers to your adventure :)
-Carey