Back to Anglo “reality”

Written by on April 12, 2010 in Blog, Spain, Travel - 2 Comments

I laid in my bed at Los Amigos Hostel listening to the hum of people outside my balcony on Calle de Arenal in Madrid.

Decompressing is a tough activity following the six days I spent immersed in English … in a way I never thought possible … with people I never expected to fall so deeply in love with.

I found myself craving Vadelavilla. The people. The way my heart smiled during my time there.

On the Metro earlier in the evening, all I could think about were the participants — both the Anglos and Spaniards.

I listened for Jose’s gruff voice … looked for Miguel’s mischievous smile … listened for Anthony’s infectious laugh  and Emma’s sound effects … searched for Silvia’s shoulder to lean my head … and none of them were there.

These people became my life for six intense days. I woke up with them. I ate with them. I laughed (a lot) with them. I even cried (mostly me when I said goodbye) with them.

And then … I was alone. And it felt really uncomfortable and lonely.

When I started the program, I never expected it to have such an impact. To feel such love towards complete strangers. There is an indescribable feeling knowing you have made an impact on someone’s life simply by being there. They never imagined meeting me, and I never imagined meeting them.

Yet, for some reason, all of our paths crossed. Stories were told. Friendships were made. And life changed.

A week later, I would go through the same thing again, only in Monfrague. But first, there was a week in Madrid.

About the Author

In 2010, Diana Edelman quit her job in PR to go on a solo backpacking adventure and tackle her 30-Life-Crisis. After seven months abroad, journeying throughout Europe and Africa, she returned to America and relocated to Las Vegas. After a year-long stint back in PR and marketing, she recently quit her job to write and travel full-time. She is the Las Vegas expert for OneTravel.com and CheapOair.com, as well as a regular writer for Viator. Diana's writing has been published on The Huffington Post, Matador Network, World Nomads and more. Her dream? To travel the world and share her experiences. If you enjoyed this post, please share it using the social media links above. Your support is much appreciated!

2 Comments on "Back to Anglo “reality”"

  1. andi April 12, 2010 at 5:10 pm · Reply

    as always, love it.

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