My parents figured now was as good a time as any (while they’re two daughters were off galavanting the globe) to take their first international trip. They decided on Spain because they heard it had warm weather, nice people, and good food — plus Hannah’s boyfriend was studying in Spain at the time, and she was already over there visiting him.
I arrived in Madrid about the same time my parent’s flight was scheduled to land. Pushing my way through hoards of people in the international terminal, I spotted them and started running. My mom wrapped me up in the tightest hug she’s ever given, and held me for a good 3 minutes straight. We caught a train down to meet Ben and Hannah in Seville and spent the next several days going to soccer matches, drinking beers outside on cobblestone streets, and eating way too much paella and piping hot churros w/ chocolate dipping sauce.
A few days later, I picked Mickey up from the local bus stop at 4 AM after a 46 hour journey from Australia. (He opted for the cheapest journey possible, which meant 4 separate flights with ridiculous layovers, a train ride then an overnight bus). I thought he’d be exhausted and basically pass out in the car, but after 46 hours being able to converse with a single soul, all he wanted to do was talk. I brought him back to our AirBnB, made him some food and we quietly caught up for a few hours until my parents walked out of their bedroom at 7 AM in pajamas, shook his hand and said “nice to meet you.” Things were fakey-nice for about 4 hours, but then... Mickey kinda just settled in as one of our own. Like an arm, or something, we didn’t even know we were missing until now.
“He fits,” my dad smiled.
“I like him,” said my mom.
Other Spain memorable highlights include: visiting Alhambra and the Seville Cathedral, hiking the Sierra Nevada mountains, and someone saying “cervezas muchachos?” around noon every day.
After 2 weeks, everyone was ready to go home and sleep in their own bed, and Mickey and I were off to Turkey for my cousin’ss wedding. I was so sad to part with my family, but equally as excited to jet off on the next chapter of my adventure. This time, just me and Mickey.
Next up: Turkey 🇹🇷
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