A very Preshco farewell

In true Preshco fashion, Tuesday's farewell party was a total blast. The evening started with a performance form the guitar class, and was followed by our Sevillanas spectacular. Jess and I brought down the house with our dance. It wasn’t that our dance skills were anything impressive, but between her matador suit and our combined enthusiasm, it was enough to get the audience really psyched. 

Jess on the stairs at Circulo de Amistad

The lovely couple

Traje de Sevillanas

Dress and hair

Proud papa, Carlos. 

After the performances (and a change of costume) the real party began. There was a huge selection of tapas, wines, and a live band to entertain the evening as we chatted amongst professors, family, and friends. 

With Maricarmen, Carlos, and Kim- the family of Calle Postrera

With Maricarmen and Carlos

Dancing with Jess 

The party ended all too soon, however. I had to catch my 1am bus to Madrid, so I had to get all my things together and head out by around 12:30. Before leaving, I made sure to grab a microphone and thank everyone for everything. I didn't even make it to the microphone before crying, though. I though I would be fine, and not emotional at all, but I was a waterworks standing there in front of a room of 200 people. And from the microphone I went straight to the a taxi. Kim came outside to the taxi with Maricarmen and Carlos and saw us off. I know I'll see her again soon, but we both clung to each other and sobbed. She was a wonderful housemate.

Kim and I with our "diplomas" (hats) from the Universidad de Córdoba

Maricarmen and Carlos brought me to the bus station and saw me off. I cried again when I left them- they were really amazing host parents. I get the idea that they travel though, so I hope I'll see them again on the other side of the ocean.

The overnight bus ride was long and sleepless, and I arrived in Madrid just as the sun was rising. Check-in included some last-minute weight re-distribution in my suitcases, but I made it with two suitcases at the exact 23 kg limit. I slept some on the flight from Madrid to JFK, but the anticipation and excitement of being in America and seeing my Mom again was too much. And alas....

I finally made it! and apparently I was grinning ear-to-ear when I emerged through security to another tearful reunion. We made the woman next to us cry, too. After some rush-hour traffic coming out of the city, and a few more hours of travel, I made it HOME. Walking through the door and seeing my cats and sleeping in my bed has been beyond amazing. Only 24 hours of traveling... and 36 hours of being awake.

There's been more since the first night here, but I'll finish the update another time. I'm still on European time, so its time to get in my wonderful bed again!