antes de salir

It's almost a week before I fly to Cantabria for my Third Year Abroad, where I'll be spending 8 months teaching English to Spanish kids in Torrelavega! Heady stuff, BIG DEAL. My feelings are pretty mixed about the whole thing, frequently veering between utter terror at the thought of leaving behind my life here (which is pretty lovely at the moment) and complete joy at the prospect of beginning a whole new one in Spain. Overall, however, I'm leaning on the optimist's side; the opportunity to eat/sleep/drink/speak/talk Spanish every day is a brilliant one that I am surely going to make the most of!

In terms of preparation, I also hover between feeling wholly prepared and totally caught off guard every time I look at my calendar. I've been aware of my Third Year Abroad (propercasing always required) for so long now, what with the preparation lectures, waiting for the British Council to respond and constant speculation made by fellow third years and myself, that I am no longer convinced that this this is indeed actually going to happen, let alone in seven days time. Hmm, I'll have to wait and see. Will let you know if it does.

Whilst there's a ton of stuff that I'm really looking forward to saying hello to in Spain, I nevertheless want to exorcise some 'leaving' sadness by the way of a goodbye list of some of my favourite things about this fair island:

BRITISH WILD SPACES

One of my great loves is the UK countryside and coastline- the sounds, the smells, the colours, the wildlife, the space. Thankfully Cantabria is known for its beautiful natural surroundings so hopefully I won't get too homesick for the colour green.

THE LIVE MUSIC SCENE

Joiners, I'll miss you! Talking Heads, you too! 

THE BBC

I know, I know, I-PLAYER duh! But still, there's something great about coming across a quality documentary/two-part series whilst idly flicking through the channels.

CUPS OF TEA (or more specifically, the vast array of flavours available in most UK supermarkets)

My Madrilenian amiga requested that I bring two boxes of Lemon & Ginger over for her so I'm guessing that speciality tea hasn't quite found it's market in Spain. I will miss you, Chai tea. And those great guys, Fennel, Mint & Nettle.

MY BLOOMING FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF COURSE

This past academic year as well as the Summer of 2013 have seen me through some of the best moments in my life; Budapest, Barcelona, Bestival are to name but three awesome experiences from this year (all Bs, bizarre). I have so many memories of great times spent with some truly amazing, kind and warm-hearted people. I am always learning from you and your unique outlook on life, your opinions, your ideas. All I can say is that I am one hell of a lucky lady to know each and every one of you (and you know who you are!) so thank you for making my life happy :) I'll miss you! See you soon. 

Here's to you, my life in the UK! See you at Christmas!