I’ve fallen in love with Seattle hundreds of times. Every time the sun comes out after weeks of seemingly unending gray skies and drizzle, after I eat a great local meal, or can marvel at the city’s natural beauty from a new viewpoint, I’m reminded of why my home is so close to my heart.
Every trip back, I discover something new, rediscover old favorites, and yearn for a life that Spain can’t give me. What was once old and familiar is now new and exotic after years of living on the other side of the world.
That’s the expat dilemma—you’re always reminiscing of your life pre-expat, but know that if you were to ever move back, that you’d miss so many things from your adopted country too.
So, during a recent visit to Seattle neighborhood Ballard*, I realized while walking around I was so focused on how I had to leave soon and would miss everything, that I wasn’t enjoying the moment. I chose then and there to remain thankful for the things both Spain and Seattle have given me, and soak up as much as my rainy city as I could before boarding that plane back.
What do you miss most from home?
*All photos are of Ballard, WA
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