10 Things I Wish I'd Done in Spain

My first week in Sevilla, January 2013

In the two and a half years I spent living in Spain, I did and accomplished a lot of things. I learned a second language, starting learning a third in my second, traveled to 15 new countires and got to know a few others quite closely, hiked mountains, biked on deserted beach for miles, made friends, lost friends, slept on couches all over Europe, and so much more. But in that time, there was also a lot that went left undone. Some of the things are ones I can live without doing, but there are some I really do wish I'd done. These are them...

1. Taken guitar lessons. I probably would have, if I’d known how long I was going to stick around. Or maybe not, who knows. Learning the Spanish (classic/flamenco) guitar was on my list of things to do when I moved there, but then I learned how difficult it is, and figured in the five months I was going to stay (hahahah), I wouldn’t have time to make too much progress. Though I probably could've managed to get it down in the 30+ months I ended up staying.

2. Taken flamenco classes. Would be so cool to be able to dance a bit of flamenco. Same logic from above applies here.

3. Changed regions for my final year -- I had such an amazing experience in my last year, but it was not really ideal. And, to spend all that time in the same part of the country, I can't help but feel I wasted a bit of time I could have used to explore/familiarize myself with a different region and culture of the country. But, oh well.

4. Taken a cooking class. Even though I did when I studied in Bilbao, the food is really different in the south, and it would have been another great kitchen experience to have.

5. Gotten more involved in the free workshops, courses, and presentations that are offered in Sevilla. (In regards to spirituality, alternative living, health, etc.) I could have been studying and learning so much about things that interest me, but I made too many excuses as to why I shouldn't -- I don't have a good enough grasp on the language, I don't have time, I don't want to add more scheduled events to my schedule, etc, etc, etc...

6. Been more serious about blogging. I blew a MAJOR career-ish chance there.

7. Traveled more within the country, as opposed to thinking any long weekend or holiday MUST be spent going to another country. Although, I have visited/seen a really good portion of the country, there is still SO much I left untouched, and I'm pretty sure it's most of the best.

8. Gone to South Africa. It’s still really far from Southern Spain, but it’s a lot closer than going from California.

9. Made multiple trips to Morocco. Still can’t believe I didn’t. I mean, I could have been there in less than two or three hours, but well, I'm not going to give this one too much energy, becaues it's over and done with.

10. Not been so afraid to speak Spanish. Sure I can speak now, but I spent a long time not talking because I was too insecure.