The States in Spain

So this post is far overdue, and it going to be a little all over the place, so stay with me; I promise it has a point. I have seen far more of the United States than I thought I would here. There is always a hint of the States including music(I have heard "Blurred Lines" more than I would like to admit), food(the good ole McDonald's is just down the street) and the media in general. I am always surprised about the amount of clothing in stores that has something to do with the United States. There is often a piece of clothing with a U.S. flag or writing about New York or California. I think no matter where I go, there will always be a hint of the United States.

Along with the parts of the U.S. here already, I have brought a little here myself. I made french toast, which I think is from the U.S. because no one in my family had tried it before. It reminded me so much of Saturday mornings in Michigan, and then later in the day Javi took Nora and I to the Taste of America store in Valencia. It is essentially a store filled with overpriced junk food, but I had been looking for it for a couple weeks, so I was like a kid in a candy shop. I bought some favorites like peanut butter, candy, mac n' cheese and goldfish. 

I think this whole experience has made me realize what I take for granted back in Michigan, not because it is bad here, but rather because certain things are just not available here. There are some things like driving that I did not even know I could take for granted, but now that I do not have the opportunity to drive, I miss it. It is not just things but also people and experiences. Skyping once a week with my family and talking with my friends back home makes me realize that I have taken our time together for granted. I have learned that just because something has always been does not mean it will always be, so I will be more grateful for the little things here and back in the States.