The first morning I woke up back in Sevilla I had to wait a few moments before I remembered where I was. The heat reminded me soon enough, and made me miss waking up in the cool Danish mornings beneath a nice big, proper blanket, and looking outside at the lush green countryside. Denmark happens to be experiencing one of its coolest summers in years, and we had several days of rain while we there. Although the Danes were longing for beach weather—and we enjoyed the few days that were actually sunny just as much as they did—the rain was very soothing for Rob, Anna and me, coming either from roasted southern Spain or drought-stricken BC.

Back in the dry heat of Sevilla (which is experiencing one of the hottest summers in years, incidentally), I reflected longingly but happily on our visit to Denmark. Whether it was raining or shining, I just loved being around trees again—big, leafy, happy green trees—and running water, the sighing ocean, open meadows and fields swaying in the breeze. Northern Zealand, as the area is called, is also an extremely idyllic part of the world, which is home to some of the most enchanting and adorable houses I’ve ever seen. Rob described it as stepping back in time, and it really does feel like that for someone coming from a young country like Canada or Australia, where castles and thatched roofs are few and far between. Denmark is also known for its modern architecture, and for the most part, even the simplest buildings there have style.

Sevilla’s charm is entirely different, but it is also fun to be back in this lively culture among all its al fresco dining and ornate architecture. I’m ready to get back into our Spanish experience and embrace our remaining time here. I still miss Canada and all my family and friends of course, but I’ve been away enough time to have gotten into the swing of things and not long for home so sharply. The intensity of the initial ache has been replaced by a sweet and gentle longing, almost enjoyable. I have experienced this feeling before, having lived in both Denmark and Mexico for nearly a year each time, and I know to savour it. I have never lived abroad before as long as I plan to this time, and I have no doubt there will be times when the ache for familiar faces and places becomes overwhelming. But right now I’m feeling at peace with my surroundings, and quite aware of the fact that our time here is likely to go by before we know it and we’ve got to take advantage of it. Spanish is a beautiful language, and this heat won’t last forever. Soon it will be fall, and then winter, and time to move on.

I have made no secret of that fact that the plan to live several years abroad frightens me. I see now that this fear caused me to resist being in Spain—as exciting and exotic a place as it is—given that it signifies the journey has begun. I had been looking forward to our trip to Germany and Denmark with an excitement I could hardly contain, particularly eager to be reunited with loved ones and walk familiar ground again. I am happy to discover that—now that it has happened—I do not feel simply let down that it is over, but rather strengthened and warmed, and happy to be here. The experience has helped me accept where I am, and to appreciate it on a deeper level. In fact, I’m totally in the mood to dig my hands into this lively, boiling hot city, and soak myself in its crazy Andalusian Spanish. ¡Viva, España!