I already wrote a post about Taking experiences home with me from this trip, and a big part of that is continuing to practice my Spanish. I also plan to add some Spanish influence into my cooking which leads me into the next of my three areas of thought before coming home: new projects and goals.
New Projects & Goals for my return to the US
- Cooking - From paella to pulpo, I have tasted so many delicious local delicacies on this trip, many of which I would love to attempt to recreate at home. I have also been inspired by different flavor and ingredient combinations that I haven't seen before. As someone who lives alone in a studio apartment, I have been subject to too many take-out meals because of their ease and variety. But my first goal when arriving home is to learn how to cook properly, healthily and diversely. I have even collected recipes from different people and places along the way and want to post them as a new section within the blog! If you have any easy, tasty, healthy recipes to share - particularly those from other cultures - please send them my way and I may post them! Stay tuned.
- Apartment cleanse - If I was able to live for three months out of one suitcase, I certainly don't need all the stuff that is filling my closet and drawers at home. I didn't buy too many souvenirs, but I did get a couple of things that require hanging - on walls or hangers - so I will need to do a bit of redecorating when I come home. But more than that, I want to dedicate some time to going through everything in my closet (luckily it isn't very big) and get rid of half of my stuff. Clutter is not good for my sanity and I would like to make sure my home is a place of calm and comfort! So, if anyone is interested in a clothing swap or NYC-style garage sale, let me know and maybe we can get something organized!
- Even more active activities - We already know how much I love horseback riding and boxing (both of which I was able to take part in on this trip), so part one of this goal is to do more of that. Riding is particularly challenging because it requires a big time commitment and is not cheap. But while I am in between jobs, I will actually have more time to spend in transport to and from the barn, so I would like to make this a priority. Also, on this trip I tried flying a glider, hiking, hot air ballooning, and camping. I loved some of these more than others, but overall I loved the thrill of trying something new and exciting. I'd love to continue this with different activities, and some that come to mind are rock climbing and maybe sailing! Anyone care to join me?