Adios España

Those of you who know me or have been following my blog
know that my 1 year sabbatical in Spain, ended
up being 12 years!

I spent 1 year on the island of Mallorca,
and then 11 years in Seville.





But the time has come to say "adios" to the country
that has been my adopted home.

Whilst you are reading this I will
be making my way across Europe.

I am SO excited about returning to the UK, but
there are so many things I will miss about this beautiful
country, such as these flowers 10 minutes from
where I lived




I'll miss al-fresco dining for 9 months of the year




I'll miss the smell of fresh bread that greets
me every morning




I'll miss paella on the beach most weekends







I'll miss being bare-foot most days




I'll miss gorgeous colors all around me






I'll miss churros and chocolate for breakfast
at the weekends





I'll miss traveling everywhere on 2 wheels:
as a passenger on my husband's Vespa (holding
on for dear life most days, but enjoying the ride)



I'll miss my beloved bike which I used when I 
wanted a more leisurely form of travel "sin"
 husband + helmet hair!




I'll miss my wonderful friends who proved to me
love and friendship has no language barrier.
When you don't have family in the country,  friendships
take on an even more special meaning, and saying
goodbye to some has been one of the most emotional moments
of my life (and I'm usually not an easy crier ;-) But this
time I shocked everyone, even myself!








I'll miss finding grains of sand in between 
the pages of my book





But sometimes when you
know you have made the right decision,
you just have to hold your head high,
try not to cry
and say goodbye




Adios España. You will always
have a special place in my heart.






p.s please forgive me if I don't respond to comments immediately, miss your blog posts or am absent from other social media platforms. I will be without internet connection for some time :-(

25 comments:

  1. Darling V! Good luck with the big move back across the pond!!! It's going to be hard at first but take your time to slink back into UK/London life!
    I can't imagine what it would be like if I decided to go back to the UK! I'm sure you'll visit Seville again darling.

    p.s Hope your friend is much better now...

    x.o.x.o

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    1. TYSM darling Sandee. Only been back a week and loving every minute. It helps that the weather has been gorgeous. My friend is well and it was lovely to see her up and about before I left Spain.xx

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  2. Ah, welcome back to life in Greyville Vanessa, I think i'd lapse into depression leaving all of that behind.

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    1. Nooooo Tabs! I'm having a fab time being back in the big smoke. Loving every minute.......so far ;-)

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  3. Wow wow wow, you are finally on your way back, lots of emotions I am sure.....and lots of experiences that will always stay with you.

    Have a safe trip!! Xx

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    1. It seems like not so long ago I was discussing my plans with you and you were giving me your loving advice, and now it's happened. Life is not a dress rehearsal. I hope this next phase proves as magical and happy as the last x

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  4. Best of Luck with your return to the UK Vanessa! You're leaving behind so many good things, but I hope you find Happiness and Good Fortune waiting for you back in Blighty!xx

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    1. Hi SK. Yes, really excited about all the wonderful things the UK has that I never appreciated before ;-)

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  5. Best wishes on your journey back home.

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  6. Awww. Bet you are sad to leave. Gorgeous pictures. I'd love to visit Spain some time.
    Beauty and Fashion in Seattle | Cheap Makeup Reviews

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  7. LOVED the beautiful images of Spain ... and it's a wonderful thing that we don't really leave the places that we've been to, they are forever with us. Once you're back in the UK, I'm sure you will feel right back at home and more sure than ever of your decisions. Goodbyes are always difficult ... but here's to new exciting adventures in the future! Best of luck this month in the great transition, Van! xoxo Sandy

    ~Illustrator SANDY M
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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  8. Oh, Vanessa, I know what you are going through. I moved from Seattle, where I lived for 14 years, to Austin 1 1/2 years ago. The change in culture, climate, and leaving friends and family put me in a bit of depression for a while. But sticking with the decision and creating a new life is now reaping so many benefits. It's about planting seeds and being patient while they grow. I hope your move is safe, that you and your husband will grow closer together as a result of the change, and that you will be patient during the re-adjustment process in England.

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    1. Hi R. So far so good ;-) I think the main thing is we were very clear about why we made the decision. So it can only be onwards and upwards from here xx

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  9. Hi Vanessa, What beautiful pictures of Spain. Spain will always hold a special place in your heart and once your settled in the UK you should save a little space/corner in your home to keep the memory of Spain alive. Saying goodbye is never easy, but thank God for the internet. Makes keeping in touch easier. I'm sure going home to the UK will be like putting on that old comfy slipper. Do keep us posted. Will be thinking of you.
    Dee xoxo

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    1. TYSM for your lovely comments Dee. Yes, you are so right about the internet. I don't know how I would feel if it was more difficult to keep in contact with beloved friends such as yourself xx

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  10. Vanessa...I can so relate to this, feeling your sadness at leaving but your excitement as to what is yet to be. I am sure you will embrace it all and my guess is that you will be so busy when you first get settled that it will help with the transition. Just loved all the photos...keep coming back to them, you will need them and before you know it, you will have another chapter just waiting to share.

    Best wishes Vanessa on getting settled...


    Jeanne xx

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    1. TYSM Jeannne. I know you are an absolute pro when it comes to international moves. Hope Vietnam is proving great fun also xx

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  11. Wishing you a fabulous return home! and can't wait to read about the new chapter of your life!!! xo C. (HHL)

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  12. dear vanessa ur such a great writer full of warmth and honesty i was nearly crying reading this. i really wish u every happiness wit ur move home i cant imagine how hard it must have been after all those years especially to ur lovely friend who u had previously mentioned i hope she is fit and healthy again. i know u loved Spain but Im sure u have made the right decision always remember what a certain young girl from kansas city once said "there's no place like home" . much love and kisses from ur Irish friend xx leonie.

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  13. TYSM for your lovely comments. Great to see you here xx

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  14. Awww! love your comments Leonie; you are such a sweetie. Yes, Dorothy hit the nail on the head, just got to get me some red shoes ;-)

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  15. Wishing you very safe and heart-enriching travels, dear Vanessa!! Hope you settle in beautifully to your new home and find kindred spirits to help make your life beautiful. XO

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Your comments make my day!