I left my heart in Italy

Someone once told me: There is always an end to everything.
To this I say: Life is full of surprise...expect the unexpected.

My experiences in Viterbo could never compare to anything else I have lived in my entire life. The people I met, the places I saw, the things I did, all fully stored inside my head where the chances of forgetting are pretty limited. Who's to say that what I thought would be the end was only going to lead to a new beginning. By total and absolute chance (not to mention an impulse decision) I decided to ship half of my 4 months worth of belongings back home...ONLY to realize that my venture around Europe would continue. Yes, I decided it was too soon to end this journey and have extended it for an entire YEAR. Unfortunately, Viterbo will no longer be among the possibilities of places to stay, and that's alright. I wouldn't trade the experience I had in Italy for anything in the world. I couldn't even compare it to anything I've done thus far. It would be a sin to try and make new memories and friends after living through what I have.

Sooo, I've decided to shift my studies else where...Basque Country to be exact. SAN SEBASTIÁN/DONOSTIA. I can already tell this experience will be very very very different than that of Italy.

So far, my interest lies on my favorite hobby in the entire world: creepin'
People watching. Always a joy. This city is probably 10x bigger than Viterbo, which means, more people. I hate to think that who ever is reading this right now comes to the conclusion that I'm just plain weird, hahaha. But you have to admit, people watching is a great time killer. Whilst I creep, I have noticed a few things...so far,

Culture Shock #1
You think American's are crazy for stylin' a pup up? Welp, so are Donostia locals. Not only that..but I think if I were to ever walk my dog without a leash back in the states...well, ¡hasta la vista, perro! You don't see dogs running around as if they were on crack. Nope...they all seem fairly obedient and only stick to the sides of their masters. I am literally dumbfounded every time I see a dog-walker walking his dog without a leash. DUMBFOUNDED.

Culture Shock #2
Strollers with big wheels are in. On this note, so are fancy-shmancy strollers...the kind you would see back in the day.

Culture Shock #3
There is ALWAYS an excuse to party here...

Culture Shock #4
There is no such thing as coffee "to go"
No such thing as a coffee thermal either

Culture Shock #5
I'm no surfer wiz...(although I would like to be one day)...but surfing in 0 degree Celsius weather just doesn't cut it for me...the surfer community sure means business here.

Culture Shock #6
What bread is to Donostia is what tortillas are for Mexicans

Culture Shock #7
I am in bike-ridding HEAVEN!
Bike riders even get their own private sidewalk...exclusively for riding a bike! Gaaaaaaw!

Culture Shock #8
I have yet to see a girl wear her hair in a messy "Britney Spears" bun. Oh, and flip flops are a definite no no.

Culture Shock #9
Went grocery shopping the other day and was charged for a plastic bag (.05 euro cents, but still).

Culture Shock #10
It's been tough trying to keep up with the order, eat, and then pay deal. I hate to admit that the "paying" part almost always manages to slip my mind.