4 weeks down

This weekend was to be one of those perfectly planned out and simple weekends. I had been to London twice already, so I was not worried about much. I was excited to see my friends there and was excited to be traveling with my new Toledo friends. We slept a little less than 4 hours Thursday night so that we could get to the airport early enough Friday for a 8:30 flight. When we got to the airport, however, we learned that our flight was canceled because of bad weather at Luton Airport. Frustrated and exhausted, we haggled with the Easyjet people, who told us that although there was no flight available to London during that day, we could fly out first thing the next morning. In the meantime, they were to put us up in a 4-star hotel in Madrid, complete with paid-for meals and transportation to and from the airport. So not exactly the ideal situation, but it worked out. And we got a nice breather from the hostels we have been used to. 

We got up again the next morning after about three hours of sleep and headed to London, where we learned our hostel reservation had been canceled also. They put us up in one about 30 minutes away from everything. We spent a grand total of about 2 hours there. Although we had less than a day in the city, it was a lot of fun. I got to spend some time with Mary, who I had not seen since August. And it admittedly is always nice to be in an English speaking country. 

We got up ridiculously early again Sunday to make it back to Madrid, and of course I felt sick the entire time. We did not even have time to shower once in London (sick, I know) so I was feeling extra grungy. Later Sunday night after dinner I mentioned to Jani that I felt slightly under par because of all the traveling and lack of sleep. When I was working on an essay later, she brought me up some delicious Chai tea, milk and honey to help me feel better. I was about to cry. I just miss that feeling of being taken care of, and I realize how at home I feel here. This family is so wonderful and i feel really lucky. 77 days. Why am I counting?? I don't know. I feel so exhausted lately. I love it here and I am still learning so much everyday, but being with this great family makes me miss my own also. And then there's the prospect of Chicago this summer, and Marion next year...