Last Day in Sevilla, the Journey Home & Re-adjusting

After wrapping up our final European adventure in Nice, it was time to head back to where it all began, Sevilla, Spain. Our flight back felt surreal. I couldn’t believe that I was just one day away from boarding my flight home to Honolulu. Everything I had anticipated for so long was suddenly here. I remember thinking that May felt so far off when the semester first started, and now it had arrived in the blink of an eye.

Thankfully, I had already packed everything before the trip, so I had one last free day to enjoy Sevilla without stress. I met up with a close friend to walk through the city center, do a bit of shopping, and share a delicious lunch and gelato. We spent hours reminiscing about our semester abroad, laughing at our favorite memories and trying to grasp how fast it all went by.

Later that afternoon, I met another friend for a sunset picnic in María Luisa Park. We started at Plaza de Espana for one last walk, and it truly felt like a full circle moment. That plaza was the first place I visited when I arrived in Sevilla, and now it was the final spot I’d see before leaving. Walking those same paths for the last time made me a little teary eyed, especially thinking about all the mornings and afternoons I spent here on my way to and from school.

That evening, after our picnic, we said our final goodbye. This was the actual last one, the last hug, and last wave. I headed home to settle in for one last night in Sevilla, reflecting on everything that had happened, knowing I was about to start the next chapter of my life.

The journey back to Hawaii was long but, thankfully, smooth. I has one concern which was my short layover in Zurich, less than an hour, but everything went accordingly. I was beyond relieved when I saw that both my luggage and I made it onto the next flight to Toronto on time, and eventually on the final leg back to Honolulu. After three long flights and countless hours of travel, I stepped off the plane and was greeted by the warm, moist Hawaiian air, it felt like a hug from home.

I assumed I wouldn’t be too jet-lagged, but I was completely knocked out for the first two days. On the third day, I had plans to hang out with friends, but every time I sat down, I found myself dozing off for a quick nap. Once the fatigue wore off, I was finally able to enjoy being back. There’s something special about being home, seeing familiar faces, driving through my old neighborhood, and of course, eating all the spicy local foods I had missed so much.

Now that I’ve been home for a little while, I’ve had time to reflect. I miss Europe deeply, its charm, culture, and everyday surprises, but I’m also so happy to be back in my homeland. I was definitely homesick at times, and it’s been comforting to be surrounded by my family, friends, and routines again. That said, my semester abroad was truly life-changing. It helped me grow into a better version of myself. I discovered my love for travel, my ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and the joy that comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone. I learned to say yes more often, be present in every moment, and make the most of each day.

I hope to carry these lessons with me, wherever life takes me next. Europe may be far away, but the impact it left on me is close and something I’ll never lose.

Until the next adventure, mahalo and gracias!