I was so excited to be back in Madrid after 14 long years. It was my fourth trip to the country. I must say, after the US and the Philippines, Spain has had so much influence and impact on my life. In fact, my life changed completely since I learned to speak Spanish. Because of my fascination with the language, I was given a scholarship by the Spanish government to study in Madrid. Upon graduation, I got a job as a Spanish bilingual teacher, a position I hold to this very day, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I love so many things about this country! I say a lot because not everything about it is lovely (customer service for one here sucks!). That said, I lived here for four years and I went to school here. It was at the University of Salamanca, Spain's most prestigious university, where I eventually received my master's in Spanish language and culture. I spent part of my youth here and I would be lying if I said I don't miss those years. Such carefree years!

Our first day in Madrid was basically spent walking around the neighborhood I once lived in, the Moncloa area. Boy, what memories it brought back. I also love to speak Spanish and where else to speak it but in the country where I improved my Spanish language skills.

There sure were changes. I passed by the hostal where I lived in for a year. The owners, Don Sergio and Doña Susana have long passed, and while I wanted to visit their son, Juanchie, I wasn't even sure he was living himself. Majority of my friends here have likewise left and moved to either the US or other parts of Europe, mainly to London. Some have passed away too.

I keep saying that I would like to spend my summer here next year. I plan to rent an apartment for a month. But the thought of being here without family and friends also scares me. We shall see.