I headed back to Madrid after Toulouse. I spent my last days in Europe hanging out with Alejandro and slowly getting back to my daily routine.

I’m so thankful to have had this intermediary space as a transition point before going back to Texas. 

This time had me reflecting on how to spend the final days before a big transition. I’ve been here many times. I usually prioritize cleaning and planning, then spending time with loved ones. 

I feel lighter. I feel like I’m leaving with fewer desires than I started. There is a tinge of groundlessness, but it’s only because of the newly cleared space, where once there was a sense of heavy obligatory attainment for the sake of “happiness” and “purpose”. 

I had a 14 hour lay over in Amsterdam. I stayed in this crappy hostel. I thought for almost $40 I’d get a decent hostel. I walked into my room at around 11pm. There were 15 beds in one room! 3 stacker bunk beds. Most of the floor was covered with luggage and clothes. There was one guy in the dark room in his bed. I could only hear the rhythmic breathing from some kind of bong contraption, like Darth Vader was slowly drowning, coming from his direction as I was falling asleep. Later that evening, I was awaken by 3 young Germans who wouldn’t stop giggling as they made their way to bed.

I’d been to Amsterdam many years ago, but it was good to see it again. I would like revisit soon.

The rest of my flight went well, although my luggage didn’t arrive, AGAIN! Iberia failed to make a timely delivery, AGAIN.

Other than that, it was good. I went back to Texas and started my new teaching job training the next day.

Drifting from one reality to another is seamless. Its like picking up where I left off. Its like a dream that sometimes repeats itself, but there is something subtly different.