During the sermons at church, I would grab a prayer card and draw maps of different countries and mark a star on the position of their respective capitols. I would sketch the skyscrapers that I read about in National Geographic. I could name the capitals of the world long before it was a requirement for school. Call me what you will but an aspiring world traveler has been in the making since I can remember.
My passions have evolved over time – becoming ever more interested in all things Spanish related. Some have even said that a SPANISH DEMON has been growing in me ever since I first picked up the language two years ago. I have decided to submit to my demon and live and study in Madrid for the year. I will continue to study Economics and develop an Honor’s Thesis topic based upon political and economic relationships between the EU and their members. I believe that being in Spain will give me a clearer perspective about my hopeful topic and force me to become fluent.
So here I am today, two days before I take off to Spain for a year. And you ask me what’s on my mind? My teeth! Having visited the dentist twice and an oral surgeon thrice in the past three weeks, you may confuse me as a Brit rather than an American. Looks as if I’ll be visiting some more dentists in Madrid – so stay tuned to see if a root canal is even more hellish across the pond!
Teeth aside, I certainly am not disappointing those small dreams of the Atlas Boy from the fourth grade. And for that I am proud. This blog will be my journal in Spain – I don’t have any clear plans for it other than to inform those that I love back at home on my adventures. Join me, if you’d like, as I travel, stumble, and pick myself up again through Spain and Europe. ¡Hasta pronto!
Me, fourth grade, at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas: one of many "exciting" travels of my youth
Atlas boy you were from an early age! We visited almost every state just so you could see the capitols and get pictures standing next to them. Thanks to many of your dad's army reserve camps we visited states that most would not call vacation states!LOL I think your love of geography helped you win the Geography Bee in the 5th grade and again in the 8th. You were sent to State and almost won that! You did not get this talent from me because it is hard for me to know north from south. Your dad, however, was a great World Geography and History teacher/ Basketball Coach before he became a Principal. We all loved adventure and travel though and that we did alot of....We will see you in Spain soon, Sept. It will be exciting to share our milestone birthdays together in such a wonderful place in the world! Keep Safe, Learn Lots, and know we love you with all our Hearts. MOMA
ReplyDeleteBabbyyyyy, your blog is going to be amazing, I can tell!! You're an INCREDIBLE writer. Get ready to have unbelievable moments in Spain and try to catch them and throw them all on the page before they escape you. I can't believe you're going to be away for a whole year and to be honest I KIND OF hate you for it but when you return I should be getting ready for my last summer before life is over AKA med school so I hope you're ready to party. Be good over there and don't cause (too much) trouble. How much are international flights from SA to Madrid again? xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Robbie! We played that typical traveling game when Katie & Joe were young. I'm referring to the one in which all 50 license plates are observed on the highways & byways. Having found 49, we had all but given up on Hawaii 'til one summer Katie & I were right beside Cullman on I-65 when along came this cute little sports car with that 50th state "finale". Later I revealed the discovery to our son, Joe. It just about broke his heart that he hadn't been in the car with his mom & sis.
ReplyDeleteQuantos anos tiene usted? Are you old enough to be in SPAIN? Please say no. Time hasn't stood still? Oh come on, Robbie, don't do this to your second cousin. No, really have a blasto!
Cousin Glenna (Glee-nuh)
Atlas Boy, how true. You were naming capitals of all the states, it seems like, before you were 9 or 10. And, it's an inherited trait, too...got it from your dad. Oh, what an adventure you have embarked on! I'm sooo excited for you. Anxious to read every blog and see the pix. I'm so proud of you, and wish you safe travels and peace.
ReplyDeleteNannie :-)
Your off Atlas Boy it is about 7 p.m. here so I imagine you are on your way from DFW to Madrid! Cannot wait to hear from you when your plane touches down there ans it is ten a.m there and about 4a.m here! Hope you got some rest and do not have bad jet lag. Take it easy and get some rest the first couple of days! Hope that cold goes away soon and that tooth behaves. Good Night for now. Moma
ReplyDeleteROBS, ESTAS EN MADRID!! ah estoy muy emocionda para vos y voy a estar obnoxious y comment all over your blog, ja (spanglish, mi idioma favorito). y tu foto es ree bien, jaja. skype pronto. CHAU
ReplyDeleteLove it Robyn.... I agree with all you said.? Now the picture of that little Robbie in front of Fort Leavenworth Prison. This is what I meant about some of our vacations were not places most people would go to for family vacations. LOL When is your next blog going to be posted. Cannot wait to hear all about Madrid in it. MOMA
ReplyDeleteRobbie, your dad is now a follower, thanks to the IT staff of Evangel. Hopes all is well. We're looking forward to following the adventure. Stay safe. Your daddy can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks. Blessings.
ReplyDeletewhen i was 11, i memorized every capital of every country in the world. even the tiny weird ones. i thought i had to for school, but i misread the study guide. epic fail for a 6th grader. :)
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