I Never Know How to Title These...

Rome

I went to Rome last weekend for 3 days. It was absolutely beautiful. Italian food is now, by far, my favorite. What we discovered on our journey was that the small unknown places were the most special. The Vatican and the Colosseum were absolutely incredible and the weekend was filled with experiences like this, but what was the most amazing part of the experience were all of the random things and places that we found. My friends and I originally went to Rome because it coincidentally lined up with a date that one of my favorite bands was playing there. The Arcane Roots are from Scotland and hardly ever come to the states, so this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. They absolutely killed it and we got to meet the band afterward. I was also able to get a setlist and get it signed by the whole band. It was such an amazing experience. After the show we were looking for a taxi or a train but it was 1am and we were in a neighborhood area. We re-gathered at the train station. We found some Italians that had also been to the show and were planning on staying in the train station until the next train left at 6am. We were able to come to a deal with them to split a taxi back to our hostel (40 minutes away). I also offered for them to stay with us for the night for free so that they could have somewhere safe to sleep. Thankfully we all made it home safe and had a great nights rest. Aside from me getting food poisoning, the rest of the trip went incredible and I am so fortunate to have been able to have such a unique experience.

Other stuff

I have been in Sevilla now for almost 2 months and I have 11 weeks left here. It is incredible to me how far I have come as a person thus far. When I first got here for the first 3 weeks, everything was new and fun and exciting. The next 3 weeks gradually got a little harder each day. I started missing my family, friends, and Cruces a lot more. Lately, I have been having a lot of realizations and am really starting to settle in to living here. I do miss everyone, but I know now more than ever that being here has been a priceless experience for me. I wish I could share this experience with everyone else. But that is another beautiful thing that I am learning on this journey. I don't need to share all of my experiences with someone else.

NYE

For New Year's Eve I have plans for the second year in a row to see one of my favorite bands perform in their home atmosphere. Last year, I was able to see the Avett Brothers with my mom front row in Raleigh, North Carolina. This year I have upped the ante and will be seeing my all time favorite band, Biffy Clyro in their home country of Scotland. For those of you that don't know this band, I am not surprised whatsoever. All I can say, is that their average show size in the US is about 100 people, and their average show size in Europe is in the 10,000 plus range. I can't wait to celebrate a new beginning, and a new Maki with my favorite band and some Scottish friends that I met at a US Biffy Show. 


Family

While I am doing my best to stay living in the moment, there are many times that I think about my family. I miss them dearly and can't wait to get the care package that my mom sent me. I'm also very fortunate to have a great group of friends that, in my family's time of need, have stepped up to help them move into a more affordable house for the incoming babies. A special shout out to Jacob Flores, Marc Medina, Frank Sage, and Ryan Mayhew. I love you guys and can't wait to see you again soon. It's still hard to believe that I will be coming home to 3 more siblings. In less than a year, I will be going from 0 siblings to having 6. I am so blessed and can't wait to help in mentoring these kids. For all my Newkies, have no doubt, the first object these kids will be grabbing is a tennis racket.

Concluding

This has been a strange experience for me typing my experiences but I want to keep my friends and family informed, in case they would like to be. I hope my American friends are having an amazing week. Please contact me if you are ever bored or would like to talk to me. I am almost always free to talk. Until next time!!

- Ryan