Moving Abroad Is Like Riding A Roller Coaster

Hey Travelers! I have a little over a week until I move to Spain. And I gotta’ say, at this stage in my journey, moving abroad… it feels like I’m waiting in line to get on one of those crazy rides at a theme park. I have written this piece below.

Moving to Spain…

It feels like I’m waiting in line to get on a ride at an amusement park. There are a few people in front of me and a long line behind me. It’s too late to turn around now. I mean I could but, I would look like a chicken, and the best part of the ride is the thrill. If the ride was boring, mundane, and expected there would be no riders.

I look ahead. I see a giant contraption made with twists and turns glistening in the sun. It looks intimidating. The ride’s operator just finished his routine check of making sure all his passengers were buckled and ready for the ride. He returns to his booth to start the ride.

I peer over and look at the faces of the passengers as the ride begins to start. Some are excited; they already have their arms and hands extended above their head. They are pumped, screaming with excitement. “Wooo! Let’s do this,” one person exclaims.

Others are obviously nervous, as they clutch onto their handlebars, beads of sweat dripping down their face.

The two types of passengers, the thrill-seekers and the scaredy cats, both feed into my psyche as I stand under the hot sun waiting in line. After observing those who went before me, I feel increasingly excited but nervous.

Moving Abroad…Waiting with Anticipation

It’s been a minute since the first batch of riders left the starting station. In a minute or so, it will be my turn to get on the ride.

The guy standing next to me in line asks if I’m ready. I tell him, sort of. Regardless, it’s our turn next. He replies that it will be over in a blink of an eye.

The first batch of riders has finally returned. The bars unlock and they exit the ride. I overhear someone saying “Let’s do it again!” I hear another say “I’m glad that over. I’m not getting on that thing again if you paid me.”

They were two passengers on the same ride who shared completely different experiences.

The operator calls the next batch of participants. He scans my wristband. I chose the seat in the middle, in my mind, the safest option.

My heart is pounding and my thoughts are racing. I’m excited to finally be on the ride. I’m hoping it will be okay. I clutch the handlebars in front of me. My palms and forehead drip with sweat. I don’t know what’s in store. I’m ready. I want this ride to go.

The operator comes around and checks to make sure everyone is secure. He goes to his booth. The ride is finally starting. I take a deep breath.

Here I go. Moving Abroad… Let’s do this…

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