"A Pomegranate in the Hand of God"

As I embarked on the journey back to Pittsburgh, I reflected on my two-week vacation in Granada. I was asked by several people if and how my initial impressions of Granada changed over the years. As Javier put it, the surface of the city may have experienced change, but la esencia remains the same. It's true that stores and fashions have come and gone; even the culture has evolved and adapted. However, the essence of Granada is strong and here to stay.

How can I best explain Granada? It is not the perfect city, but rather it is perfectly wonderful for me. It is a place where everyone takes to the street, yet no one's in a hurry. A place with free tapas, hippies and gypsies, thick accents and pomegranates. A place where a long and dark history has crafted a profoundly passionate culture. A place where I still hope to plant roots someday.



So what's next for me, then? Four years have given me a more mature perspective, which made my return transition easier. Unlike last time, I understand that I am not meant to stay in Granada (for now, anyway). I made a commitment to finish pharmacy school in Pittsburgh, and I intend to see it through. After a few short months, I will finally be free to spread my wings and see what's in store. And so, for the moment, it's hasta luego, Granada--never adiós. In the meantime, I am exited and grateful to spend a week in Pittsburgh with family and friends for the holidays.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone reading a very special holiday season.

Stay tuned: up next, a pharmacy rotation in a Malawian hospital!