Hellogoodbye.

So, tonight was my last night working at the restaurant (Antigua Guatemala) as I head back to James Madison University in four short days. It's hard to believe I'm leaving and feels as though I just walked in the door and asked for a job.I knew the restaurant would help hold my spanish over until next semester, but I had know idea how much the people there, who now feel like family to me, would help me to learn and grow. From picking up Guatemalan slang& learning how to make fried plantains, to experience what it feels like to be part of a huge hispanic, restaurant owning family, these people have changed my life. The Hispanic culture is a friendly, loving, family oriented phenomenon that takes your breath away when you're surrounded by the cell phone, internet, and appearance focus of American culture. Mishelle told me the other day, "You're white with a little Hispanic in you, because you're different, you know? You're friendly." I've never been more proud. I cannot wait to go back to the restaurant, despite the horrors of cleaning the mens bathroom and the hard-working mentality of a hispanic small business. The culture of the restaurant is intriguing, heart warming, and feels like home. I also can't wait for the chapter of life that I'm slipping back into as I move my new indie-themed decor into a small suite with some of my best friends=) Life is bittersweet &brimming with surprise endings.