8:20 pm

Wow. Just like last time I arrived in Málaga. So much happened in the first 48 hours! On Saturday, Annelies introduced me to some of her friends. One or two could be gay. They're English and Spanish, all speak both languages. They invited me over for dinner next Saturday night. Should be fun. I went to Mitchell's finca for his brother's postponed wedding reception. I was feeling rather negative about it at first. I felt taken advantage of because he expected me to videotape. And I felt uncomfortable not speaking Spanish well enough. I sat with Andrés' brother and his friends. We didn't talk a lot a first, but after I put the camera down and we all had a few drinks, we became fast friends. I was getting very tired and jumped at the chance to come back to Málaga with Mitchell at 4:00 am. But "the guys" talked me into staying and going out with them. We went to Lemon, but couldn't get in. I met another friend of theirs who is learning English. We agreed to meet today at the beach, but I couldn't find him. I don't even know his name, but he was kinda cute. Lots of potential. Almost all the guys last night were good-looking -- and single. I didn't get in until 7:00 am. Got up at 1:30 pm. But I'm making friends! It's great! I decided to take the apartment here. Annelies and De are here and at least two gay men. That's nice. Once again, things are really looking up. I'm thinking of buying a TV tomorrow. And small speakers for my CD player. Now I'm locked out of Annelies' apartment. I forgot my keys. Frustrating. I just want to be settled in my new place. Although I don't know where I'll fit everything! And I want to get so much more stuff.

10:30 pm

I am fighting hard to stay awake right now. I can't believe how tired I am. But Annelies is washing the floor and I have to wait for it to dry, of course. Shit. It's probably best to stay up, though. Get my body adjusted. I managed all right getting here from the airport. Mitchell wasn't there. In fact, I still haven't gotten ahold of him. I don't especially want to go to his party tomorrow anyway. But I should. Maybe Annelies will go with me. Anyway, I took a taxi to the bottom of the hill where I live and then leapfrogged my baggage up the slope. I looked at a studio apartment available here. It's so small, but it's only $230/month. We'll see. I just want to get settled. And I could stay there for 3 months and then move if Bob, Jenny or Alyssa come. I rode my bike down the beach today. I loved it. Yes, it was worth the hassle!

5:00 pm

I can't believe it's over already. I barely got a chance to write in my journal. I hate that. So much has happened. It's been a fantastic 2 weeks. We had a great party at Karen and Rick's last weekend. Played and played. So much fun. I forgot about how much fun my friends and I have when we're together. I miss them! Everyone was so great to me. I borrowed Barb's and Jane's cars, stayed at Matt & Eli's and Karen & Rick's. They spent so much money on me! Patrick had people over for a barbecue. I really am lucky! And I'm not ready to go back yet. I'm trying my best to get excited about it. But I must admit that I really love this country! The conveniences! Fast food. Shopping. Cars. Television. The easy life. So difficult to walk (or fly) away from. I'm in Chicago now. Waiting. We've been sitting in the plane for 2 1/2 hours, waiting out a storm, and now the long lines of planes ahead of us. I managed to get here from Detroit and run downtown to the Spanish Consulate this morning to get my "working papers." I also have my bicycle in tow. That will be so nice to have in Málaga! And my CDs! I am looking forward to finding an apartment, but I'm anxiety-ridden about the job. So much to do. Pressure. It's always there. Frustration, too. But, I need to go for it! Just Do It! I will succeed! It will be fantastic! Jenny is pretty sure of coming in October. Alyssa wants to come, too. I talked to Bob last night. He's still thinking about it, but didn't sound overly positive. So I continue on - alone. One day at a time. Enjoying the ride. The experiences! I've spent too much money these past two weeks. $1000 on the flight. $200 on clothes. $100 on books. Probably another $100 on other stuff. Oh, $250 on a CD player and CDs. The check for $9000 from my dad's estate has shrunk fast. So I'm not as rich as I had hoped. I hope I can make $2000 - $2500 a month at work. That'd be nice. Mitchell might pick me up at the airport in Málaga. Otherwise, it'll be a major pain to transport my stuff. Sabena Airlines has the worst music selection on the headsets!

(Wednesday) 10:00 am 24 June 1992

Wow. Been home a week already. So much going on! Stayed with Matt and Elizabeth the first few nights. We had a really nice time. Spent Friday night getting stoned at Jenny's. Had a "literary brunch" at Jane's on Sunday. Went to a surprise graduation party for Barb Gough and saw Bob and Alec and Paul and Bonnie on Saturday, although I missed the Wasung reunion. Saw Becky Sunday night. Went to Mr. Joe's and Taco Bell with the Bloomfield gang. Busy, busy! But I'm having fun. Staying at Karen and Rick's now. Gosh, I love their house in the 'burbs. Some day. But not now. Talked to Bob briefly. He sent me a wonderful card. He's still pursuing plans to go to Spain for 3 - 4 months. Jenny hopes to come in the fall. Beth Chasco will visit in September. Fun! Haven't seen Dingo yet! Bob and Alec are pregnant again. Donna still is. So much for a quickie update.

(Wednesday) 3:00 pm 17 June 1992

Oh, the dreaded lay-over in Montreal. It was snowing when I was here 4 1/2 months ago. Almost made it! Only 2 hours left! Elizabeth is picking me up at the airport. I've been talking to a woman from Ann Arbor sitting next to me. Talking politics, EC, Supreme Court. It's so nice meeting cool people. So much to look forward to these next weeks! I enjoyed wandering around London yesterday. Bought some books and CDs. Had dinner in Chinatown. I love London. Shame about the weather. Actually, it was nice yesterday. Better than Málaga's been. I'll be in the humidity of Detroit soon!

3:00 pm

Back in my beloved England. I do enjoy this place. It's so comforting for some reason. I love this train ride from Gatwick to London. The British countryside. The weather always a bit dreary. I talked to Keith this morning, but they were off to Cornwall, so I'll have to find a place to stay tonight. I remember a nice youth hostel right near Victoria Station. I'll try it. I can't wipe the smile off my face.

11:30 pm

Spending my last night in my home of the past four months. Feeling a bit melancholy. A lot of good times were had here. It seems so long ago.... Practicing Sevillanas in the living room, getting philosophical on the terrace, sleeping with Bob in the bedroom! But, God knows, I'm ready to get out of España for a while. Matt called and I told him how much I was looking forward to coming home. And how fed up I've been with the job. I can't believe how much I've been working. And the weather's been shitty. And I'm sick of speaking Spanish! I was talking to Mitchell this evening. He said he hopes I return. I said of course I will, but I need to get out for a while. We talked about how hard it is to leave friends and family. He convinced me to wait until 9:00 to get my check. Then I was supposed to meet Andrés at a private club. They let me in with my ripped jeans and camouflage backpack and I waited 20 minutes. Then I left. I hate Spaniards sometimes! It really didn't matter because I wasn't going to cash the check now anyway. It will be nice to have money when I return. So, tomorrow I go. I wish I didn't have to spend the night in London. I haven't been able to get ahold of Keith, either. Oh well. We'll see what happens. Another adventure awaits.