7/13/11 Biona, Spain 11:11pm
I love laptops for many reasons! The reason I love them right now is because I am sitting on a pool deck looking at the Atlantic Ocean (it is getting a little bit too dark to see it now, but 15 min ago I could see it!) writing in my journal. I swam in the pool overlooking the beautiful ocean (not swimmable because of temperature and rocks) and thought how blessed I am to be here at this moment, alive and living this dream that I never even knew existed! I have been thinking a lot in that book/movie “Eat, Pray, Love”. Though I love Julia Roberts I didn’t really like the ins and outs of the movie, but I loved the idea and I feel like in a way I am living that interesting part where you get to know yourself as you travel and meet other people and other cultures. I signed up to have a massage today at the spa (we are in a 4 star hotel! I feel like a princess! Again I feel like I am in Hawaii…I guess Hawaii is my dreamland where I feel the most in paradise and pampered!) and I had to tell them I couldn’t do it because our group was leaving to go to PORTUGAL! It just amazes me every single time how nice people can be! Today the lady didn’t freak out or anything, she was the kindest most cordial person ever and of course it’s part of her job, but believe me I have dealt with people who are doing their job and are still not very nice doing it! Needless to say I just loved her and her kindness. She helped me pick which massage to get and explained them all very well and once again I loved hearing the dichos (sayings) that they say and the way they say them! I love it here! I wouldn’t mind living at this hotel! I have just finished eating a salad by the pool and drinking our complementary beverages. I’ve never had free drinks in the mini fridge before, but these ones are free! It is so cool! I love it and I am listening to the ocean waves with some nice background music and this is my favorite place so far (hotelwise) that we have been to because I love the ocean and it’s just me and it and my computer of course.
Anyway, it’s been a great day! We went o Portugal as I mentioned before and it was so cool! Two countries in one trip. This was a bonus because I didn’t know we were going to get to go! And to top it off we went to this cool place where we could shop! So we were set free in this cool Fortelza to shop for 2.5 hours! Pretty much amazing! (All the while I think my sister is having her baby right now. sidenote)
We also went and saw these ruins that are so old, like years before Christ. It was pretty cool. I feel so blessed to live in the time period that I do and to have the things I do. I didn’t mention that I ate my salad with my fingers because I couldn’t find a fork, but I didn’t really care because I felt like sometimes we should do things out of the ordinary so we can appreciate the things we have (example: I dropped my napolitanas on the ground at the store after I bought them and the box popped open and they both jumped onto the floor. In the US I would have told the clerk or something and asked for new ones, but here I just picked them up and I’ll eat them for breakfast tomorrow after dusting them off (maybe share some with someone else!!jk!) and move on! But that’s just me! My group has gotten to know me pretty well! That’s just the way life is. You take it as it comes and enjoy it, because one day I’m going to turn around and wonder where it all went.
Today as we passed the beach in the city next to us I thought, “Man I wish I could go back to being 16 again, but have the knowledge I have now.” and then I thought about it…but how could I have learned all the things I needed to learn if I had the knowledge I do now? I guess I wouldn’t change a thing, because I really have learned a lot through experiences. I am very blessed. Well it’s 11:37 and I’m getting tired. I need to go to bed, but know that I have a great life and am very blessed with or without a fork to eat my salad!!! I might move to California and live by the beach though! That thought keeps creeping into my mind! (has been for years!) Have a great day/Night!
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Churros con chocolate una vez mas! yum!
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| I have missed the American flag! And look Uruguay is right next to it! |
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| This is the view from the pool deck! |
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| Hna Orullian this is for you! Every time I see these flowers I think of you! |
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| Portugal right behind me!!! So cool! |
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| Los Castros |
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| Yum Yum Yum! Ice cream in Portugal! |
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| Our wonderful professors! |
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| Horreo...they store grain and food in these so they don't mold |
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| I love all the boats!!! |
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| Looking out from our hotel! |
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| Our huge room! I have the extra bed! Love it! |
Hi Becca! I have been reading your posts. How fun to have this experience. You are too cute. I miss your exuberant personality and your faith and optimism. Keep having a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteYou look like you're having so much fun! Why do you think of me when you see those flowers? Haha. I don't get it.
ReplyDeletefinally, something I recognize fore sure! I went to Biona, too! I thought it was so cool that that is the city where the explorers came back and first reported finding America. Can you imagine how exciting that must have been. And, from the fashion show post- I bought a blue and white striped shirt just like the red and white striped shirts in your picture. I'm so happy that you're having such a magical and grateful and joyful trip!
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