The Perfect Sunday

Saturday morning Joan and I headed out to our home away from home, IKEA.

This was Joan's first time so I knew he would be like a kid in a toy store. Walking in you are welcomed by visions of what your home could be. The possibilities are endless. We held hands and went from display to display wondering what this would be like and how that would look. After an hour we were famished and stopped at the café to have some delicious apple pie and a coffee.

I absolutely loved spending time with Joan, choosing furniture for our home it's something I have looked forward to for a long time.

After our break we continued on and I learned how indecisive Joan really is. We left our flat knowing what we could spend and what we needed most. Of course, we chose many more things that weren't on the list and left us with little money to spend on the things we really needed-like curtains. In our flat we have big floor to ceiling windows that stretch across the living room and lets all of the sunshine in. During the day I have to wear sunglasses in my home. Curtains are needed.

So far we had "spent" 118 euros and still hadn't added in the chairs and mirrors we had previously picked out. After a long search we found curtains that were the perfect size and color. After taking things out and putting things back we decided to get them. Now, as I am typing this, I am writing without sunglasses and it is nice.

They add so much to the room and later that evening two of our friends arrived to check out the place. Jordi arrived first and was amazed at our home and all the work we've done. Albert, who has seen our flat slowly progressing into something to call a home was equally impressed at the difference a couple extra chairs and some curtains make. That evening, after Jordi left and we told Albert we were too poor to go out this weekend, we celebrated our anniversary.

While Joan was dropping Jordi off at home, I lit candles and printed the first picture Joan and I took together, two years ago when I met him at the party in Florida.

We had dessert and reflected on our past and what got us to where we are today. It was the perfect moment.

Sunday was another busy day for us as his family was coming over for lunch. It was 1:30 and the flat was immaculate but I hadn't even started to cook and his family was arriving at 2.

The menu was as follows:
I started off the lunch with homemade lemonade with a sugar rimmed glass.
Fettuccine pasta with homemade Alfredo sauce and seasoned chicken breast
a copy of the cheesecake factory's coconut rice with peanut sauce and for dessert
chocolate soup with melindros.

Lunch took a but longer than planned but it was well worth it. Sergi, Joan's brother even did all the dishes for us! We sat and talked, drank wine and enjoyed each others company. Later, Pepi and Benhar came over with some champagne and the afternoon lunch visit lasted until 6:00 that evening. It was so nice to have our home filled with people. Joan's mom and sister outside on the balcony, Joan's brother watching television in the living room, Joan's father fixing our lamp, me in the kitchen and Joan running around trying to make sure everyone is having a good time.

After everyone left we collapsed on the couch and decided it was still our anniversary and to end the night we wanted to rent movies and snuggle on the couch together.

I shared with Joan and I will now share with you my exact thoughts at a particular moment during the day.

Everyone gathered around our table, each with a glass of wine or champagne in their hands, laughter echoed through the home and everyone was energized and yet so relaxed at the same time. The sun was beginning to set and the sea was beginning to calm.The sky was a beautiful orange and pink with blue shadows that danced behind the black silhouette of the mountains. The sea was a gorgeous bright blue that blended into a deep navy that made the city buildings appear even more bold and bright against the backdrop. The cool breeze drifted in through the open windows and carried the scent of a neighbors freshly baked bread. Joan was sitting to my left and we caught each other's eye, he winked at me, gave me a smile and continued with the conversation he was having. As I looked around at this perfect moment I knew this is EXACTLY where I was supposed to be. It seemed as if every turn in my life every decision I had made led me to be sitting in that chair at that moment surrounded by these great people. Was it fate that Joan and I met? I believe it was.

The truth is, everything is so clear and while I have to make decisions regarding what I will do about Northwest and my life in the states, I will enjoy every magnificent moment that living in Spain brings me.

I will be eternally grateful for his family, for him and for this amazing opportunity. I strongly encourage everyone to study abroad or vacation abroad and truly let yourself live and experience a world other than your own.

With that said, I'm going to get up and enjoy my Monday.

best wishes

C.M.