T.G.I.F.

Yesterday ended up being better than I had thought. After I went next door to use the phone to call Joan, the neighbors and our landlords, Pepe and Benhar invited me to lunch with them. It was about a 20 minute walk but I didn't even notice with the great company I had. Pepe doesn't speak English but Benhar does and is such an interesting person to talk to. They are a couple in their early thirties, very nice and genuine people. Pepe is from Andalusia where the people are known to party-all the time. Benhar is from here in Lloret, he actually lived in our flat when he was a child.
Anyway, we walked to this great restaurant where the paella was the specialty. I have never had paella but I wasn't going to turn down a trip to lunch.

First, they ordered me a bowl of mussels. I tried them, a bit salty, so no more of those. I had plenty of calamari and then the paella. The eyes of the shrimp looking up at me disconcerted me a bit but after I got past that, it was delicious. We had wine and gelat for dessert. Here, lunches last 2 hours or more. It's all about friends and wine and enjoying the company of others. When we left, Benhar was talking to me about walking and if I, being an American, was used to walking so much. I told him no and that if we were back in Maryville or Saint Leo, everyone would take a car. Benhar made good points, after lunch, why not walk it off, exercise and let the digestion process happen rather than driving to your home and being stationary the rest of the afternoon. I couldn't agree more.

We found ourselves on the beach that was littered with children. Being the last day of January, the schools take the children to the beach for the day and the parents come and give them omelet sandwiches which is a very special treat. We met Benhar's brother who was there with his girlfriend to pick up their child. He thought I was Russian. Why? because of my dark hair and piercing blue eyes he told me. I can take that. I like to take many forms, when I was blond I was "the American" when I had red hair I was "the Irish girl" when I dyed my hair dark brown I have been both "the Russian girl" and "the Spanish girl".

Walking along the beach and seeing the waves crash on the rocks, the seagulls overhead and the sweet perfume of chocolate churros is now my favorite moment. On our way back home we met a friend of theirs, Carlos, who has a American girlfriend as well. She is studying in Barcelona now and has to go back to California in a month. He said that one day we should meet. It would be nice but I would prefer Alison to come back instead.

We returned at 5 and I only had an hour or so to get the flat ready for Joan. I managed to get everything unpacked and everything cleaned by 6:30 and lucky for me Joan arrived at 6:45. damn traffic.

We had our first official dinner in the flat. We sat in front of the windows and watched the city go by.

Today, I am at home again and waiting until 11 for Pepe and I to go into town. She needs to get a few things from Joan's parents meat shop so I figured another afternoon would be fine, she is hilarious and although she doesn't speak English and my Spanish is very basic, usually I can understand what she says. At 4 Joan's mom, Maribel and his sister Ariana are picking me up and we're going to get a few things for the flat; cleaning supplies, more pillows,decorations. I want to get it clean incase they come upstairs to see it.

Tonight Shabir wants Joan and I to go out with him and Ana, she just flew in from Madrid last night. I'm not sure that we will go, Joan ends up being exhausted after work. Possibly Saturday.

It is only 9 now so I have two hours to get myself together.
I miss you all and wish you a very wonderful day!

C.M.