Hola mis amigos!
August has been a month of creativity and family connections 💜
After all the form filling, then awaiting approval, my journey to Spain was a quick, efficient and enjoyable!!!
Yaaaay!!!! I finally got the opportunity to physically touch my 'madre'!!! A long overdue hug was had and I arrived in good time to spend her birthday with her. It was good to be back in mum's space and enjoy the homely comforts that she takes great pride in. Spain has been her home for the last 14 years. She is a proud Jamaican, British citizen and now Spanish resident 🇯🇲🇬🇧🇪🇦
The weather, well what can I say, it is has been HOT, HOT, HOT, 🔥🔥🔥. El Pais the Spanish newspaper reported "<span;>Spain prepares for record-breaking high temperatures as heatwave intensifies". They are not wrong. On Sunday 15th August temperatures in the small village of Hurchillo recorded 42 degrees 🥵. Safety first meant that most of the day was spent inside with the air conditioning being the most appreciated item of the day!!
Apart from ensuring that I got to top up my vitamin D, this trip was also about allowing my creative juices to flow as I finalised my "I Am ... I Can ... I Will ..." Affirmation Cards for children aged 5 - 11 years. I am proud and excited to say this is now completed and as I write, has been sent to the printer's.
Parents, care givers, and teachers, why not purchase a set of the "I Am, I Can, I Will" Affirmation Cards to help strengthen the emotional well-being of our young children.
Time now, to enjoy the last few days of Spainsh living, before I return to the UK.
Comida (food) - tortilla, langostinos and olives have been my favourite and go so well with my love of Cava, which has been plentiful. Adding a dash of sangria, sliced oranges and ice does the trick - deliciosa!!!
The month of August is holiday time for the Spanish, so many places are closed, especially villages and venturing out to the local town is the only option, if you want to shop or browse. The markets are still open though have fewer stalls than usual. Travelling into the bigger town/cities like Alicante and Torrevieja, some stores remain open for the tourist trade and some stores observe the mid afternoon closures (2 - 5 pm). Good apportunity for lunch/snacks as bars and restaurants are open throughout the day. Gosh, feel like a trip advisor here 🤣.
The Spainsh are so passionate about family.
I acknowledge that this is something that I too treasured, yet lost sight of. As I walked through the villages and town's, I felt the paving stones, cobbles, paths, grass and even the hot sand, send mesages up through my feet. Was this a gentle reminder to me? Part of my journey took me away from what family stood for and now as 'I Rise'. I will reclaim my position.
Lessons learnt:
#familytime #restandrelaxation #appreciatecultures #travelmore #gratitude 🙏🏾
Until next month adios 💜
Hola!!!