I spent hours this morning writing letters outside at a café while drinking a giant orange juice and a café con leche and a Cola Cao. I watched Estella wake up and stretch and buy bread. I did laundry. I replanned my trip because I have a better Sense of Things. Then I bought 6 envelopes from the librería for 30 centavos. I found the post office and mailed 2 of the letters. I feel rich with possibility because I have four spare envelopes and four spare stamps.
I meandered the cobblestone streets and had a slow lunch that featured a very tasty vegan burger. I chatted with an Australian pilgrim and gave bread to a small child to distract her from licking the chair which she was intent on doing to the disgust and amusement of the collection of people who were doting on her. I had a look at the river and then marveled at the beautiful library where I idly pulled out books to leaf through them. I wandered around a supermarket to gaze at the various mysterious products
At 2, the town started to shut down for siesta, so I decided to have a nap as per local tradition. Who am I to interfere with a cultural routine?
Later, I talked to some folks on the phone and read a bit. I had a strawberry and mango ice cream while I sat on a bench and observed kids kicking balls in late afternoon sunshine of the plaza.
By the end of the day, I noticed that my brain had stopped whirring like an overheated computer. Tomorrow I’ll set out again with clean underwear.
2 comments:
Ahh, Estella Spain. The smells of the scotch broom and the Roman road outside of town. I also have memories of a local woman who joined for dinner at Hotel Yerri. Her name was Sandra. She was so excited to talk to me about her time in NY, and how much she loved living there as a young woman. I remember she called her sister and had her come to the restaurant so I could tell her all about how fabulous NYC was. Her sister didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Spanish, but we had such a lively evening all together. I hope Sandra is happy wherever she is. And I am so happy to be reminded of these moments. Thank you Bridget. I hope you are over the sickness and are starting to feel stronger each day. Sending love ~ Jenifer
Hooray for no whirring - it is end of school madness here and there is much whirring. I will think of you and unhurried letter writing and cafes and festivals and take a mental vacation to Spain in your words
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