I was trying to paraphrase today into a simple status update for Facebook, but quickly realized that I just had too much to say for that approach.
I’m skipping ahead to document day 2 while it’s all fresh on my mind. We will save the dysfunctional travel/getting here stories for another time. Because, let’s be honest…..when you are sitting on the beach as relaxed as I am right now (as in noodle arms and can barely type), you don’t want to think about dysfunctional travel!
Today has been INCREDIBLE, y’all!!! We are in Marbella and I flipping swam in the MEDITERRANEAN ocean!!!! It was freezing, yet refreshing and exhilarating all at the same time. I might have fallen asleep so hard on the sand that I drooled on my beach towel. Just what my body needed for recovery. The ocean was like my very own epsom salt bath.
I was soaking it all in. I purposely slow my breath and my mind at the ocean. It’s the best connection and reset for me. It’s what my soul needs. Ever since my first trip after I left the abuse, the ocean has been my “plugin” or “outlet” for recharging, if you will. And it has been long overdue for a visit. I will never, ever take these visits for granted.
As poetic as I just tried to make that sound, it wouldn’t be a real Alicia day without some clumsy. There I was, enjoying the majestic that is the Mediterranean. And then I tried to get out. The beach and entry into the water here is very rocky. So, when I lost my footing trying to come out, I knew I was headed down. Down I went. On my knees. Until the waves came and knocked me on my rear. Then another wave took me under. I can only imagine what the fine people on the beach thought about the silly American getting her butt handed to her by the water. Literally.
Even with the fall, it was the most relaxing afternoon! IT IS PERFECT here! The pictures and words can’t emphasize that enough!!!
Still waiting to run into Antonio Banderas and Sean Connery 😝
Other general observations:
They have sparkly rocks here. Like they knew I was coming!! You can’t really see them in this pic well, but they do sparkle. You can see them if you ever come visit my apt though because I am bringing them back with me!!
I COULD SEE AFRICA. A girl from little Yell County, Arkansas was sitting on a beach in Spain and could see Africa. Guess what trip I am already planning for?!?! You cant see it in this pic, but it’s there in the distance, past that sailboat. Just a ferry ride away.
It did not occur to me to care that I was the fattest person on the beach. That’s not taking a jab at myself. I really was. But not once did I feel judged, or even noticed for that matter, by anyone that was there. Europeans just don’t care. And today I didn’t either. I may not come back to America based on this alone.
Sweet Tanker is even in Spain!! Monica’s mom painted this and it’s hanging at their beach house!!! I loved walking into the room and seeing this!!
I could not have gotten more lucky with the sweetest exchange family around!! So excited to have the opportunity to visit!! Their hospitality and making sure we are having the best time is unmatched!!! Forever grateful that I came across them a little over a year ago!!! I have missed this girl so much!!!! (And having a great travel friend like Barbie on the right here, has been pretty sweet too!
Alicia Out Loud 