Let the Moon Go. Let Great Things Come.

"I think part of the reason we hold on to something so tight is because we fear something so great won't happen twice."

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Snow! Can you believe I fell asleep watching it snow outside my window last night? Oh Spain. But it made for a pretty morning scene! 

This morning I took a bus to Valenica. Arturo took me to the bus station around 8am. He had a dentist appointment then. The bus didn't leave till 10am. So I had some time. I walked around Teruel for a bit before finally just sitting on a bench, people watching. 

Arriving in Valencia, I left the station to find a warm sunny day. Elisa had talked me through the sights to see and general directions last night. So I had a good idea of where I was in comparison to the city. Valencia is easy to maneuver around in the basic broad way. Here's why. Up to the 1950's a river ran through the city, making an arch around the center of the town. Well in the 1950's it flooded, killing people and destroying a large section of the town. So they redirected the river. Then, in the 1980's, the city of Valencia turned the old river bed into a park. Bridges still connect both sides. Obviously, instead of crossing water, it is now lushous green grass and playgrounds. So circling the main part of the city is this park. Personally I found this very helpful in direction finding. It is a long long section of park. Which also helps with the whole beauty aspect of things. 

So I followed the edge of the park towards the center of town. My plan was to go straight to the bottom of the main touristy area then work my way back up to the bus station. Well, my ADD got the better of me. I couldn't pass up all the cool sights. So I did top to bottom. Oh, in case you're wondering top is "north-ish..." This is brought to you off the mental map of Becca's mind. You can find your own copy in any imaginary store near you. 

The first place I stopped was what I assume was the guard tower for the city wall. Open to public, free, and gives a great view of the city. I passed a large group of French elderly folks as I jogged up the stairs to the top. They jokingly, I hope, scolded me for showing off. But my excitement was justified when I saw the view. 

Since I had already abandoned my plan, I dove farther into the city center. I aimed my path towards the main cathedral. As I was walking around the buildings there I heard an angelic harmony of voices coming from one church. No, that is not an exaggeration. It was just gorgeous music. So I went in. They were having a service and the pews were full. In the front were two rows of young boys dressed in white gowns singing. It made me think of the group Libera. It was hauntingly beautiful. The church's beauty matched their song. Spectacular.

The service went on for a bit. At one point, I assume the priest said something to the effect of "Peace be with you." And everyone started passing the blessing to each other. Everyone stood up and kissed each other on the cheek, saying the blessing. The two elderly ladies standing next to me disregarded any sort of feeings towards a tourist, pulled me in for kisses on the cheek, and told me to go in peace. Then the service smoothly continued. The priest would speak for a bit, the boys would sing, the congregation would mutter responses, and so forth. I couldn't help myself. I snuck a picture. But even worse, I recorded a video of the boys singing. It was just so beautiful. So if you're interested in hearing that, and don't have Facebook where I'll post it, let me know. Then you'll understand just how beautiful this truly was. 

I left after a little bit even though the service was still going on. I never went into the main cathedral because, well frankly, I didn't have tons of time, it was expensive for a cathedral, and with both those in mind, I've seen a lot of cathedrals thus far. I also felt like I saw a cool scene with the previous church. That was the case I made in my mind. 

So instead I wandered plazas, streets, shops, and such. I saw the main plaza where the fires happen. (Feel free to look up videos and info on the fires in Valencia. Because it's incredible.) I saw the Plaza de Torros. I admired the cool buildings, soaked in the sun, and fully accepted the tourist role. 

I began my walk back to my directional compass: the park. Then I began my walk to Valencia's City of Arts and Science. This is an area of town of museums of science and art. Just in case you were confused, I wanted to break that down for you. I didn't go inside any of the buildings. But I spent hours here. Why? Because the buildings and architecture is mind blowing. If you've read my past posts, you've probably noticed architecture isn't exactly something that normally catches my eye. So why this one? Here's why. 

(See those dots on the bridge? Those are people! Just to put this in perspective.) 

(Panorama! ⬆️)

Yeah! Right?! How cool is that?! I was planning on just checking it out to check it off my list. Because I was thinking science and art aren't exactly my favorites. But boom! In your face incredible buildings. So I walked around, explored a bit, got lunch at a cafe there in order to sit and admire more. Surprise surprise, post lunch I enjoyed a nap in the sun with the sound of the water next to me. It was short lived however because huge groups of French school kids were running around screaming. And by school kids, I mean college students. I was unimpressed and slightly annoyed at being awoken. I'm a very simplistic person... But I enjoyed the sun and enjoyed the views even more. A must do for Valencia! 

Did I mention how long the park is? It's long. So I began my walk back to the bus station very early, in order to avoid any stressing in the spring sun. This was my first jaunt alone in a park without any music. Normally I ALWAYS have my iPod. It was a new experience. Around half ways through my walk I fully opened my arms to the inner crazy lady. Singing out loud and walking around in beautiful nature never fails. I was probably stared at a bit, but my goodness I was happy. Normally, I would let my mind wander down crazy intense and physiological thoughts. If you need proof, go read some past posts. But this book I'm currently reading has a line... "'Do you always think this much?' 'Is that bad?' 'Not necessarily. It's just that sometimes people use thought to not participate in life.'" I read that on the bus ride to Valenica and it scared me. Was that what I've been doing? So I sang and focused on only what was around me. 

I headed home as the sun set. It was dark and late into the evening by the time I got back to Teruel. Elisa picked me up and we went home. When I got home Arruro dropped some shocking news on me. He told me he'd be leaving tomorrow for the Pyrenees, and wouldn't be back until Monday. Which means tonight was our last night together! It suddenly became very real that my time in my lovely Spain is coming to a close. I couldn't believe it. 

After I ate some dinner, we looked at pictures of Alaska, McCarthy's 4th of July's over the past couple years, Boulder, my home in Colorado, last years drama production and my super sweet witch costume, and finally the pictures of my visit to Spain. 

I couldn't help it. My mind wandered as I smiled lovingly at my hometowns, my friends, and so many memories. I couldn't help think "My God, we are so lucky. We have incredible lives." I sometimes feel worried about the future because I'm in love with moments here. I think we all do that. We want to lasso the moon and pull the rope tight so that a moment doesn't escape. But what's amazing is to look back and think of how many times you've thought that. I look at pictures of McCarthy and think of how at the end of every Fourth of July parade I wonder, man we can't top this. Then we always do. (Ahem, pressure SEAGers...) Great things will always come. I look at pictures of the Boulder airport and think of how many memories I have where in the moment I hated the thought of an end. But they ended and more great memories came! Great things will always come. I look at beautiful pictures of Alaska. I wonder will I ever see beauty like that elsewhere? Well maybe not... But I've sure seen beauty that tries VERY hard to compete and that fills my soul with beauty. I'll hear voices of angels in churches instead. I'll see cliffs in Ireland. I'll see towering rocks over Barcelona. Great things will always come. I guess my point is stop worrying about the next step because great things will always come. Love moments. Love with all your heart those who share the moments with you. BE IN moments. Appreciate the moment, but don't spend moments trying to lasso the moon. Let the moon go and let the great things come. 

"There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S. Lewis 

Just Follow The Blue Horse

Honesty. I try to incorporate it in every post. So here is the honest truth. I didn't write the last ... goodness, two... no, three days because I was so tired and worn out. It wouldn't have been very fun for you to read, or for me to write. Imagine a post of "then this... then this..." So I elected to wait. Something about quality over quantity. Or... something like that. But I now have slept a full night's sleep and have some warm tea next to me. So here we go! Three days, into one post. Challenge accepted. 

Day One: 

I had fallen asleep to the loud sound of raindrops on the roof. Which obviously meant I had dreams of McCarthy all night. But I awoke in Pamplona. Javier and Marta, our hosts in Pamplona, couldn't join us this morning. So Arturo, Elisa, and I headed off to an adventure. It was rainy and gray, as it has been lately. It didn't stop us. With extra jackets, we took off. 

Our destination? Zugarramundi Caves. A little background on this spot. It is considered one of the biggest "witch spots" in the Europe, if not the world. The history - or legend as these two are often intertwined - is about women who were killed being declared as witches. They would escape to these caves. What made them witches? Well that answer varies depending on who you ask. The most common answer is that they were trying to educate themselves by reading and having intellectual conversations with other women. The men didn't approve of this and killed them. This leads to the legend that if you kiss the wall, you'll become more wise. Others say they were actual witches, with potions, magic, and devil's worship, which led to them being killed. Others still say that differences in clans caused these women to flee for their lives. Whatever you choose to believe, women fled to these caves in fear for their lives. This is a big tourist spot and when you see these caves, it is obvious why. 

When you go to visit this spot, some information. You'll see an office on the side of the road. This is a good information location. It also will say there are caves there. You must pay a fee to enter these. This is not the main caves. We didn't go in, so I can't say how they are. But keep going to see the other caves. The lady behind the desk told us we could drive to the other caves or take a trail there. Parking our car, we elected to hike there. The woman behind the desk told us where the trail began then told us to just follow the blue horse. Hmm.. 

Sure enough. The blue horse led us. Man, sounds very existential, doesn't it? But in reality, in little spots on the trail were painted blue horses. A rock here, a tree there, random spots. I felt like a kid on a treasure hunt. Follow the blue horse! Never stray from the horse! Will do, blue horse, will do. 

We took the trail despite the mud covering everything. I'll have you know I only wished for my Xtratufs every couple minutes. We continually passed green fields with sheep everywhere. I caught myself dreaming of Ireland. Where am I, again? The fog settled low on the green hills creating a perfect scene. Gorgeous. 

 

We first found some small caves as we walked through the mud. They weren't THE caves, but enough of a distraction to take some fun pictures. 

We continued to walk on. Arturo would bah at fields of sheep. Yes, "bah" is a verb. Why do you ask? Which never ceased to make me laugh hysterically. He moo-ed at cows and barked at dogs. It was quite the educational walk for languages. I was casually walking along on a trail. Suddenly, the earth reached up and ate my foot. Shwoop! Over the ankle mud consumed my foot. I quickly hopped out onto solid ground, but it was to late. Someday I'll clean that... Hopefully. 

Finally, we arrived at the caves. They were everything you expect them to be. Magical, haunting, obviously a witch's cavern, and full of tourists. Elisa and I practiced our best witch's laughs and poses. I skipped around, scampered up rocks, and wished I had my witch outfit from my school's last year's drama production. No, you are not allowed to roll your eyes at that. Every one knows that would be serious fun and imagine the pictures! In reality though, I highly recommend this spot! Amazing and easy to access! Wonderful. 

After our adventure, we returned home. Time for lunch. A wonderful lunch made by Marta put us all into a food coma. This led to a siesta! We all curled up on the couch and began to watch a documentary on Yellowstone. Looking back, I really should have followed everyone's example and slept instead of actually watching a Yellowstone documentary... 

For our night, we would explore Pamplona. In case you aren't aware, Pamplona is where the running of the bulls happens. You know the classic picture of bulls running on the street and men dressed in red and white are frantically running away? Yeah, that running of the bulls. We walked around the city for a bit. The wall around the city is incredible and the night only led to a more picturesque scene. Raindrops glistened off street lamps and made for sparkling streets. 

We walked past a big cathedral. I asked to stop for pictures. Then we decided to just go inside. I'm so glad we did. I thought they were having a service of sorts. But I realized it was much more. Again, my lack of knowledge of Catholicism shows here. Someone told me it was for the beginning of Holy Week. But that doesn't start till next week. So I have no idea. Anyway, a processional around the aisles of the church was occurring. Priests and other people dressed in head-to-toe garments were carrying candles, crosses, and most importantly, a statue of the Virgin Mary surrounded by candles. The whole church chanted along with the priests. After the virgin followed men, women, and children carefully carrying candles. This procession is normally supposed to happen outside up and down the streets. But the Virgin can't get wet. So this year it occurred inside. I'm so glad we saw it. Absolutely incredible. 

We walked the streets. We stopped at outdoor bars for a moment to talk and enjoy a beer. Then walk some more, see more sights, watch live music, and such. Then repeat. It was fantastic. It is so easy to fall in love with Pamplona. Well my goodness. It is so easy to fall in love Spain. As we walked, Marta asked me where I liked most in Spain. I told her I couldn't pick one spot because they are all so different. She asked me which one made me feel something. I loved that question. It honestly took me back. I'm not sure if something got lost in translation, but the way the question was presented made me wonder. Where on this trip has made me feel something? So many places! So many different emotions enclose my memories. I still don't have an answer for her. Maybe I will soon. But what a great way to think about life! Instead of what is the prettiest, what was the "coolest", what makes you feel something? 

 

An amazing dinner at a fantastic restaurant ended around 11:30pm. So in my mind, I was thinking okey-dokey, home we go! Oh no no. We were saying goodbye to Javier's friend at the restaurant and he looked at me and said, "Ahora? Bailar!" What? Dancing now? I looked at everyone's faces and they were all clearly aware. So off we went. We checked out a couple clubs before settling on a disco place. When we got there it was still fairly quiet. But by midnight or so, everyone was dancing, singing along to classic American 80's music. Then it happened. A guy who looked like a combination of Caesar from the Hunger Games and ... I don't even know... The Joker? A combination of all crazy Johnny Depp costumes? Something ridiculous... He got up on a table and began dancing. The crowd, including myself, went crazy. Shouting along with his cues, dancing, cheering, and such. If you want to really see, look for a video on my Facebook that Javier took. Make sure you watch the whole thing, because Arturo shows how he really felt about it. I laugh every time I watch this video. We eventually wove our way through the crowd back home. What an amazing night. All the way around. 

Day Two: 

Don't worry. This day was exponentially smaller. 

We all woke to a much foggier, darker day. We slowly meandered into warm clothes, drank coffee, and headed out into the world. Our plan was to hike to the top of the mountain. But the fog made it hard to see ten feet in front of us, let alone the desired views from the top of the mountain. We also knew it would be snowing rapidly the farther up we went. So we explored the area around. I made sure to walk across the border to France at least once. Don't worry. 

It must always be rainy here as everything is incredibly green. The moss covered the trees. Rocks were enclosed in green. Everything really was enclosed in green. It was unbelievable. I took so many pictures. I climbed rocks, leaned out over rivers, everything I had to do to try to get the best picture. Marta and I both agreed this was were all fairy tales began. 

The rest of the afternoon consisted of driving to a small town and bar hopping. We walked around for a bit, but the rain poured down on us. We took comfort in a warm pub. Then this pub got incredibly crowded quickly. So off we went to another. After a warm espresso, we braved the cold again. Back in the car, the first song we heard was, "I want to know have you ever seen the rain?" We all burst into laughter. 

After lunch in a restaurant nestled in the forest by a stream, we headed back to the house. We took another nap. A long nap. Then as the sunset and darkness took over Spain, Arturo, Elisa, and I went back home. All three of us quickly went to bed. The rain beat down on the roof as I drifted off to sleep. 

Day Three! 

If you thought day two was a small day, wait till today! 

Today I catch up. I've been on the go a lot lately. Which I love, don't get me wrong. But it also wears down a bit. So today I work on my list of "to-do's" that has been growing. Emails, scholarships, laundry, ect. And of course, catching up on sleep. A day like today is easily inspired by the gray clouds, raindrops, and wind outside. But a warm fire, blankets, and hot tea make it the perfect day to curl up inside. It also makes it easy to justify working on the computer inside. So that is what I'll be doing today. As always, the adventure continues. Okay. Well maybe TOMORROW the adventure continues...