My first week in Spain is officially complete. I awoke this morning to the sound of birds chirping outside my window and the pitter patter of passerbys running trying to make it to mass on time. The bell tolls in the tower calling all to prayer, a sense of calmness blankets the entire village as the sun shines brightly in the sky and creeps through my window. My room is dark, the large wooden shutters shut out the day and it is easy to see how the other residents in the program can sleep until the late afternoon. The monastery itself has a certain feeling as you walk along barefoot on the cold stone floors to the kitchen to get some liquid addiction and rub the tire from our eyes. The sun shines in the sky today as people below scatter about in their sunday best. I decided today that given my upbringing it is only appropriate to have a nice large family meal as a house or a group. If there is anything i have learned from the wonderful people in my family it is how to cook and also the simplicity of togetherness.
Living in Europe again reminds of how much i missed this place. The simplicity and appreciation of life is something i feel gets lost under the large pressure of industrialization, success, and status in the USA. Here in Europe people have a general love and appreciation for life, family, and their happiness. It is easy to become infatuated with such a lifestyle to become drunk off of it to which my head is now spinning. I can't help but feel the happiest i have been in a while only after a week here. I do not have a worry in my mind as i listen to spanish guitar and my feet dangle from the balcony, the sun kisses my face gently and i smile. The harmonious strings of the song Salento fill my ears as a light breeze blows the aroma of my strong coffee inviting me to take a sip. Peace at last, it has never felt so good.
Song: Salento
Artist: Rene Aubdry
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