On a high speed train to Roma. Every time I blink I'm off to a new city. Saying goodbye hurts, but we must move on. Making the best of each moment, each opportunity.
My time in the French Riviera was incredible. Nice stole my heart. I was craving the beach, sand and a sun kissed glow. Unfortunately, the main beach in Nice is full of rocks! Big rocks. After an eleven hour bus ride that caused a stiff neck, it was the last thing I wanted.
One of my favorite things in the world is watching a sunset, but a sunrise is a close second. Not needing to be anywhere, no worries in the world, just purely living in the moment, being still appreciating all the beautiful things in your life.Something we all should do as often as possible.
I spent the next two days at Villefranche. A beautiful beach the locals go to. It was picture perfect.
I took myself on a date around the Old Town. Ate a Portuguese dinner, sipped a glass of wine and chatted with an older couple from London who spent a few days on, what sounded like, the Grand Canyon of islands.
Walked down narrow streets eating a coconut and pistachio gelato. My feet brought me to the beach where people were drinking, cuddling, fishing and pointing at the stars. I sat on a ledge wind blowing through my hair, a shawl wrapping the upper part of my body. Its always nice getting away from everything and having a moment alone. I might be traveling solo, but you have no idea how often I'm around people. And get this, as I'm slowly walking back to the hostel, taking my surroundings in, breathing slowly, having a moment- a man asks me if I want to have a "good time." Someone treating you like a hocker is always a great way to end the night.
My last day in Nice was spent with five incredible Australians. Clark (Kent), Matt (Damon), Beau, (Michael) Jordan and Henry James! I always try to link someone's name with the first thing that comes to mind. I might need to get creative with it. So the plan was to get a train to Cannes, but they invited me bikeriding and cliff jumping. How could I say no?
It wasn't easy hanging with five surfers. I was petaling as fast as I could, in order to keep up. Best work out ever! My legs were swollen bro. Cut my hand while carrying my bike up stairs (warrior scar). Not even. It's already healed. Tried sitting the cliff jump out, but was easily convinced otherwise. So glad I jumped off a baby cliff. You gotta start somewhere.
Back at the hostel we dove into a card game called Shit Head. Was taught this once before by an Englishman in Amsterdam. I love hanging with these guys so much I kept pushing back my departure time. It wasn't easy leaving this group.
After being the Shit Head twice I finally threw my backpack over my shoulders and left. Luckily the station was two blocks away because when I found out my train wasn't departing for an hour I walked right back to the hostel. There was no way I could leave without trying to redeemed myself. It was worth it. I didn't win, but I didn't lose. I'll take it.
Spending time in Cannes and Milano with Ilaria was a treat. I met her in Praha, last year, during a ClearBlue commercial. Being able to get to know her better was a blessing. She is a truly special woman who opened her home to me and went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable and pleasant. We bonded with tears over wine, cheese, meat and bread-the Italian way!
I'm not sure how I could go back. At this point, I'm sure I'll need the break. I need time to digest all that I've learned. I'm aware that routine is an important way to establish yourself, build relationships and get ahead. And this is a heck of a way to gain priceless life experiences that will inspire me in all aspects of my life.
It would be ideal to travel like this two to three months out of the year. God willing. The Lord has a plan for me back in California. It's very clear. He wants me to be light in darkness. It's a privilege to be guided by the Spirit. I can only pray that I'm sensitive enough to go the right way. Though I will stumble every step of the way. So far it has brought nothing but fruit into my life.
Labels: Backpacking, France, God, Spain
