Lunch at the beach

Sangria and paella. Could it be more Spanish?

Life is wonderful

Sometimes you just need a little bit of Spain and life is experienced in a totally different spirit.

Everything is possible

That is the impact of seeing the sun. All of a sudden rain and tears are forgotten, like a bad dream fades away when you open your eyes in the morning.

Thanks to the rain...

Things to do when it's raining

Shop, eat and read. Excellent rain activities. So today I decided to start the autumn shopping. A new raincoat (not that I have to wait until autumn for it to be useful), new sportswear and more books. For the rest of the day? Read and eat. And may be try out the new sportswear if the rain gives us a break.

In three days I will be in a place where it is warmer than warm and sunnier than sunny. When floodings make the headlines in northern Europe, forest fires take over in the South. Holistically, a perfect balance.  

Something to remember

A walk that lasted for three hours and a lunch and coffee break in the sweetest coast village. Following the coastline, we trekked through meadows, climbed over fences and walked on beaches. The sea and the sun accompanied us throughout a stunning day. Come November and this is the day we will remember, whereas all the rainy days will be forgotten. 

In and out

A couple of hours in the City before returning to the countryside. After a week of very limited access to the virtual world, internet access feels like a real treat. But it doesn't win over the paradise provided by the countryside. Days spent reading and listening to the radio. Coffee in the morning and in the afternoon, just because it's nice to meet the rest of the family and talk. And because there is usually something homebaked to go with the coffee. There is room to make elderflower saft and go for long walks in the forest. The treadmill has been replaced by small countryside lanes and the yoga is just for me.

I'm truly grateful for having this paradise to go to. A family reunion resort. A place where recovery from stress happens in an instant. A place where a healthy distance to most problems are provided. A place where nature and family go hand in hand.

Out of reach

The reception is close to zero. My frustration is slowly turning into acceptance. I won't be connected for a while. Might as well stop trying as it's unlikely that they will all of a sudden extend the 3G in this area in the middle of July. So if there ever was a virtual addiction of some sort, it will be treated in the weeks that follow. Au revoir and see you in August.

Summer evening

Holiday

Sweetest treat on day one of a much longed for holiday at my second home.

Dear summer, here I come!

After a twelve hour workday, dare I say... I'm now on holiday! Tomorrow I'm trading in the city for the countryside, the indoors for the outdoors, the highheels for the clogs, the sushi for the BBQ...Five weeks of as little planning and time keeping as possible. Hooray!