Just taking time out for me....

This time here on my own has been much needed to recharge.  Working with kids takes it out of you no matter how fun and easy they are.  Since the family left on tuesday I have been enjoying this amazing house....I  haven't even left home.   After getting over the shock of how quiet this place can be and then getting used to all the other noises that you hear instead of children's voices I have settled into a great little routine that I could definitely get used to.  I have been waking up with out an alarm which is heavenly.  Then, walk up the back stairs to the kitchen for a lovely cup of coffee which comes straight out of a machine in the wall....I just have to push one button and there is some of the best coffee ever piping hot in my cup.  Add a bit of milk and sugar and I am off to the top patio to relax while drinking in the morning view and my coffee.  After the caffeine has taken effect I make the biggest decision of the day...which swimming costume should I put on.  Luis had been making this decision for me lately but I suppose  I'm on my own now since he's in Germany.  As I make my selection I have to factor in which

Pool time...with a view

part of my tan needs the the most work.  I know...tough decisions....one bad swimming costume call and you look funny in your strapless dress.  I know my friends who are prepping for their weddings right now completely understand the importance of this decision.  Don't worry all my decisions have been good ones so far....in fact I think I may have the best tan of my entire life!  Let's hope it holds till my return to the states!  Once the crucial decision has been made I head to the pool with my towel and a book.  As I slip into the perfect temperature water and set myself up over the edge with my book I can't help but smile and wish that time will crawl by so I can live in this moment for quite some time.  I alternate

Upper Patio

 between being in the pool and out on the great lounge chairs.  All the while being surrounded by amazing views no matter which way I face.  Being just like this and reading a book with no interruptions is pretty close to perfect for me.  I have been able to read 2 books since they left and 8 in total since arriving here in Mallorca.  Oh shoot, did I just expose what a total book nerd I am!  Oh well I suppose most of you already knew and for those of you just finding out...don't judge me just send me more books...I'm running out.
I have taken to eating a late lunch early dinner on the upper patio and just reflecting on my travels up to this point.  The evenings have given me  a lot of time to really reflect on the trip and do a lot

Rooftop View

  of writing.  I am almost caught up on the journal that was stolen along with my purse.  As upset as I was to have lost that one it has been fun reliving everything as words and stories come to life on the pages again.
I love my evenings here.  The perfect time of night is about 6-9pm.  It is still light out, sun is not as intense, and there is usually a nice breeze.  I am able to just sit outside and do whatever I choose.  I did do a bit of exploring at the house one night (during a Skype call) and found the access to the roof top view.  All I can say is Wow!  I know the photo doesn't do it justice but it's pretty amazing.  I can see the Castle I will be exploring next week and also all the way to the sea.  It is lovely!  When I am not checking out all the different views I have yet to find and take in I have also been able to chat (via Skype) a lot with everyone back home which has been nice.  I am very happy to be able to just take a bit of time for my self and be by my self.  I definitely have loved all the time I have had with everyone here and through out my travels but I definitely need my own time to recharge and re center and these few days have been exactly what I needed at exactly the right time.
My plans for the remainder of my time here are pretty much the same as what I have been doing except I have another dress I am working on that I will spend some quality time with this weekend.  Sunday morning I am going for a run with a couple of Michael and Diana's friends....It's a weekly run so since they aren't here I am filling in.  I wanted to go each week while they were here but I was always working weekends..it will be great to get out and get a nice work out.  Monday I am going to venture into town for a bit of a walk around and then Tuesday the most exciting thing happens.....Want to try and guess?   Ok have you all guessed?....Here it is....I am getting a travel buddy!  My wonderful friend Kelsey will be joining me here in Palma de Mallorca.
Back Story....for about the past year Kels and I have been talking about wanting to make a trip to Europe this year for our big birthdays that are about 2 weeks apart (we will just let you guess what our numbers are). Since we shared an office at work we had plenty of time to chat about this and just dream of what it could be.  Of course we both really wanted it to happen and love to travel but I am not sure either of us really thought it would ever happen.  Once my trip became real so did the birthday trip.  It just seemed too good an opportunity to pass up.  I was already over here and just needed a friend to join me for my last month of the adventure since I wouldn't be working.
So, return to the present, plane tickets have been booked and plans of another crazy month of travel after the relaxation of Mallorca have been set up.
I will leave you with the anticipation of the future experiences and travel plans that Kelsey and I have.

Wish you all were here!

In the meantime I will just be relaxing and soaking up all that this place has to offer me.....Champagne and strawberries seem appropriate.

Saying Goodbye....

My least favorite day of each chapter of my travels is the day I say good bye.  This one is a bit different then all the others though since I will be staying and the amazing family I have grown to know and love over the past month will be leaving.  Anyone confused yet?  I will explain....Diana, Michael and the kids are headed off to Germany for a visit with Diana's family and they graciously offered me an extended stay in their gorgeous house so I could have a bit of a holiday myself here in Mallorca.   I of course accepted and so that is how the good bye is a bit backwards but a good bye all the same.
In preperation for the trip to Germany the kids have had their  "Trunkies" out all week packing and repacking all the essential items, in the mind of a child,  for the airplane.  Side note...check out what trunkies are!  Best suitcase ever for kids.  I have only  seen them a few times in the states but they are huge here.  The kids can actually sit on them and parents can pull them through the airport!  Pretty awesome.  Ok back to the packing,  the kids packed everything from a box of legos to arts and craft supplies including scissors which they were devastated to find out were not allowed onto the plane.  Along with the packing there were also many discussions as to what was going to happen to me when they left, why I wasn't coming with and was I going to be here when they came back.  Another one of my least favorite discussion...explaining to a child that we might not be seeing each other for a long time and have them actually understand that it's not that I don't want to stay it's just that it isn't possible at this time.  This crew seemed to understand since they have had nannies before that have left.  ...but they still weren't to happy to find out that there would be no more "Sara days"(that's what my work days were called by the kids) when they returned from Germany.  To be honest I too am quite bummed  that there will be no more "Sara days" here with the kids.  They have been so much fun...of course 3 kids are always a bit of work but this was the best kind of work!  Fun loving, happy kids in a gorgeous setting.  I really have enjoyed them immensely and feel lucky to have spent time with them.

My goofy lunch buddy

As a good bye and thank you Diana and Michael took me out to lunch at this fantastic restaurant right on the beach called Beach Alm.  This place might be the most perfect beach restaurant.  It is right near a harbor and directly above a beach.  You can watch boats being launched and people playing in the ocean as you sit either at regular tables or these great wood bench tables we were at and enjoy some of the best food I have ever eaten.  This place is tied with the Hawksmoor in London for best meal of the trip.  I had a beach burger which was grilled salmon with just the right seasonings, topped with arugula, thinly sliced cucumbers, steamed shallots, and wasabi sauce on a fresh bread bun.  I had to force myself to not

View from our table at lunch

      devour it and actually take it slow and enjoy each bite.  So good!  I also am starting to enjoy rose wine...ever since france I have started to like it.  It's so nice and refreshing on a warm afternoon sitting by the beach or pool.   The one that was ordered during this lunch was particularly good.  I  can't remember the name but I know what the label looks like so I may have to have it again while I am enjoying a nice poolside day here.   Anyway, lunch was amazing and as always fun with he kids.  Maxime and her dad had actually rode their bike from home to the beach...1 hour and 45min ride.  Super impressive for a 6 year old! Diana, Luis and I gave them a ride back in the car though so they didn't have to do the ride again.  Once we got home from lunch the kids, Lara and I did a bit more swimming so Diana and Michael could get some stuff ready for the trip.  Then it was off to bed for the rugrats, some sushi for the adults and off to bed for us too since we all had an early morning.
I was driving the crew to the airport at 7 in the morning so I headed upstairs at about 6:45 and was welcomed with lots of hugs by Luis and Maxime.  We went inside and there was a whirlwind of last minute items being added to cases, teeth being brushed and checklists of items being reviewed one last time.  With only one small meltdown by one child we made it out the door and into the car by 7 am.  Quite impressive I think...getting 2 parents, 3 children and 2 nanny's out the door on time!  I think there should be some sort of award given for that.  We pulled into the airport drop off area 3 kids,  2 parents, one nanny and luggage were quickly unloaded.  I hugged everyone good by and hopped back in the car to drive back to their house to start my holiday.  As I drove out I got a bit emotional and kinda teared up.   This month here with this great family has been life changing for me.  Coming off such a rough month in Nice I feel like I have been able to really build myself back up here.  During the building back up process I have been able to evaluate things in my life and really think about who and what I want to become in this next chapter of my life.  Through many of my conversation and activities here with Diana and Michael I have become aware of the things in my life that are most important to me and what really makes me a fulfilled person.  Sometimes we forget the things in life that we really excel at or should pursue as more then just a hobby until someone points out another way of looking at it. This month has been a huge month of growth and rebuilding for me.  I don't think I would have appreciated as much the safety, comfit and love this place provide me with had I not been through the rough times the month before.
As I sit here on the patio where I have eaten so many family diners, right outside the big living room where Luis and I had our dance parties that also contains the sofa I would be met on by 2 happy children every morning for breakfast, and just above the playroom that I have spent countless hours I can't help but miss everyone.  I keep expecting to here Luis calling my name, or see Maxime splashing with her flippers in the pool.  I even at one point today out of habit while I was in the pool thought I heard Olivia waking up from a nap then realized I was hearing things and she isn't here.  It is very quiet here with out the family...and I miss them.  I kinda feel like I went from full speed ahead to a dead stop.  I am looking forward to my quiet time though because a gift of complete relaxation can be so rare and I am planning to make the most of it.
As I begin my solo week here I will leave you with a few photos of the good times I have had with this fun family!

          






Maxime and Michael practicing their jumping skills.

One of Maxime's favorite things was to build elaborate "park garages"  This was just one of the many that were built over the course of my time here.

One morning when getting ready to go out for the day Luis decided he was going to wear his wellies...mind you it was about 90 degrees outside.  Apparently he had a mind lapse and thought he was back in England.

We had sushi for lunch one day and Luis insisted when setting the table he needed 2 sets of trainer chopsticks to eat.....

....and as you can see from these photos he was right.  He did need 2 sets.

I will most certainly miss these big blue eyes looking up at me.  Sweet Olivia!












Next post will be living solo in Palma de Mallorca!

Sunday Fun-day...

Since I have arrived here in Spain I have worked every saturday and sunday.  I made the choice to work the weekends since the regular nanny usually has to work them and I wanted to give her a break....really I am the one who came out a winner with this choice.  Weekends are a blast here and Sunday Fun-day is always happening.  We have had a barbecue with some friends of Diana and Michael every week which just brings the house to life.  We are in and out of the pool, dancing to Michaels playlist (Luis has some sweet moves), and just genuinely enjoying life here.    Working the weekend here is fun and helps launch me into monday with a great outlook for the week!  As I sit here writing with the view you see in the photo with my priceless "Green Book" at the end of another wonderful sunday I can't help but think how these 4 weeks with this amazing family have come and gone so quickly.  I only have one more half day of work left before I have to drive them to the airport and say good bye.  I'm not going to think about that for now..that is for another post.  Let's look back at the past

First bus ride to town!

events this week which have been so fun!  As promised Luis got his first bus ride.  He was very intent on sitting by the window to watch everything.  Lara also joined us on this adventure which was great.  He was very curious as to why we kept stopping so much along the drive.  "It's not like in the car...we never stop in the car."  So true Luis...We explained how busses work and that people get off and on at many different places and he seemed to think that was pretty neat.  Once we arrived at our stop Luis got the thrill of getting to push the stop button on the bus unfortunately we had a driver who was quick on the draw with opening and closing the doors so we didn't quite make it off the bus at our stop.  Fortunately the next stop wasn't too far and we were prepared for a speedy exit this time. With one hand in Lara's and one in mine Luis was ready for his walking adventure through Palma to the Cathedral.  We first headed through Placa Major where he interacted with a terra cotta fisherman, a silver robot type guy and a man who looks like one of the Blues Brothers except his head is lost somewhere in his button down white shirt and his sunglasses and black fedora hover suspiciously above the collar...no head supporting the items.

The Cathedral (and Luis)

We made our way through the winding streets of town to the Cathedral.  It really is quite an impressive place.  I have walked by it a couple of times now and still loose my breath at each new view I encounter.  This time is was the contrast of this little man standing in front of this grand building. At one point he looked at it then just said "It's so big"  Yes Luis it is...simple truth of a child's statement.  We wandered around to the beach side of the building and propped Luis up on a railing so he could get a good look at the beach.  He just sat there so quiet for a good 10 minustes before Lara said "Ok Luis should we go see something else?" Luis said "No Thank You"  I asked him..."do you want to stay here for a bit?"  He answered yes and I followed up with "Ok but why do you want to stay here?"  He simply said "I just want to look."  It was the best answer...I feel the same way most of the time.  I loved just watching Luis take in the world.  I feel like many times we are  so busy rushing kids on to the next great thing they need to do or see we forget that they might need some time to just take in what is around them.  I love the little moments I learn from these amazing children I have been blessed to know.  We spent some time just watching the world from where Luis had chosen till it was time for Luis and Lara to get on the bus and head home.  I was officially off duty and Lara had graciously offered to take Luis home on the bus so I could spend the day in town.  I walked them back to the bus stop then decided to just get lost.  I haven't used a map here

Cinderella's horse drawn carriage  

yet and have been just fine.  Palma really is a small town on this small island.  After I said good bye to Luis and Lara at the bus stop I decided to take a street I had not taken yet and see where it led.  As I rounded a corner I was struck by a row of horse drawn carriages framed by gorgeous flowers in bloom below them and drooping trees above.  I felt like I had just stumbled upon Cinderella's horse and carriage.  I am sure the pink one you see in the photo is hers.  This fairly tale had come out of nowhere.  The street before it was just a plain old street with a few shops and nothing more.  As I continued on and crossed the street I was met with so much more enchanted beauty.  I walked through a small entry way that looked like any regular park but once you crossed

Fairy Tale fountain

you were standing in front of  beautiful water fountains that stretched the entire length of the park.  These fountains were embellished with trimmed trees and lovely small ponds on either side. I even saw a little girl splashing in one.  I am pretty sure this was not allowed but she was having so much fun no one was going to stop her.  I know this might sound a bit silly but I really did feel like when I walked in there I was transported to another time and place.  People were in slow motion just taking everything in.  No one was in a rush to get to the next best thing or run across a busy street.  Life was some how calmer once inside these small topiary and iron fence walls.  Walking through this area I really started to understand one part of why I didn't connect with Nice, France and I am connecting with Palma.   In Nice...Not enough greenery and peaceful spaces....Palma has plenty!   I found 2 lovely spots in Nice that had this feel (the castle on the top of the hill and the park by the matisse museum) but that was it....in the whole town.  Everything else was pavement and rocks.  Don't get me wrong...I still like Nice despite the things that happened there and to be honest I would love to go back for a holiday with friends and really tear the town up but I am just not sure if I would want to live there.  I think you all can understand that.

Hidden Pond....

So after I had walked the full length of this lovely park where time stood still I exited it and there was a very small (and I emphasize small since I almost missed it) arched entry way on my right hand side that looked like it led to no where.  I had kinda made a deal with myself (that's what you do when you are traveling alone...make deals with yourself since there is no one else to make deals with) that I would follow my gut into any thing that looked interesting.  For those of you that are thinking her gut has led her into trouble before...That is not what led me to being mugged by the way....that was just bad luck.  My gut was way off in that situation.  Anyway, back to fun in Spain.  I walked through this small entry way and

and hidden swans

    it opened into this beautiful pond with stone archways, ivy and swans.  Yes swans....can it be more like a fairy tale?  I didn't even notice the swans at first.  All I saw was this amazing hidden sanctuary.  Then I noticed a few people with cameras focused on an area of the pond that did't seem too exciting.  I walked around behind them to see what all the fuss was about and I saw a gorgeous swan and her baby swimming into view.  I got goosebumps!  I really wish I could properly portray the emotions I feel at these moments because they would make these stories seem 10 times better.  I am sure you are all thinking so a swan swam around a corner...no big deal but it is just the whole package of it all.  I am not sure if I will ever be able to sufficiently show you the true feeling I have felt in each of these moments but I will continue to try. 
After I had

Cathedral in Palma

enough time in fairy tale land I took the steps that led me to the outside of the Cathedral on the beachside.  Before this moment I had only been on the town side view or the very far away view from where I am staying.  I must say that this view is by far the best view yet.  This building is beyond amazing.  As you all know I have been to multiple palaces and churches in my travels but this one is right up there.  I haven't been inside yet but from the outside it is quite impressive. At one point earlier in the day Lara turned to me and said "Wow, I can't believe after all this time this building is still here."  That is exactly the same way I have felt about all the places I have seen over here. It is phenomenal that after so much time these buildings are still intact and being used on a daily basis.  Yes of course they have been maintained but we are talking before the birth of christ or christ was alive and came through some of these places.  We just don't have a real grasp of that in America.  I think about all the gorgeous buildings in downtown San Diego that people want to condemn or tear down because they are supposedly not "structurally sound" or are in need of a lot of work to make them "up to code"  I have just one question to ask... If a building that was made before the birth of christ is still good why can't the amazing building with all the beautiful character in San Diego be saved?  Just a thought people...history is something to be saved not demolished!  Ok, I will get down off my soap box now.  Trust me you will understand what I am saying if you ever take a European Adventure and stop at all the historical landmarks.  You will be amazed at how old stuff is in comparison to in the USA.

After a sufficient amount of time standing in awe of this impressive building I hopped on the bus and headed back to my quiet oasis in Son Vida.
As I crawled into my princess net (aka mosquito net) and settled in for the night with my book I was again wrapped in a lovely feeling of contentment, comfort and complete relaxation.  I doesn't get much better then this.  

   

 

Just Living Life....

I am doing everything I love most in the world here...jump roping, designing, sewing, shopping (for inspiration....not always buying) playing like I am a kid, and spending time with wonderful people.  Being here is the perfect balance of work and play....I haven't felt like this since my 6 weeks in London (Richmond to be more specific).  Oh and speaking of Richmond I have to add in this little note here...I spoke (via Skype...my lifeline to the world) with the family I lived with while there this week and is was so great to see them.  Rudi who I am sure you all remember from my posts has grown so much in the few months I have been gone.  The entire time we were Skyping he would climb up on his Mums lap then onto the front part of the desk and fling his leg towards the computer screen then his arm almost smashing into it.  We asked him what he was doing and he said " I want to visit Sara....Visit Sara Please!"  Cutest thing ever!  Little man was so determined to be with me he was literally trying to climbing into the computer to get to me.  Belinda answered him by saying "Oh Rudi, if it was only that easy I would be in Spain with Sara too."  I so miss that family...can't wait to see them again at some point in the future!  But back to perfect

Jump...Jump...Jump!

life in Spain.  This crew here is very active and sporty.  They have really taken to skipping.  We even went and bought new ropes for Michael (Dad), Diana (Mum), and Christian(family friend who works out with them) so they could incorporate it into their workouts.  I have given a few lessons and encouraged with constructive criticism as they have been jumping after they go running.  Michael is doing quite well (30 without a miss in his first week) once he gets rid of is high right arm that likes to kinda raise up to high which I call "bird arm" he will be getting hundreds with out a miss.  I have also found his daughter does this same right arm raise....who knew skipping style was genetic.    They are all doing so well though.  Maxime and I have also spent some time working on her skills.  She has done 3 single bounces in a row which is great for a 6 year old who has just learned.  When jumping with me in the rope like the photo above she can do over 20!  San Diego San Skippers I miss you!  I wish you guys could be here with me jumping!  You would all love it.

Maxime in her new dress

So now lets move to one of my other loves...designing!!!  I have been able to create here and it has been so amazing.  Like I mentioned in a prior posts we found a fabric store and got some fabric.  My sitting room transformed into my sewing room.  Sewing machine on the desk, striped floor became a cutting surface and metal bookshelf transformed into a hanging rack.  With my iTunes streaming music I slip into a world of patterns and fabric that makes me feel like the person I am supposed to be.  I know it is hard to understand if you have never felt this feeling of loosing yourself into something that makes you feel complete but when I am designing and sewing it is like I am completely centered.  It really doesn't matter what I am making...It could be a pillow cover or a pair of pants and I would feel the same.  So back to what I am making here.  Once Maxime (AKA Mimi, or Mims) learned I knew how to sew and had a dress pattern with me she wanted a dress.  So, I decided to make one for here and a matching one for little Olivia.    When we were first talking about making the dress and I was taking her measurements and showing here how the

Maxime...So sweet.

pattern would fit on here as a dress she looked at it and had her own little adjustments she wanted to make.  It was so neat to see her looking at a pattern I was holding up on her and to see her little mind working out that she wanted one part of it to end higher and one part lower.  As she explained what she wanted I completely agreed with her.  They were adjustments I was wanting to make to the pattern anyway but it was cool that she noticed them for herself.  Maxime also wanted to be a part of the sewing process so she got to help sew the buttons on her dress (she sewed the last pink 

one on herself)  and she watched and asked a lot of questions so she could learn while I sewed

Olivia in her Party Dress

 parts of the dress.  Once it was finished she wanted to put it on immediately (which is kind of a big deal because she doesn't wear clothing around the house much) and didn't want to take it off!  She wore it when we went out to dinner that night and kept telling everyone I made it.  It was really cute.  I think I have a very satisfied customer.  Olivia got her dress the next day and also wanted to put it on immediately.  She was intrigued with the buttons at first but didn't try and pull them off...just played with them a bit to see what they were.  She kept looking down at the dress, running her hands down the front to straighten it then smiling and laughing.  I couldn't get a photo of it but it was adorable.  When I see these little girls running around in the dresses I made my heart feels so full.  I love making things and seeing people enjoy them.  Now,  I couldn't leave the little man of the house out...plus there is no way he would allow himself to be left out.  So let me tell you a little something about Luis...He loves his food!  Not in a I want to eat a bunch of junk food way.  This kid loves salad, pasta, bread, the super good for you bran cereals and just about

Squishy Loud Kiss!

   any fruit you can throw his way.  He loves to be in the kitchen when meals are being made and help.  There was one day I walked into the kitchen and saw Luis wearing nothing but a pair of hot pink swim goggles chopping up onions for our dinner.  It was quite a sight to see.  So in honor of his love for the kitchen I made him his very own apron.  He was so excited about it when I gave it to him he had to give me what he calls a "loud squishy kiss"
He loved his apron and wore it all day long.  He stored all sorts of things in the pocket and only took it off when some of his pasta lunch made contact with it requiring it to be placed in the dirty laundry.  If anyone is looking for a chef I have got your man right here...You might have to wait a

Wanna Cook?

 couple of years but I am pretty sure he is going to be a whiz in the kitchen.
I have done quite a bit more wondering around town and exploring.  I love taking the bus in and not having to mess with all the crazy drivers and parking spaces that are only made for cars that are about the size of a smart car or maybe a bit smaller.  I let myself get lost the other day and wound up finding a really interesting English bookstore. The owner is literally from England so it is a true English bookstore not just in reference to the language.  It was kinda like walking into my Grandmas Antique store during the months when she wasn't open and had all sorts of boxes and piles of new (old) stuff to go through and put on display.  Difference being this guy was open in this state.  I didn't mind though...I just looked through piles of books and old letters to see what treasure I could find. It was in a interesting old building that had all sorts or hidden nooks and levels to explore.  There also were other random items in there like framed drawings of Japanese women and some porcelain dolls. I didn't ask about those things...I was ok living with the mystery of the items.  Anyway, I didn't buy anything on this trip in but I will be going back to see what other treasures I can discover.  After leaving the ally with the book shop I continued in the general direction of the beach and ran into the famous cathedral.  As I rounded one of the corners I was struck

View to Palma Beach

by this cool view.  There was this diamond patterned cover that guided your eye to the view of the Sea.  I just thought it made for a really interesting combination of items guiding your eye in the direction you were supposed to look for the best view.  I don't really know too much about the diamonds and if they were intended to have any function or if they are just art but I really liked it.  I had not really planned on ending up here on this day and my time was running short so I wasn't able to explore it fully.  I will return on another day when I can go inside the cathedral and also walk over to the beach and spend some time there.

I heart water!

The last big event of the week was a dinner out with the whole family and also the family that Diana and Michae are good friends with.  The restaurant was really nice...located up on a hill with a gorgeous view of Palma.  I am sorry I didn't get a better photo of the view but I was so consumed by the wonderful food.  Apptetizers where plates of bread, whole tomatoes, an aioli type spread and oil and vinegar.  I was not really sure how all these things were to be properly combined but Christian came to the rescue and made me this amazing slice of bread with tomatoes squished and spread on there with everything else in perfect proportion.  It was like nothing I had ever eaten...I had him make me another and then had to force myself to stop so I could enjoy my perfectly prepared fish.  It was a great night of food with a view to go with it.
Funny moment of the night was when Luis decided he was done with cups so I passed him a bottle to drink out of.  Water of course...he finished off what was left in 3 bottles of water and then just thought he was hysterical.  I swear there


was only water in the bottle but by his crazy look

I might be crazy...watch out!

after you had to wonder.

I will leave you now but will be back soon...Tomorrow I am taking this crazy man Luis for his first bus ride into town.  Should be an adventure.
More to come from Spain.....

Skipping, Sewing and Driving...

This has been a non stop, adventure filled week!  I think I have done more in this one week then the first 2 weeks combined.  There has been some solo adventuring, some hunts for special stores, a true  "market" experience, and also like the title says...Skipping, Sewing and Driving.   I suppose I will start with the skipping.  So I did a small bit of jump roping with Maxime and Lara the first week I was here but then Michael (the dad) heard the rumor about my alleged skills with a rope and was quite interested.  Sunday when we had their friends over for another BBQ he requested the it be dinner and a show and my Jump Roping was the show.  I  couldn't disappoint (plus I needed to prove I was legitimate)  an eager crowd so I did a bit of my singles routine and all were impressed.  So much so the following day we went out and bought ropes and I have started teaching all of them how to jump.  It's been so fun to have a rope back in my hand.  It also has inspired me to actually work out on my own here again with the rope.  I have taken to putting together the little foam play space pieces the kids have, setting them up facing the gorgeous view I have, turning on my iTunes and jumping.  It has been so amazing!  The other bit of my life that is being fulfilled right now is my need to be behind a sewing machine.  As you know...on a whim one day I asked Diana if she had a sewing machine and she said yes!  My heart leapt with joy.  She also found a

Sewing Room

fabric store which was also very exciting.  Diana, Maxime and I headed down into town to wander around and find this little treasure of a shop.  When we found it we were met with a sign that said it was only open from 9:30-1:30 and we had arrived at 4:30.  This is just one of the many examples of the crazy hours that stores in Spain keep.  They take their siestas very seriously.  Many stores are closed for the whole middle of the day...1-5pm.  I am not really sure how any of the businesses make it.  Anyway, we ended up just peaking through the window for a minute and then Diana and I decided to return the next day which was a much more successful trip.  We picked out fabric to make some matching dresses for the 2 little girls and I got to browse around and just take it all in.  I really do love fabric...I could spend hours just looking at it, touching it and mixing things together to create interesting combinations.  When we got the fabric home we transported all the necessities into my little flat for me to turn my sitting room into a sewing room.  I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to get started sewing.

Placa Major

 I also did a bit of solo adventuring this week.  It has been so great how wonderful all the public transpiration is around Europe.  Palma has been no exception.  There is a bus stop right at the end of our street that takes you directly into downtown.  It was so simple.  The busses even go in a loop so you don't have to worry about which direction the bus is headed because as long as you get on the right number you will eventually end up at your stop.  I rode it down into a place called Placa Major.  From the bus stop I walked up a ton of stairs that opened up into this huge open air craft market.  I had read some reviews about this place and they had all said that it was a bunch of touristy junk sold for too much money.  I am glad I ignored the reviews and came anyway because they were all completely wrong.  Each booth had a beautiful hand made craft at it and it was all lovely.  There was everything from metal work, to blown glass jewelry, to hand woven garments and headbands.  Each person was sitting making pieces while they waited to greet customers.  I loved it!  The Placa was also filled with street artists.  The ones you can see in the photo are a live couple, sitting on a bench covered completely with terra cotta mud.  There also was a guy who some how makes himself look like he is hovering above the ground.  I couldn't figure out his trick and it looked pretty convincing.  On the opposite side of the Placa from where I entered was the downtown shopping area.  I had a great time wandering the streets and found a ton of great clothing.  I stumbled upon a shop which drew me in and held me captive for a huge chunk of time....the name of this shop (and brand)is Desigual.  I discovered this brand when I attended Magic (the fashion trade show in Las Vegas) this past year and have been searching for it since. It is a brand based in Spain and is very hard to find in the states.  Needless to say I will be coming home with quite a few pieces from this shop.  I also made another great brand find called El Ganso.  Just check out the website.  You will understand why I love it immediately.  Along with shopping I also wandered into a few churches along the way (they seem to be on every block).  There was one that upon my first step in I got the chills and was over come with emotion.  I can't really explain it.  It was just one of those times where you get goosebumps in a good way and just know that there is something going on here and you gotta just go with it.  It was elegant, yet very original to it's true beauty.  You could tell it had been maintained but not overly done up to draw in tourists.  There was a genuineness about it...this church was for the local people to be a part of, to worship in, to pray in, or for a wandering tourist to just walk through and take in the historical elegance of it.  There were no signs outside saying it was open to look at or asking for donations...the doors were just open.  It completely drew me in and effected me for sure.  After the church I made my way back to the bus stop, found my #7 bus to Son Vida and headed back for  dinner with the family.  After dinner before I headed to bed I was told that I would need to drive Maxime to Sports Camp the next day.
Ok so let's talk about this for a moment...I haven't driven in 3 months, I have no drivers license on me since the jerk in Nice stole it, and man those round a bouts look scary!  I guess I gotta do it right.....It's all apart of the adventure!
The next morning Maxime and I head out to the car armed with a Garmin and take off towards camp.  My little back seat navigator is able to keep me going till I get on the motorway then she says "You have to do it from here Sara" We arrived safely with no wrong turns.  My drive home was not quite as successful but still not bad.  Only one wrong round about exit that landed me at a military base. I turned around quickly and no one even knew I was there.  All in all the driving here has been just fine.  Round a bouts are quite tricky though until you get the hang of them.  All you people in San Diego who drive around he ones in Bird Rock or Leucadia...those are not the real thing.  Here you gotta really watch out for drivers entering and exiting from about 4 or 5 different spots and you are yielding and passing and exiting all within a few feet.  They also are about double the size of what you are probably used too.   The first time I was pretty freaked out...I was sure I would exit into and entrance but now that I have done it a few times it's kinda fun!
I will leave you all today with some photos from the best beach day ever.  We went back to the same beach from the first week I was here and Luis and I had some good times in the water together.

We waded out into what he called the deep end where he found a rope that divided two sections of the sea.

He decided the rope was a tight rope and tried to stand on it with both is feet.

This rope decided it wasn't a tight rope and popped right back up into his face which made him crack up...when he laughs I can't help but laugh too...it's contagious.

After the tight rope had shown Luis who was boss a few more times we decided to look for some fish in the tide pools.









Each time I sit down to write about this place I have such a hard time finding the words to explain how good I feel here.  Each day I wake up happy to be here and excited to see what this new day will have in store for me.  Even the days I wake up at 7am to work I am happy!  I love eating breakfast with the kids, swimming in the pool,  relaxing with a book, and enjoying wine and great conversation with Diana and Michael in the evening.  There is just a level of comfort and a feeling of home here that can't be explained.  I know I said I have a feeling of home in London and that hasn't changed.  That is still the place that will hold my heart completely but this place has a different level of being relaxed that you can only get in a tropical location.  It is funny because the family I am living with also lived in Richmond very near where I was at the start of this adventure and they feel the same way I do.  London feels like home but Palma does too.  

Is this really my life....?

This place is like a little slice of heaven served up at just the right time in my travels.  Life just kinda flows here in a stream of splashing kids, laughter so pure you want to bottle it and save it for a moment you need to smile, comfort in routine with just enough spontaneity to keep you on your toes, and great company through it all.  The kids and I have started to find our middle ground on everything.  They respect me and I respect them.  It is always a bit tricky to navigate life with kids when they have a few different people taking care of them.  I don't think it is a bad thing at all....I actually think it can be really great for the kids to understand that they are cared about by so many people and that we all follow the same rules but do things a bit differently.  There has been many a moment in the beginning where I was told "My Mommy doesn't do it that way!"  That comment has now turned into (most of the time) "You do it different then Mommy...but it's ok!"  Sometimes kids are so much smarter then we give them credit for.
Life with 3 kids is busy for sure and there is never a dull moment.  In the middle of all the madness though we always sit down together for at least one meal a day.  That meal is usually lunch.  Diana will make some

Luis and the story of the blue nails

amazing salad or some other tasty dish and the kids,Lara and I will set the table.  We will then all gather around dishing up the food and talking about whatever is going on.  Family meals so often are something that get lost due to all sorts of circumstances in life but when it comes right down to it those circumstances most of the time are just excuses.  So often we feel it's just easier to do it separately or our schedules are all so different we can't find a good time.  There is always a way to make something that we feel is important happen.  I have been reminded here by this family the importance of sitting down and sharing a meal.  I have learned so much about everyone around the table during these meals and feel like I am so comfortable and relaxed here partly because of these times.  What we talk about is not life changing but being together is.  The simple pleasure of hearing Luis talk about his blue finger nails and how 2 were not painted anymore because he went to the doctor and the doctor said he had to take it off was adorable.  That story was important to him and might not have been shared or heard by all of us had we not all sat down.  Maxime remembered today while we were all eating fruit salad how her mom used to make faces with her fruit and you could see her just light up with joy while she talked about it.

Meal time laughs..Lara and Maxime

It's these moments that make putting aside the challenges of getting everyone to the table at the same time worth while.
In between meals life has been happening also and it has included some adventures and some mishaps this week.  Here are the mishaps....  Maxime has had a bit of a rough go of it lately.
Incident #1: We had a barbecue with some of their friends over the weekend and while playing she took a corner too close  and slammed straight into a cement post leaving her with a nice big scratch on her forehead.
Incident #2: The next day poor thing started running a fever just as we were leaving to take her to her sports camp so she climbed into bed for the day.

Poorly Maxime

   Incident #3: The next morning as she was getting ready for the day by bruising her teeth she had an unfortunate meeting with the floor.  This has to be one of the best falls I have ever seen in my life...super scary in the moment.  Let me set the scene for you.  It's about 8:30am...me and the 2 oldest (Maxime and Luis) are in the bathroom.  Maxime has just started up her electric toothbrush...one of those disney ones with snow white on it (I promise this snow white bit is relevant later).  The story begins as she puts it in her mouth and starts to brush Luis announces "Sara!  I need some wee's! (translation...I need to be put on the toilet so I can go potty).  I pop him up there and then Olivia who was still asleep starts chatting in her crib to get up.  After getting her up I hear the call from Luis "I'm Done!!!"  I walk back into the bathroom and as I am setting Olivia down to go help Luis Maxime stands up, and as she steps her feet catch in her nightgown and she just goes down flat onto the floor.  She didn't even catch herself at all with her hands because they were on her toothbrush.  My heart stopped...as I picked up this sobbing child of course I was completely calm and collected on the outside but inside all I could think is...I hope all her teeth are there and she didn't break her nose.  Luckily at this moment the housekeeper walked by and picked up Olivia.  I grabbed some tissue from Luis who, bless his little heart, was just sitting on the potty still waiting and applied pressure to the quickly swelling, bleeding lip.  Diana must have heard the cry from upstairs and came down with an ice pack and snuggled her crying daughter to calm her.  I walked over and finally freed Luis from his front row seat to this show (the potty) and took him out of the bathroom.  After a bit of time with mom this little trooper came over to me and said " Sara, I can go to sports camp now....can you help me find my clothes"  We go her dressed and off she went...busted lip and all (no teeth were lost thank goodness).
I have to say I have never seen a fall quite like this one.  It was full face to floor contact with an electric toothbrush as the only buffer between the two.  After she had left for camp I went back down to clean up the scene and when I picked up the tooth brush the only piece that had broken out of the middle of it was Snow Whites face.  I have been joking now with her that the toothbrush busted her face but she busted it's face too.
Our hope is that since things usually happen in threes Maxime should be good for a while!

Day at the Beach

 One of our best days so far was an outing to the beach.  Diana, Olivia, Luis and I went to this lovely little beach and spent the better part of the morning and afternoon there.  We went early and set up in a great spot very near the water and nice and shaded for the kids.  I am back to sandy beaches here.  I had gotten so used to the rocks I forgot how soft and lovely laying on sand can be. The water was gorgeous...beautiful shades of blue and green with perfect temperature.  Not so hot that it isn't refreshing but not so cold you can't stand to be in it....it is just right.  Luis and I had quite an adventure looking at all the fish. I was really surprised at how many there were so close to the shoreline.  Sandwiches from a beachside cafe for

Palma Beach at dusk

 lunch made the day complete before we headed home.   I also did venture out for an evening with Lara into downtown Palma.  We went down to the beach just as the sun was setting.  It was really funny as we were walking onto the beach Lara kept saying keep looking forward..don't turn around yet...then when she felt we had reached the perfect spot she let me turn and look back and it was beautiful.  The city was bathed in this dusk glow.  Everything had a warmth too it.  The historic cathedral was lit up and looked magical.  It was the perfect time of night to see everything.  This city really has a nice feeling to it.  After walking the beach a bit we popped into her friends restaurant and had some wine.  The restaurant is in a great location right on the beach and the building is a historic landmark.  It used to be these really cool old windmills but now it's the restaurant.  We had a nice time just chatting and getting to know each other a bit.  Lara is taking courses in fashion so it was fun for us to find this common interest.  Hopefully we are going to be able to do some designing together while I am here.

El Molino Resaurant

I must say that life in Spain is just great.  I am loving it so much and know that it is just going to get better as the days pass by...not too quickly hopefully!