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.