Written by: Matt Barrios
Hey Family!
First and foremost, I love you so so so much. Distance has made the heart grow fonder, for sure. I’m definitely not ready to be done here, but I’m also anxious to see you all! Just a few more weeks!
So I’m writing to tell you a little bit about the trip, like how I hiked to a lighthouse today, and I got to swim in the Mediterranean for the first time, and you know where I swam? Right next to Roman ruins! Come on!
I also climbed through a little sea cave that was really scary and dark and wet and jagged, and then I climbed through it again in reverse to see how quickly I could get through it. And unlike most days, I brought my camera along with, so you’ll get a few photos of where I swam and stuff when I return. It’ll be quite the site for you, I hope.
I also tried Sangria for the first time just after the hike. Having an alcoholic beverage after sweating out all my water reserves was probably not the best idea. I felt fine, but I was definitely feeling a little happier than usual. It was hilarious, and sangria is totally gross, in my opinion. But I also tried this drink called La Casera, which is the single best soda I’ve ever had in my life.
It’s so light and refreshing, like drinking some sparkling water with lemon. Like an ultra toned down 7up, yum! Apparently it’s one of the staples of Spanish life. It’s so ubiquitous in Spain that any drink with a lemony, carbonated flavor is referred to as a “casera.” We need to track it down in the U.S. and drink it all the time.
That’s my update for the day, basically, but I also wanted to tell you that I sent in my official resignation from the RC job today. My old boss had given me a deadline for the 1st of July, and I just was thinking about it, and now my mind is in the mode of imagining my future not in ResLife that thinking about returning just seems totally weird and totally wrong. I didn’t really think three days was going to change that, so I went ahead and sent it in. So it looks like living out of my car is in my near future. Who knows? I’ll figure it all out. The stars will align in some new fashion like they always do.
That’s about it! I might be getting in with some Spanish friends this weekend. I think I’m actually going dancing with them Saturday night, so just pray that’s an awesome time for me to connect with them and begin building some friendships that will last a long, long time. Also maybe pray for some lyrics for me. I’ve got the melodies and structures down, but the words just don’t seem to come; fresh inspiration would be nice.
Peace,
Matt
