Don't Look at the Graffiti!

I was feeling a little down about the day to day grind today.  Yes, that happens, even here in Spain.  The daily routine includes homeschooling (that often takes much more of the day than it seems like it should,) laundry (in a very small washer and a dryer that has two settings:  'don't dry' or 'rapidly shrink',) walks to the grocery store (a half mile away for one simple forgotten item or just to keep food in the house), and the never ending job of food preparation (while only using one appliance at a time and some unfamiliar ingredients.)

Clearly, I was in need of an attitude adjustment.

Feeling a little sorry for myself (I'm sorry, under the circumstances that's rude I know,) I decided I needed to get out for a run.  I have wanted to do that since we got here, and frankly had hoped I would do it regularly last time we were here as well, but it just never seems to fit in.

It turned out to be just the thing I needed (doesn't it always?!)  Sun on my face and a slight wind made for the perfect conditions, and the siesta made it even better.  No one was around.  No cars to dodge, no people to squeeze through, no open stores, no nothing but me and the city to explore.  It was beautiful!  Knowing I might get lost but not really caring, I just headed off through a part of the city I had only partially been through before.  In what turned out to be only a couple of miles I ran through parks and plazas, past a palace and cathedral, down narrow medieval cobblestone streets, and past old stone buildings and a monastery.

As I headed back, I walked for a while, a little tired, but lifted from the experience, only to begin to notice the trash piled in a dumpster by the side of the road, the walls littered with graffiti and the dog poop in scattered areas on the sidewalk  Hadn't I just come this way?!  How had I ignored it before?

Ahh, those sweet moments in life. The ones that quietly teach you or slap you in the face when you need it most.   Here's mine today:  Don't focus on the daily grind of life or graffiti on the wall when you're surrounded by family and great moments together, parks and cathedrals. :)



I had so much fun, I ran back for Cassie and did it all again so I could take pictures.

Heading out the door of our Chalet

The quiet city streets of the Siesta

Even the trains were sleeping/

Through a city park

Into the medieval part of the city

Along side the palace

The Archbishop's Palace and birthplace of Catherine of Aragon (daughter of Ferdinand & Isabella and  1st wife of King Henry the 8th of England.  She couldn't bear him a son so he tried with 5 other wives.)

Calle Mayor, one of the most important cities of past and present Alcala

Typical homes in the historical part of the city

The famous storks of Alcala.  They sit atop many of the old buildings and churches.

Love the cobblestone streets and narrow roads

Typical homes in the more modern parts of town

A little reward at our favorite grocery store, Carrefour,  Spaniards don't eat and drink while they walk so I was a little nervous about this, haha.

Lesson learned.