After staying up till 5:30am I was pretty wrecked this morning. I did some research and emails and took a nap, then I went to meet up wit Juanjo (short for Juan Jose, which I am informed is what everyone named Juan Jose is called as it is just too long)
Before I came over I asked him what I should bring, to which he replied manzanas! We were going to make empanaditas so I bought some manzanas verdes and came over to prepare them. Of course I got semi lost on the way to his place, but I have such a confidence now, it didnt even phase me to ask for directions and just trust my intution. Something shifted in me after Brighton, where I dont worry about getting lost anymore. I guess it helps that the streets are a bit more grid like here. But getting lost is part of the adventure now.
Greeted with a hug, Juanjo showed me around his quaint flat and then put me to work! We talked bout therapy, meditation and healing, how important it was to be genuine and really come from a place of true intention. We are both in these times in our life where we are figuring it out and trying to be true to our passions and interests. It comes up quite a bit, that balance between trusting in the universe and having faith, and also thinking ahead, being mindful and practical with regards to life actions. I told him about Joseph Campbell and about how valuable the words ¨Follow your bliss¨are to me. In addition I told him, we have to as JC says Ënter the forest at the darkest point¨and well, those are the things I remind myself of as I have been on this journey for some time now, constantly facing myself and the uncomfortable world in front of me. I think I have gained some profound insights and clarity around where I want to be, and it made me feel good to share that with him.
I´m pretty sure I know what I want to do now, and that is exciting. I am working on putting together a practice that integrates mindfulness yoga and dance, and I think that it will be really beneficial for people. I just have to work out the kinks. I asked Juanjo if he wanted to do a mini session workshop with me, and he was all about it, so Ill work with him on what Ive been toying with over the past few months.
As we chatted I peeled tomatoes and we made a spread/dip that consisted of raw tomatoes, french bread innards, garlic, salt and olive oil blended up. Then the apples were peeled, sliced and put in the pot with sugar and cinnamon to make a compote. Soon the process began and I started to fill the pastry circles with the sweet filling and made pouches like potstickers, folded compote inside, forked the edges, licked the sugar off my fingers and set them in a pain of oil to fry. When they were golden Juanjo took them out, coated them in cinnamon and sugar, and they were done! it was so easy! And dangerously good, omg. But then again what thing isnt when its fried right!
It was really nice talking with him and the fact that he let me speak in my broken Spanglish, that he was so patient, and kind about it, also made me feel really accepted. He is from Seville, and is pretty close with his family there. I need to come back to Spain so I can travel around more.
When the empanaditas were done we walked to his friend Valeries house which was really close by. Right away I felt a bit out of my depth be it there were thirty people all of which greeting me in Spanish or Catalan. I kissed them on each cheek the european way and stated my name as I had learned to do in Paris. In an attempt to get over my anxieties I found some really kind people, Valerie and her friend from Yoga school, to chat with. Then struck up conversations with the Japanese exchange students there who knew very little english but were studying Spanish.
It was quite a riot speaking to them in broken Spanish but put me at ease since we were all learning. We talked about accents and cognates and the overlap between languages, and I got to say the few Japanese sayings I know which made me pretty happy too!
Then as I was getting some water I met Alberto. Alberto was all heart and openness and also let me speak Spanish to him, while actualy correcting me when I needed it (so helpful!) I felt really touched by his demeanor and how genuine he was. I listened to his story and heard how he was working at a cafe to help his sister, as they had come from a catering family, and also teaching yoga. How he had gone to India to study at an ashram outside of Delhi, and had plans to go back in August. He told me about living in Ireland for awhile and how people helped him along the way, and how important it was to share in language and be kind. We are all people in this world just trying to live and get by, I said to him, so to let language or culture get in the way is silly. It should be shared and experienced but not a reason for divide.
He agreed and told me about who of his friends who are going to make a life in SF and I told him he would have to give them my info so I could help them in any way that they could. I plan to go to his cafe sometime next week and talk with him more. I kind of got excited because I was thinking he might be perfect for Juanjo and was trying to play matchmaker a bit. Lol.
Then I decided I wanted to come back and write. I said my goodbyes and Juanjo walked me to the Metro. We danced to music on my phone and planned to have a dance party in addition to our workshop, and of course to watch Totoro and go to some fun pride events. I am looking forward to spending time with him more. I just wanted to hug him all night, he is so lovely. We have already shared a lot of moments throughout the night talking about life and our beliefs, about family and where we come from. It is always so wonderful to connect deeply, and to continue in what this life is all about. Love.
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