I made a promise to one of my best friends, here in the city, that whilst she’s here I’ll show her the natural wonders that this Little, or perhaps great,paradise has to offer.
I usually spend the summer, or rather, my summer outings, going to the beach and sunbathing, which I love, as it gives me a unique energy and allows me to be in contact with the sand, the grass and the sea water that I’m so passionate about; it renews my body after everything that’s happened over the year.
But this summer is different; I’m not even quite sure when it began. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to go to the beach and enjoy it the way I like to. Just a quick walk, in passing or for a short while. Sometimes life’s circumstances mean we have to take a different course, but despite that, I always fulfil my commitments, and one of them is ensuring my friend can enjoy nature.
We usually take turns: one time we’ll go out, have a walk, look at art in the galleries, stroll along the seafront and have a chat. But the next time we go out, when I bring tereré, which is Argentine mate but made with ice-cold water, ice and juice, we head off somewhere she hasn’t been before. I think sharing experiences and vibes is the best way to multiply them, as well as making the other person happy through one’s own happiness. Positivity is contagious.
And I wanted to make the most of it before the summer heat becomes much more intense; although, as you know, I live under a dome that maintains a microclimate, and even though the rest of Spain is sweltering, it’s lovely here. I wanted Loli to see some of the many woodland parks I’d visited. It’s such a lovely summer atmosphere.
So I invited her to explore the Hacienda Clavero woodland park with me; it looks more vibrant than ever now in summer. It was hot that day, so I took a large bottle of juice with plenty of ice and my mate.
We walked quite a way up the marked path; in summer you have to be extra careful not to stray from the paths, just in case. The paths are full of small pebbles and can be slippery; there’s also a sort of very fine sand, and the right footwear for all that can make your feet very hot. So, wearing sandals and flat shoes, we made our way up very carefully.
All the while, we marvelled at the beauty of the trees around us. Loli is fascinated by tres, touching them, being close to them. She knows about their energy. But also, every time we climbed a little higher, we noticed not only the deep, fresh air but also the distance from the noise, the peace and tranquillity. Nature is perfect.
And although it was hot, being surrounded by greenery, bushes, vegetation and so many trees kept us feeling very cool. My aim was for us to reach one of the viewpoints so that she could see the wonder of the place, and we managed it.
And I could see from his face that, indeed, the vibrations we share grow and multiply. I saw that happiness despite the exhaustion from the climb, and how he marvelled at every tree, every rock, every spot.
We found a bench where we could make some tereré, drank it nice and cold, had a rest and then climbed up to the viewpoint, which was very close by. We even explored the whole area, chatting about our lives. We sat down again and even let our inner child run free on a swing there in the playground. It had been far too many years since we’d last had that experience.
Those summer vibes were spectacular, and I hope to share them by recounting this experience here, so that both summer and a love of nature may spread far and wide.
Thank you so much for joining me today; I send you my warmest regards. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.
