This morning started with another stunning 8am sunrise. I normally prefer the quiet of an early sunrise, so it’s quite different to share it with commuters and kids on the way to school. There was a little internal fist-pump every time I saw someone stop to take a photo or a child point it out to their parent. We should never tire of these magnificent moments of the every day.
I headed to the East, towards the source of the River Genil. Through town it’s in a massive culvert, presumably for flood mitigation, and looks quite odd with only a tiny trickle. It would be so different in spring when it flows properly.
The culvert continues for a couple of kilometres out of town and the water flow seems to be managed in stages… going from very open, to carefully placed rocks that create mini rapids, to a stream with man-made rocky embankments, and finally to a more natural stream. I’m going to have to chat to my hydrologist mate about this one – it’s a big and fascinating piece of engineering!
It’s our last full day in Granada so Mum and I opted to just wander the streets and enjoy the town. You could easily get lost wandering the old and narrow streets, with 3-4 story pale buildings that maximise the light, but hide key landmarks. Every so often you pop out into a bustling square, or a large old church appears and it reminds you that this way of living was designed to create and strengthen communities. It’s something we’ve lost in modern cities, particularly in Australia, with our more individual (bordering on selfish) spaces.
As we headed out to meet Eric & Pascal for the evening, we came across the language school where Rachel came to study Spanish and where Pascal now works. This is where she met Eric, then Pascal and the most beautiful of lifelong friendships was born.
This week we’ve put together some pieces of her path to Granada. We know that it was after a particularly intense period of her life and career – in true Rachel style she’d worked incredibly hard in a difficult environment that she loved, and passionately gave everything to make it better for others. She chose to take time out and invest in herself for 6-12 months, but we’re still not sure exactly what drew her to choose Spanish, or why she ultimately selected Granada out of two places that are renowned for languages. I’m sure someone will have these pieces for us one day.
Once again, we pomegranates pop up both everywhere, and where you least expect them. It’s such strong symbolism that’s so widely embraced. It feels like it creates connection and warmth throughout Granada.
This afternoon we took time to remember Rachel and honour her wish to have a home in Granada forever. We found a little woodland area near the Alhambra, not far from the school under a chestnut tree that had a fresh little vine making its way upwards. The sun came out to bathe the area in dappled forest light as we scattered petals from Pascal and Eric’s garden. It’s a beautiful place and I know she is happy and grateful to be here, in her spiritual home.
Dinner at The Boys’ house was all about raising a glass to Rachel’s favourites… champagne, Emma Bridgewater china, wine, food. There are so many memories of her wrapped up in these walls. We laughed, cried, and as she wished… ‘celebrated that we were friends’.
The evening was an absolute trip highlight as we were thoroughly spoiled. The meal had been designed and adjusted for days, meticulously prepared and cooked by Pascal all day while Eric worked, and then served with so much love. Bellisima, Tuna and avocado with wasabi, Pork with smashed potatoes and tarragon, green salad with pomegranate, and finished with a Tarte Tartin. Amazing meal.
Of course, it also gave us lots of lovely time with Pepe, another family member that Rachel adored, and a newer addition, Milan. Two of many gorgeous dogs that have found their way into this home, that shares R’s passion for the family that happen to have four legs.
It has been so, so special to finally meet this family that has been such a big part of R’s life, and such a big support for us all over the years. Words can’t describe what an honour and a privilege every part of the last week has been… I know R has loved every moment of watching this new set of friends that family unfold.
Love M & BB x
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