Golden Ticket.

Recalling the children's story “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” President Uchtdorf said people were looking for a golden ticket in a candy bar. Unfortunately, the candy bar itself became an utter disappointment if it did not contain a gold ticket, he explained.

"So many people today are waiting for their own golden ticket — the ticket that they believe holds the key to the happiness they have always dreamed about. For some, the golden ticket may be a perfect marriage; for others, a magazine-cover home; or perhaps, freedom from stress and worry. There is nothing wrong with righteous yearnings."

The problem, he added, comes when a person puts their happiness on hold as they wait for some future event — or gold ticket — to appear.

"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in the pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments."

_______________________________________________

I was reading this morning and I immediately thought of the world today, this girl at my work in particular, and how people want an immediate fix to their happiness.  Yesterday I was working later than I normally do and a co-worker came up to me to tell me all about this spiritual healing she had with shakras and gems and blah, blah, blah, yes, I pretty much tuned everything else out.  She went on to say that this woman, who charged her $120.00, told her about all her past lives and how she believes that is why we meet people and we feel connected to them because we knew them in a past life. 

I have to stop there because my instant thought is yes, pre-existence.  We knew people in pre-existence and we are reminded of them in this life by certain aspects of their personality and who they are. But as I look past that to her situation in general and how she believed this woman gave her happiness, it was somewhat saddening.  What an insult to our Savior for another person to believe that spirits and sprays and "healings" can make one happy and take away their problems in life.  First off, nothing can take away our trials, we are human, we will always be faced with trials, but we can have peace in the midst of our trials. I can't help but chuckle that people think Mormons are weird or out of the norm but things like these seances are completely acceptable... oh Los Angeles!

End of the Rope.

Do you ever feel like you are at the end of your rope? Like you are being stretched in every direction and you don't even have time to gasp for air? Although currently I am excited for time to pass, that is until July 27, and then time can go really slow for 5 weeks :), BUT... right now I feel like everything is a blur from day to day.

Almost a month ago my bishop pulled me in to his office and asked if I would accept the calling to be Relief Society president. Without hesitation I agreed.  Then I was to call counselors and teachers and decide what I wanted to do with the ward. What if I make the wrong choices, what if I don't listen to the spirit? All of these what-if's came into my head and I had to just take a few deep breathes and relax. I will officially get called on Sunday, exciting and nervous.

This past weekend I did just that, relax. I was supposed to go to Orange County to take pictures of my nephew but I wanted to run errands and take things easy because church meetings would start at 8am for me on Sunday. After running a few errands I decided to stop at a Goodwill in Glendale. I spent over an hour in there and got so many good gems. It was like everything I found, I wanted. I have never had such an awesome thrifting experience. As I was in line, and the cashier was taking quite some time to ring everything up, this old man was standing behind me.

"Well, I can't really afford this, but I suppose I will get it." referring to a sports coat he had in his hands.
This old man was amazing, adorable, and my heart had this feeling that without any hesitation I turned to the cashier and said, "I would like to buy his jacket for him." The cashier looked at me in amazement, and confusion, so much that I repeated myself two times.  Finally, I turned to the older man and said, "I would like to purchase your jacket for you." He looked at me puzzled and said, "Oh, that is sweet of you but you don't have to." Now I know I don't have to do anything, but I wanted to. I said, "No, I am serious, I want to buy your coat." He said, "But why?" I looked at him with a smile and simply said, "Because I felt like I should." His face turned from worry to excitement as he informed me that the coat is half-priced and it would only be $6.00. In all honesty, I couldn't have cared if the coat was $20, I had a prompting and I followed through. The cashier gave me my receipt and bags and the old man continued to stand there saying, "Thank you! Thank you so much. How can you be so beautiful and kind? Thank you."

I am sure I will never see that man again, but he will always leave an impression on my heart.  The feeling I had from helping him out was one of the most amazing feelings. He didn't expect anything, and I didn't expect anything, it was just an offer to help a stranger. I hope and pray that I may have the same impact on the sisters of my ward.  Although I may not get a chance to know each and every one of them, I hope that through the spirit I may leave an impression on their lives.

Things Happen When You're Obedient.

Sometimes I would love to be God for a day and just sit up there and watch all of us going every which way throughout our daily lives.  We often complain about rough patches or certain trials and when it comes down to it, for the most part, the choices we make, determine the situations we are placed in.  If only we saw the grand picture like our Heavenly Father, perhaps we would make necessary changes sooner.

This year has been full of lessons and blessings, of trials of faith and obedience.  It is amazing how many blessings the Lord is willing and ready to pour unto us, we just have to be ready and willing to accept them. We ask for prayers to be answered but we do nothing more on our part.  I love this quote I heard once; "We give fifty cent prayers and expect million dollar answers."

There are a few things that were holding me back in certain areas of my life, nothing large, but things I needed to overcome or learn from before the Lord would provide me with blessings, with his greater intent and purpose for my life. It is almost instantaneous, as I made the choice to live my life better, or to walk firmly in a new direction, I could immediately see why that choice was made. I dated a non-member for quite some time, we broke up and two months later I was endowed. Recently I made some daily life choices and that next Sunday, I was called to be Relief Socity president. 

I feel close to the spirit, inspired, and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It never ceases to amaze me that when your ears are open to the spirit, the direct and distinct promptings of the spirit fill you completely. 

You're Never Lost if You Can See the Temple.

Great talk by the way: Read HERE

I will add to that and say, "You can never have a bad day when you're staring at the temple."

This morning I woke up feeling like crap. Close your ears fellas.
Bloated.
Volcanic eruptions on my face. (ok maybe that is an exaggerations but that is how I feel).

I went to make this new recipe called pumpkin bread in a bowl, healthy cereal thing, and it tasted like a dog biscuit. Then I put on a shirt that is a sheer material and ripped my shirt, of course while walking out the door which means I will have that rip in my shirt all day long.

There are two ways this day could go; I could be cranky and upset all day long, or I could smile and get over the fact that things didn't start off on the best foot.

I am covering for a girl this week, (a temp that is leaving on vacation for 10 days) a desk that I actually interviewed for so if I like it, I will be placed in this desk full-time, which let me add made the training awkward yesterday. At any rate, I got situated at the desk and looked up to see this:

It is foggy outside but if you look in the middle of the picture, you can see the beautiful Los Angeles temple. The biggest smile came on my face, it is going to be a good day, or 10 days for that matter as long as I can see the temple!

Did Someone Say Carnival?

I am planning my 30th birthday party which I feel is like planning a wedding! It is carnival themed and my awesome friend Nicole, no I am not referring to myself in third person :), she has this huge house in Orange and is also an event planner and with her master mind and attention to detail, this is going to be the party of the year! Goldfish, churros, soft serve machine, rainbow sprinkles, tacos, popcorn, darts and balloons, stuffed animals!!! Ahh, I get so excited thinking about it.

Things are good, I am happy!

Switzerland.

Is where I would like to be right now.

There is this guy... haha, I love stories that begin like that but unfortunately, mine is going to begin like that and I am not ashamed. In September I will hit my four year mark of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and up until this point in my life, as wonderful as people have been that I have met, there has always been something missing, either they weren't a member (minor detail hah jk) or they had traits that I would simply just learn to live with, or I would justify things about their personality or background.

He is great, he is wonderful, he has so many amazing qualities and there are countless times in the day where I just wish we were on the same time zone, in the same place.

He will be here in August, which seems forever away but until then, I am grateful that we get to continue getting to know each other without all the sometimes misleading physical factors.

Pregnant.

Is not what I am, but because of my best friend, has been something that has been on my mind heavily for the past year.  My best friend has been trying to conceive a baby for quite some time and my heart goes out to her and her husband.  One thing I have learned throughout this trying time is how much goes in to becoming a parent and how often people take it lightly or take it for granted.  I have no clue what will happen when I try to conceive but I do know that I have learned a lot from Cait.  Watching her dedication and faith, time after time as well as the sacrifices both her and her husband are making to bring a child in to the world, has given me so much respect and gratitude for motherhood and of course my dear friends.

It saddens me that people who do not deserve to have a child, or do not want to have a child, because after all, I am no judge to say that someone does not deserve a child, but those that could care less, get pregnant and those that desperately want to raise a child, are not given that opportunity.

I listen to mothers complain about being pregnant, or about things post birth and then I watch my friend state how grateful she would be to be carrying a child, regardless of the inconveniences most would grunt or moan about. I suppose this post is more about complaining, and realizing what we have to be grateful for. So many of the things that come easily or naturally to us, are things that others fight or wish for and never receive.

Once a Week.

Since I have been endowed, February 11, I have gone to the temple.

I make it a point to go each week because I feel it is important in my life, to spend time serving others, as well as having intimate time with my Heavenly Father to ask and answer questions. It seems at the current moment I have a lot of things on my mind. My lease is about to be up and I am contemplating where to move, what to do, and all that wonderful stuff. What's awesome about my temple experiences, well one of the awesome things, is that I have been able to take through family names. I have done a lot of family history work and it has been such a blessing to be able to experience this time with those that I love. In the celestial room of the temple, you can ask any questions that you have, whereas outside the temple, you don't talk about things that happen inside the temple, not that it is secret, just sacred.

At any rate, I asked a question to a temple worker and she directed me to the temple presidency office, where I walked in and met with Brother Woodward, the recorder. I had full intentions of meeting with either the temple president or one of his counselors, but I know now that I was intended to speak to this man. We went into a back room and he asked me my question. I asked, he answered. He then asked where I was from, I told him I lived in LA but was baptized in Orange County. He told me he felt impressed to share a story with me. He told me how his great great grandmother met a young man when she was 17 who was a member of the church, and she wanted to get baptized. Her parents told her that if she got baptized, she would not longer be recognized as a part of the family. She was baptized and because of her, over 10,000 people are members of the church.

He and I both teared up as we sat in silence.

I told him that my family wasn't very keen on me being a member and that things had been rough since I had been endowed. He looked at me and smiled and said, "I could sense that."

We both sat in tears as he told me how wonderful of a thing that I was doing and to not give up or let the feelings of others stop me from being the member I am.

I hadn't planned about talking about my family, nor did that have anything to do with my question. Sometimes you hear just the right things at just the right time. I truly do believe that Heavenly Father sends the right people at the right time to share words of encouragement or comfort that we need to hear.

Turning the Other Cheek.

Like all gospel principles, you understand what it means, and it's easy to tell others what they should do when a certain situation arises, however, suddenly when the principle applies to your own life, it's like pulling teeth.

Turn the other cheek.

It seems simple, but being the bigger person is never easy. I am not sure where we as humans ever got the notion that things in life were supposed to be easy. We seem to grunt at everything that is difficult and simply expect life to be a breeze. I am guilty of this, I know. The fact is, trials come and when they come they shape our character. You can tell a lot about a person from how they handle life's unpleasant situations. That thought is slightly scary since I am sure I am not the best example of eloquently handling obstacles.

Sometimes you know a trial is coming, but even the knowledge of it cannot prepare you for the exhaustion both physically and mentally. I was raised to "kill people with kindness," however I often think the kindness will kill me... haha, since it is SO hard to do sometimes. I think of Jesus and how he was faced with prosecution and hatred and how his only response was silence. I pray that if I can't find the words to say that I too can simply love others and embrace them with silence as I turn the other cheek and continue on.

We can't control other people, and we can't allow other people to control us. If we simply do what is right, and are obedient to the gospel, all things will work out. In that I am fully confident.

"We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way. Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive."

—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy", General Conference, Apr. 2012

I Understand, Now I Ask the Same of You.

Disheartened from the events with my family yesterday I decided I would try and fill my mind with positive thoughts and began reading the conference talks, which have now been placed online. As I was reading the entire Saturday morning session, I paused to think and put myself in the shoes of others, those that really don't know or understand what I believe. I started to think about when I get sick and have some symptom. Before consulting with a doctor, I am quick to google everything I can about my symptoms and diagnose myself. By the time I am done with the search, I have given myself cancer and 2 hours to live. It always seems that way, the extreme.

With the internet at our fingertips, everyone tends to use it for knowledge, which in some cases can be very beneficial, and in other cases, can be misleading. Obviously, the only way to find out for sure what is wrong with you when you are sick, is to seek the professional advice of a physician. Likewise, the only way to find out the truth about a subject or a question, would be to go straight to the source. Ironically, my mother, along with other friends and family, never want to know about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from me, or a reliable source like Mormon.org, they would rather obtain their evidence from somewhere else. When I have asked why, the most common answer is that MY site, or MY response, will be convoluted and biased. I beg to differ. I do not tell people to join the church, or push my beliefs on another, rather, I speak what I believe and let others form their own opinion.

At any rate, I decided to google about the Mormon temple and see what comes up.
Shock.
Disgust.
Sadness.
Nauseous.
Hurt.

Those are among the range of feelings that came to me as I read the entire session that occurs in the temple. I had heard that the session was online, so I was prepared for that. What I wasn't prepared for however, was the false commentary. Why not, if you are going to post stuff in the first place, post just that, the facts, and let someone else make their own assumptions from it. I was accused of being hypnotized, practicing in Satanic and witchcraft practices as well as being told that Sex, not Jesus, is at the heart of Mormonism. Well, if you know ANY Mormons, you know we are prudes :) all joking aside, that could be the FURTHEST thing from the truth! I now understand why my mother or family, or any person outside of the church may have the hesitance or assumptions they have however ignorance is not bliss, it is hurtful and false.

I often wonder why we as a church receive so much criticism and that fact along concludes how true the church is. No one lets Satan worshipers or agnostics, or Scientologist, or any other religion, consume the amount of time people spend on trying to prove that Mormons are a cult and worship the devil. If we worshiped the devil, wouldn't we do more things OF the world, like drink, and do drugs, and have sex with random people? We are living in a world where ethical and moral values are becoming extinct, but those that strive to keep them (Latter-Day Saints) are persecuted. Sure, we are all human, and no one is perfect, but if you were to think of a Mormon you know, most would say they are kind, family-oriented, service-giving, and well-rounded individuals. The fact is, nothing adds up, nothing makes sense when it comes to the "facts" people have about the church. Here is a suggestion- go to the source, ask a Mormon what they believe, I promise you they will tell you! Unless of course, you that afraid of hearing the truth.

Ask me what I believe rather than telling me what I believe.

Easter.

It's Easter Sunday, a day where I should be celebrating with my family, the sacrifice that our loving Savior has made on our behalf and instead, I am sitting here alone in my apartment, eating a strawberry crepe, and trying not to cry. Holidays have been difficult ever since I joined the church in 2008. At first they were a time when my mother could lash out at me, tell me something which I as a Mormon believe (of course it was something she researched on the internet and was informed I believe said fact), now they have become much harder. Since joining the church my mother has never had one conversation with me about the church. I say conversation because to me, a conversation includes two people, with two viewpoints, discussing a certain topic. She has never asked me what I believe, rather told me what I believe and whenever I tell her I would like to talk to her, she gets flustered and tells me that I will just shut her out. When I joined she told me I was going to turn against my family and have a new family. I have never pushed my family away, they are the ones that push me away, mainly out of ignorance, but it hurts.

The first year of Mormonism family functions were awkward, I was told I couldn't have soda, or told certain things about the religion and I would just have to say, no, that isn't true. I think my mother thought it was a phase, I would be Mormon for a short period and then be on to something else. The second year of Mormonism, my family didn't accept my choice but they began to realize it wasn't a phase and that I was sticking with this. Things stayed pretty much the same until I was endowed in February of this year. Since being endowed, my mother has upped her criticism, has told me I am brainwashed and many things along those lines. She treats me as if I am possessed, or as if I have Satan in me (this is no exaggeration) and today was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I drove down to Orange County yesterday and did a session in the Newport temple, I was so excited to get myself in the right spirit for Easter Sunday. My mother found out that I went to the temple and I suppose that was grounds for her to not speak to me today. We went to my great aunt's house in Santa Monica so I just drove from Hollywood and everyone else met there. She barely said five words to me and quickly hugged me and rushed out when she was saying goodbye. My aunt caught a glimpse of my garments as my top shifted while eating and reached over touching my garment stating, "oh, your new garment is pretty."

pause.

I hadn't told any of my extended family that I went through the temple which immediately sent the red flag that my mother had been talking, and who knows what she has told me. I feel like I am constantly in an intervention, that the family is trying their hardest to "bring me back to the good side" and it is saddening. I also found out that my brother thinks I am part of a cult as well. My question is, what do I do that proves I am part of a cult? Have I done anything that classifies me as a Satan worshipper? Where can they possibly get away with these assumptions? As my sister-in-law was saying these things to me it took everything to hold my tears back.

I love this gospel more than anything and I knew from the beginning this was going to be a battle. I never want my children to feel this way, to feel as if they are not loved because they love their Heavenly Father, it is the worst feeling in the world.

Hasta Luego Spain (Sent March 19, 2012).

"See you later" Spain.

Today was my last day of vacation and last day in San Sebastian. I don't think I went into much detail about where I am staying but I am staying in this apartment/type building that the woman who owns the hostel I had originally booked but ended up being full, put me up in. Her name is Suzana, very nice woman that does not speak ANY English. I thank my lucky stars for the Spanish I took in high school and college, it is horrible, but good enough to get by under these circumstances. Suzana came by this morning to collect money, when she came we walked to the bank and she ended up only charging me 70 euros, about $85 for three nights, for my own room, not too shabby! After grabbing money she asked if she could treat me to coffee, I asked if we could get tea. We walked to this very cute little breakfast place and had tea. She told me that she was from Argentina, had come here on vacation and fell in love with the city, as well as a man from here! They ended up getting married and she has a 15-year-old son. She informed me not to worry, she was 35 when she got married, and I still have a chance! I am so grateful for her optimism :)

After tea, the two of us parted ways. I thanked her for everything and she gave me a kiss on each cheek. They are not French, they do no speak French, but San Sebastian is so close to the French border that they have apparently adapted that sign of hello and goodbye. I walked into the city and decided to do some shopping, it would be my last hurrah! It was mainly window shopping because although San Sebastian has the most amout of shopping I have seen thus far on my trip, the prices are nothing cheap! I bought some cute jeans and a shirt from this boutique, then headed towards the beach to have a sandwich and people watch. I have become quite accustomed to jamon y queso sandwiches, or ham and cheese. I went back to the hostel to put my stuff down, and pack a little bit and then head out again around 4pm when everything opens back up.

I was on a mission to get a few last presents and souvenirs, a present for my sister-in-law, for her BIG 30th birthday in 10 days! I scored this amazing present for her and I can't wait to give it to her! I also found this local designer that sold really cool t-shirts, so I picked up a few, and then headed over to the beach to watch the sunset. As I walked back to the hostel, I grabbed dinner, another jamon y queso sandwich, and found one last shop that was crowded with people! I found this really cute blouse, and with that I decided I was spent! I have to be at the bus stop tomorrow at 6:30 am, for my flight that leaves at 9 am. Tomorrow is going to be an 18 hour travel day and guess what?! I have work on Wednesday morning!

Thank you all for being a part of my adventure. This trip was my 30th birthday present to myself, even though I still have almost 6 months until I am 30. My mother asked if this was my favorite trip thus far and you know, that is really hard to answer. Every place I visit, I have truly enjoyed. This vacation has been amazing, I have been greeted with wonderful hospitality, great new friends, and amazing sights! It is so amazing to see the blessings of what the Lord has created for us; nature is absolutely stunning. I look forward to planning my next trip but for now, it is back to America and to work.

San Sebastian (Sent March 18, 2012).

I could hear the rain on the rooftop throughout the night, a peaceful sound however somewhat saddening when you're on vacation, the last few days of your vacation. I suppose I can't complain, the entire trip has been marvelous as far as weather and I knew coming at this time of the year, I would not get pristine weather. At any rate, I decided to sleep in and woke up around 9 am, yes, that is sleeping in for me. I got ready and began to conquer the town around 10 am. I had prayed this morning for some nice weather and I am positive that my prayers were answered because I was greeted with the most beautiful sunshine and clear skies. As I exited the hostel, I saw a heard of runners, it was a marathon going on in the city center. I began to fall in love with this city as I walked throughout the small streets and made my way toward the beach. I found a set of stairs, I wasn't sure where they went to but I knew that there was some monument I had seen in the distance that was the highest point in San Sebastian and I wanted to go there.

I must commend the people here, they actually USE their beautiful landscape. There were so many people going for runs and walking their dogs. That is another thing, people don't put their animals on leashes here. It is quite interesting, the couple will go out for a walk with their dog, the dog will stop to smell the roses or whatever else there is to smell and the people continue to walk, they don't even know their dog has stopped. The dog suddenly sees that their owner is in the distance and runs as fast as it can to their owners and then begins to walk at a steady pace again alongside them. When other dogs come by, they don't run off! I am beginning to think that we Americans have things backwards sometimes.

I continued up the stairs to the highest point in San Sebastian only to find the most gorgeous view. I can only imagine this place in the summertime. The beaches go for miles and their beauty will leave you speechless. I spent some time enjoying the scenery and made my way back down the mountain, only to be greeted with brisk and windy weather. Everything is closed here on Sundays, most are even closed on Mondays as well, so I walked through the city enjoying all of the sites and when it began to rain, I came back to the hostel. After a few hours of being cooped up inside, I decided to take a gander outside once more. The wind here is so incredibly strong, it literally pushes you. The birds couldn't even fly down to catch their prey because the wind was blowing so hard. I got some amazing pictures of the waves crashes against the rocks while walking along the beach. If you thought walking on the beach was difficult, try walking in 40 mile winds, your face feels like you have put it outside the car window and everything is being pulled back, attractive, I know!

I have to admit, eating here is quite intimidating. I tried to make reservations at the best restaurants that I had heard about but everything is either full or not open on Sunday or Monday. All the other restaurants, I can't understand the menu and get discouraged. The bars here all have sandwiches lining the bar, I am good with things I can go in and see because then I know what I am eating! I bought a small sandwich with jamon (ham) and cheese and some peppers and made my way back to the hostel once again. I have included some pictures that I hope you enjoy! This is really such a beautiful place, it is just freezing right now!


Marathon

Statue from a distance


View

Wind Tunnel (Sent March 17, 2012).

You just can't put a castle in your accommodations in the middle of a trip because everything after that is going to be a disappointment! Lucien drove me to the bus stop this morning at 8 am, after my last night warm shower, a blow dryer, and some fresh strawberry marmalade atop fresh baked bread. I took a train from Auch to Tarbes, a larger city, where I was able to catch a train to San Sebastian. There was this amazing city which I didn't get to stop at but now I am slightly regretting it. Saint Jean de Luz, on the southwest part of France was absolutely serene. I am honestly thinking of taking the train there tomorrow however I am afraid if I go there, I won't return, and I am not kidding. Please go google this town because it is amazing and a hidden gem. I arrived in San Sebastian and followed my directions to the hostel, directions I am not sure who put together but none of them were correct. A nice couple walked with me part way and directed me in the correct direction. Lost yet again I stopped at the tourist center to find out where the street I was looking for was. Carrying a 20 pound bag on your back, plus a camera bag, and a shopping bag with gifts, makes for a very dreaded walk! After finally reaching the hostel this woman came running up to me and asked my name, which I told her. She said in Spanish, because she spoke no English, that she had tried to email me and tell me there was no room in the hostel tonight, that it was the weekend and the entire city was booked. She had used a Spanish to English translator to write the email and it didn't translate that way for me. I was quite frustrated at this point, she told me there was another hostel that she owned AH! That sent before I meant it to. Anyway, she paid for a taxi to pick us up and take us to the other hostel, where I have my own room and own bathroom, so it is pretty much a hotel, no castle, but a decent place.

I laid all my stuff down and made my way into the city, when suddenly it got freezing, about 40 degrees, and the wind was blowing worse than when my brother and I went skydiving. I began praying for the wind to stop. All I wanted was to find something to eat and find the hostel, two things I could not find. There is more shopping here than Beverly Hills. There are streets and streets of shops. I finally came across a market and bought some bread, a pear, some marmalade, and ham. Tonight I am going to relax and then tomorrow I will explore the city. I really hope the weather is nice because this place is all beaches!!

Oh, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Snails (Sent March 16, 2012).

I am starting to see a ritual here with food and things I would normally keep as pets or simply throw off of the sidewalk. Lucien told me today that the French are all about food, they plan everything around it. Actually it is quite interesting, they wake up late, like 9 am, and have breakfast, something which consists of bread (fresh of course) with marmalade (way better than our jelly in the states), some fresh squeezed orange juice, yogurt (nothing like what we eat, more of a Greek yogurt consistency), and tea or coffee. Because of their relaxed schedule, I was able to sleep in this morning. This bed is incredible, I did not even want to wake up at 9 am. The pillows must be 100% down, you just form right into everything and quite frankly, I would be 100% satisfied if the remainder of my trip was to be spent at this Chateau.

After breakfast I headed into the small town to tour their historical spots, a large cathedral, as well as a 14th century prison. The prison is quite interesting actually, the Catholics used to throw people in the prison and then they would forget about them, leaving them to die in this whole. The prison is not something that you can tour inside, Lucien jokes that there are only bones left rotting inside. One of the amazing things about Europe is the history, I love that these towns are built around architecture that has many stories and history behind them. After exploring the historical part, I of course had to now explore the shopping part :) I bought myself an amazing pair of red leather shoes, they are amazing! I then wandered the streets and happened upon this second hand store. In Spain they did not have any and I was told that is because Spain was a poor country for such a long time and they associate second hand stores with the poor, thus, they have somewhat banned them from the city. Nonetheless, I came across this boutique and saw the most beautiful alligator or crocodile purse in mint condition for 30 euros ($36.00). I found some fabulous belts and leather gloves as well. The total for everything was 40 euros. I reached in my wallet for my card and she quickly said no. They only accepted cash and all I had was 20 euros. The closest bank was back in the city square, which was a good 10 minute walk. In France, they close all the shops at 12 and re-open at 4, another thing that has to do with food. I paid for the smaller things and ran to a bank to get money for the purse. I ran back and the shop was closed. I found a worker in there and I tried to motion with money that I want the purse. After 5 minutes of my hand gestures, she opened the door with the purse and I handed her the 30 euros! I met Lucien back at the city center and we returned to the chateau for lunch.

Snails, salmon, potatoes, beat salad, and bread. Then of course crepe and tea for dessert. When he told me we were having snails for lunch my face was somewhat frightened and suddenly I wasn't too hungry however I felt it an insult not to eat what they have cooked for me, especially since it is another delicacy of France. We had a very long, two hour meal. Lunch is the largest meal for the French people, something us Americans should really catch on to so that we don't eat until we can't fit in our clothes and then rush to bed. After lunch they take a nap, around a 30 minute rest and then they are prepared for the second half of the day. We had this wonderful chestnut spread that we put on the crepe and it was my desire to purchase some to bring home so Lucien and I went to the market. I purchased a lot of wonderful and healthy (just kidding) items that we cannot get back in the states and if we could they would be a fortune. Then we went over to another part of town where I did some shopping and found a beautiful dress and sweater for a total of 30 euros, that is a bargain!

You see, Lucien was a captain for very wealthy people for a long time in his life. I asked him if there had ever been anything scary that happened and he told me about this one time when he was young how he got shipwrecked and was with a young French girl on a life raft for 15 days with no food or water. He then told me that there was actually a story written about him. I want to purchase the book for principle alone. It is called The Rage to Survive written by Jacques Vignes and here is the description they have online: Lucien, congenital escapist, who had bought and refitted a gaff-rigged steel cutter in Beaulieu, and Catherine, nineteen-year-old dropout daughter of a career civil servant, who went sailing with him one day into a storm which forced them on to an inflatable life raft.

Tonight we will have a relaxing time in the castle and then tomorrow morning I will catch a train to San Sebastian, Spain at 8 am. I will arrive in San Sebastian around 3:30pm, to a place not as luxurious as this, and finish off the remainder of my trip. I am completely grateful for Lucien and Cazou for allowing me, someone they had never met, to come into their castle, have a spectacular room that people pay 400 euros for a night, eat with them, and have them show me around this pleasant city. I don't have pictures for you today, only one of my purse! I hope you enjoy it as much as I will.