Spain, then and now

Seven years ago, I was falling in love with a boy. I thought he was falling in love with me too, but then he abruptly called things off. Naturally, I was devastated. So when an opportunity for escape came up, I snatched it.

Two weeks in Spain didn’t heal my broken heart, but it sure helped. It gave my lost and drifting love someplace to anchor, to breathe. My feet kissed the cobbled streets of Granada, my arms embraced the scorching air of Sevilla. I drank in the art and history of Madrid. I floated in the shining blue waters off Barcelona.

No surprise: I left a part of myself there.

Seven years later, I returned to Spain, with the very boy who had once broken my heart. In a way I was introducing one lover to another. I think it went all right.

10-20 prado 002
10-21 Retiro 020
10-22 Palacio Real 004
10-23 Alhambra 023 10-23 Alhambra 089
10-23 Alhambra 104
10-24 Ciutadella and Arc de Triomf 006 10-25 Sagrada Familia 053
10-25 Sagrada Familia 071 10-25 Barceloneta and Port Vell 011
10-26 Font Magica 033
10-27 Retiro 026


15 responses to “Spain, then and now”

  1. T. S. Bazelli Avatar

    I know what you mean, there are some places I’ve yet to share with the husband. Pieces of my heart are scattered across the globe. I’ve never been to Spain though. One day! Your photos are beautiful

  2. Sarah Wedgbrow Avatar

    Love!! I’ve only been to Barca, but I remember thinking after that trip that I would never eat another piece of pork to save my life. Not as Romantic as your sentiments, which is why the world needs a Kristan. Those pics are gorgeous. xx

  3. Shari Avatar

    Oh, what GORGEOUS pictures. It looks like such a truly magical time!

  4. Kristan Avatar

    Thanks, everyone!

    Sarah-
    Lol oh, I loooooved all the jamón. Now that I’m back in the states, I’m like, meat here just isn’t as good. :P

  5. Trisha Avatar

    Lovely

  6. linda Avatar

    Ooh, gorgeous photos! :)

  7. Anthony Lee Collins Avatar

    Great pictures, and a great story behind them. Worth the wait to see them (I have no Internet since the storm).

  8. Meghan Ward Avatar

    Andy was the one who broke your heart? Shame on him! But glad it all worked out in the end :) And what fantastic pictures! I’ve been to see the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona but that’s it. Spent one day and one night in Spain. Would love to see more of it someday!

  9. Rachele Alpine Avatar

    Sounds like a great trip…Spain would be amazing!

  10. Alex Avatar

    Spain is such a wonderful place to visit. You have great pictures here and a great love story behind…

  11. Natalia Sylvester Avatar

    Beautiful pictures, beautiful words. You are so great at telling a story in so few words.

    “In a way I was introducing one lover to another. I think it went all right.” OMG, I LOVE THAT!

  12. Kristan Avatar

    Anthony-
    ACK! I hope you’re doing all right now!

    Meghan-
    Indeed he was! In fairness, I broke his once too (about a year later). Now we’re even, and haven’t broken each other since. :P

    Spain is the wonderful. I definitely recommend you (and anyone) visit again!

    Natalia-
    Thank you. :)

  13. Jon Avatar

    I love these photos. I’m glad you are getting out there and traveling. It is a great time to leave behind the cold and gloom of November.

  14. Anthony Lee Colins Avatar

    Still no internet, but a lot of people lost a lot more, so no complaints from me.