Perfect as Parcha

leysin

Sep 9

After a heck of a year, my escapade to see family in their new beachside, island home was just the balm I needed. There are some trips that linger as more than memories, that slip into some space between bone and cartilage and provide buoyancy and support in the weeks and months to come — this was one such adventure.

When people asked Freddy and I what our plans were for summer 2022, I often noticed surprise on their faces when we mentioned that our two “big” summer plans were separate from one another. From a purely logistical standpoint, we weren’t able to take a big chunk of time off of work at the same time this summer (perhaps one of the downsides of working in the same office), other than our trip to Italy with my family. The boon of that challenge, however, was that we both were able to prioritize time with our best friends, and to create adventures that truly spoke to both of our interests. In early June, Freddy hit the road with his bike and bff for a south of French cycling adventure. Then, he hung back with Obi and the office work so that I could jump across the Atlantic to Puerto Rico to see his brother (P), sister-in-law (C) and our nephew (T), who had just moved to the island earlier in the spring.

Leysin —> [Geneva] —> [Madrid] —> San Juan

After spending so much time with so many people — between crazy work hours, the big work event, and then the delightfully full week in Italy with my family — there was a special peace to hopping on a plane solo for a cross-atlantic flight. My layover in Madrid was the first inkling that this trip would be particular magic, as spanish phrases I’ve not spoken in nearly a decade slipped off my tongue and into friendly airport conversation. It’s a giddy, ticklish kind of joy to feel rusty corners of your brain kicking back into action.

From Madrid, I flew to San Juan where I enjoyed a quick overnight layover in an airport hostel. My jetlag did me a solid favor by waking me up in time for sunrises the following morning, giving me plenty of time to meander to a nearby coffeeshop before heading back to the airport for my short flight. I sipped on the most delicious iced latte while watching kittens play in the overflowing greenery and munching on a puerto rican version of tortilla. Soon enough, I was back at San Juan airport boarding a teeny tiny plane, then soaring through the skies in awe at the seaside jungle landscape en route to Rincón.

San Juan —> Rincón

C came to pick me up in the airport, bouncing to her feet and snatching me into a tight embrace. We danced there in the airport and only got a bit lost on the way back home. She braved the wild Puerto Rican roads just for me.

Sand in my toes, beneath my fingernails, in my hair, constant reminders of pacific proximity and salty sunshine.

Sunrise moments with T and C, sitting on the yoga mat overlooking the jungle and ocean. Sleepy eyes, happy hearts.

Tidepools, bright fish, swim goggles and cresting waves.

Giving T the wooden spoon to cook with from the floor while I made soup, or curry, or lentils, or whatever meal was on the docket for the day. Holding him while I stirred the pot and C worked in the back room. Feeding the people I love.

Teething adventures in cold broccoli and frozen watermelon.

C in her blue dress, radiating love and calm. Gratitude for spaciousness with her.

Regular morning cappuccino excursions, the pursuit of a special moment each and every day.

Discovering T’s enjoyment of hats.

Horses on the side of the road, chickens everywhere. The day I walked in the rain while chatting with my mom and saw a pig, chicken and cat sitting side-by-side in the tall green grass.

Thinking and scheming and world-mapping and rabbit holing. Building a universe between us. Hot air balloons and charm bracelets and books for our grandchildren to read.

Fresh coconuts and afternoon rainstorms, endless mango and parcha. The best pineapple I’ve ever tasted. The best one, again, the next day.

Back massage movie nights, reminiscing on teenage hood, imagining versions of motherhood, sisterhood, family.

Speaking spanish, and spanglish, and feeling community joy.

P’s face on the car ride home, wondering if the kitten he’d befriended in the airport parking lot would be okay all on its own… then scooping the kitten the next morning so it could voyage to a neighborhood full of care and love.

Picnics at the lighthouse atop C’s pink quilt.

Teamwork-makes-the-dreamwork carseat wins!

Seeing the people I love learning a new version of life, of themselves, and creating small joy amidst all the moments of change.

Rincón with my loves