Last week I came back from five days with my mom, Myriam and Zora in Spain. We spent three nights in Roses and one in Badalona, near Barcelona. Roses was by the sea, close to Figueres. We went to the Theatre Dali Museum and it was amazing, I feel like I would need to go back several times to see all the amazing pieces of art that I saw there. How inspiring. We got to spend some time by the beach. It was chilly, windy and sometimes grey but we were lucky we got two days of sunshine. In Barcelona we got to see the Casa Batllo built by Gaudí. How inspiring! The last night in Barcelona my mom and I surprised Zora with a Flamenco show. Zora has been taking Spanish dance classes and she was really excited to hear the wonderful Flamenco music and amazing dancers.

When we got back my mom was kind enough to spend time with Zora while I went camping with a friend and their amazing 1963 HY Citroen van. What fun experience to stay in a yurt and live the slow life. We go 70 kms an hour maximum with the van and got to see a bird of prey land on the side of the road, right by us, and take off again. We also saw a fox. What a great reminder that slowing down has a lot of benefits.

Yesterday Zora and I went to Port Leucat, by the sea, to pick up seven dozen oysters to take to our friend Domi’s in the Gers. We got here yesterday afternoon and have already had a great time playing cards, scrabble, eating, walking around in Marciac - where we usually go to the Jazz festival in the summer - meet new and old friends and catch up. I think of Brian a lot because this is a place that was dear to him. Around twenty years ago we met Patrick and Domi and have been coming to visit them since. Sadly Patrick died several years ago leaving a big void in our hearts, especially for Brian. They used to talk about Bob Dylan, jazz and how Brian - a bit scared - should have a child with me and not fear this amazing adventure - way before Zora was born - until 8 am!

I wish you all a wonderful 2026 with everything you wish for!

Maybe we will see each other somewhere on this beautiful planet especially if, like me, you like to travel.

Peace & Love,

Mélina