Some days, Leon is just like any other city in any other country. I go to work, eat, go tutor, cook, and go to bed. I think "I could do this anywhere". Then there are other days and other moments I realize this place and this little life are unique and irreplaceable. This view of the back of the Cathedral, which I only get on occasional Wendesdays when I have to walk this way, is one of those views I couldn't get anywhere else. It's always right around 7pm and the sun is starting to set, and its the face of the Cathedral that doesn't make it into tour books or onto postcards. It feels like I'm the only one that's seen it before. The only one who has appreciated it this way.
Whenever I go this way around the back of the city, I'm always headed to my favorite tutoring. My two young ones who I see three times a week and who learn faster than any adults I've ever met. My time spent with them is so much more rewarding than anything else I do in Spain.
They now beg me to play "Go Fish" with these animal cards. Though, up until recently the usual was "Le pido a Diego, do you Have (strong H)...camel?" Response: "Gold fish". So many things wrong about the little Spanglish conversation they had between the two of them, but so many things right. You should see them now!
Sometimes, my little loved ones get tired and cranky. On this particular day, I was accused of "cheating" (a word that I had to teach them because they are such good cheaters). He made me sit on the other side of the door so I couldn't look at his cards. Meanwhile, he sat on his knees to look through the glass panes to see mine.
They have taken to yelling to their parents every day at 8:30 "Mom! Leigh's leaving!" It's one of my favorite things they do. Along with when I ask them "How old are you?" and they respond "I'm fine, thank you." No no no. And once I said "Are you always fine? Some days aren't you feeling better or worse?" The response was perfect. "I don't know what fine means but I always say it because it's the only answer I know!" Of course he said that in Spanish. Now that I've taught him other options he enjoys saying he is "mad" or "in love" or "sick". The two of them never fail to put a smile on my face.
This past weekend we had weather up near 60. It was unbelievable and I headed to the river to do my work and to read. It's five minutes from my house but spots I had never been. I think that innately we take advantage of what is nearest to us. That includes both places and people. We put off our family, significant others, and close friends to make good impressions on new people or to get work done. We travel across the world and try to take it all the sights as fast as we can, but then never go to the parks, restaurants, and monuments in our own towns and cities.
This is along the river and looks awesome with the sun. I can't wait til the leaves come back, it'll be even better.
Didn't mean to get philosophical today, it must be the nice weather.
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