A Great Week with Pilar

My adult daughter (just a little over college age) and I recently had the privilege to spend a week with Pilar at her home in Gilet (located outside of Valencia). During our week there, Pilar cooked us delicious meals, set aside structured time for our lessons, and even managed to have enough energy to allow me to practice my Spanish conversation skills "just one more time" even late at night. Small cultural excursions were also part of the “package,” and one of our favorites was when Pilar included us in her family’s celebration of the San Juan Festival. This festival happens once a year, on the beach. It is time spent with families and friends, so of course, there is food and eating. So special, as one can see the beach lined with mini bon fires that individual families have created. Then at the precise moment of midnight, everyone goes into the sea and jumps over seven waves while asking for seven wishes. What a beautiful tradition that my daughter and I were able to be a part.