After dropping off my things at Feli’s we hopped in his car and took off for our day of adventure. We drove up through the breathtaking Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range just north of Madrid. The conversation flowed with ease as Feli played tour guide and the amazing views from the mountains surrounded us. We drove until we reached the small town of San Ildefonso. San Ildefonso is this really quaint small town and is also where the Palacio Real de la Granja de San Ildefonso is located. Also known as the Royal Farm Palace, this was a former summer residence for Spanish Royals. It is no longer lived in and has been turned into a museum. I can see why the royals spent time here. The magnificent old world architecture surrounded by ornate gardens, trees, and fountains was simply magnificent and awe inspiring.
As we walked through the labyrinth of shrubs I felt like I was being escorted and shown the palace grounds by my very own handsome Spanish Disney prince. Seriously, it was like I could hear the theme from ‘Beauty and Beast’ playing in my head. The crab from ‘The Little Mermaid’ was singing in my ear to kiss the boy. So upon exiting the labyrinth I seized the moment. I looked around to make sure we were alone. My heart was racing and I honestly don’t even remember hearing the last few sentences that came out of Feli’s mouth. As Feli turned to lead the way; I grabbed him by his arm, turned him towards me, pulled him in and kissed him. It was a simple kiss. It was soft, tender, and sweet. It was seven and a half seconds of feeling as we were the only people in the world. The Disney fireworks went off in my head. We broke from our embrace and I felt like doing cartwheels and running through the grounds yelling “yes! yes! yes!” But, I didn’t…choosing to do so only on the inside as we walked back to the car. Next stop, Segovia.
After more driving through more lush and idyllic scenery, we arrived in Segovia. I thought I had already seen grand beauty during our drive. Nothing prepared me for what I saw when arrived in Segovia. There at the beginning of the town was a Roman Aqueduct. It stood at almost 100ft tall and contained 167 arches made of unmortared brick like stones. Standing beside it made me feel so small and insignificant. Once I picked my jaw up from the ground, Feli resumed as my personal tour guide. But, first we needed lunch. We found this little modest restaurant that had just opened for lunch. We had the entire place to ourselves. Literally, we were the only people inside. We ate an exquisite lunch accompanied by ice cold beer and friendly service. Amazing company and amazing food had all of my romantic senses on fire. After lunch, we walked through town with Feli recounting the history of Segovia.
Segovia as a town is charming . The streets were narrow and winding. It had many cathedrals, most notably and largest of them all being the Segovia Cathedral. Located on top of a rock and surrounded by water was the royal palace of Castille called the Alcazar of Segovia. Segovia is an architectural dream. It’s where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella lived when they funded Christopher Columbus during his missions to find the new world. Segovia also proved to be a historical dream. After a long day of sight seeing and walking, it was now time to make the long drive back to Feli’s home. Actually, Feli made the long drive back. I slept most of the way back while he held my hand. My inner teenage girl squeals, yet again.
We arrived back at Feli’s very content and extremely tired. Once inside, we discussed dinner plans. Nothing had been decided. Feli took my hand and said that we should go nap. We had a really nice long “nap”. This was one of, if not, the best “nap” I’ve ever had. 😀 Then we fell asleep in each other’s arms. After we woke, we discussed dinner again. Feli wanted to take me out to a nice dinner. But, I decided that I’d rather just spend the rest of the night in with him and have a simple quiet evening. And that’s exactly what we did. We had pizza and soda delivered. After eating, Feli put the movie ‘The Help’ on and we curled up on his sofa. I laid there with my arms wrapped around him, my head on his stomach, and his arm wrapped around me as he caressed my arm and ear. I was in heaven and didn’t want this night to end.
I was so comfortable curled up on that sofa that I could barely keep my eyes open. I almost missed the ending of the movie. Afterwards, I got ready for bed while Feli did some work in preparation for the next day at work. I crawled into bed and feel asleep writing about how grateful I was for that day. About an hour later I woke up to Feli’s arm wrapping around me and pulling me close into him as he got into bed. The best date I’ve ever had ended with us falling asleep; his arm holding me tight against him as I felt his heart beat against my back. I felt joy and peacefulness. A feeling I hope to recapture again.
The next morning, it was back to reality. We left his flat early so he could get me to the train station and also beat morning rush hour traffic on his way to work. He hugged and kissed me goodbye and just like that, my Spanish knight in shining armor was gone. I had a mix of emotions. I didn’t expect to fall for him but I had. Yet, I also knew that it was probably an unrealistic expectation. The next day Feli had to go to Barcelona for work. I was traveling to Barcelona but would be arriving the day that he was to return to Madrid. We were going to try and meet again even if for a brief moment. It was all I could think about.
Thursday morning I left on the train to Barcelona. I sat in first class sipping on champagne as the Spanish countryside flew by the picture window I sat next to. Adele serenaded my ears as I took in the view; reflecting on my time with Feli and the emotions I had been left with. I was starting to get emotional when I got the text that sent me over the emotional edge. Feli and I weren’t going to be meeting up. Right there, in front of a train car full of strangers, a few tears began to roll down my cheek. I had fallen for this amazing, kind hearted, sweet, and tender man. And, he just slipped through my hands. I thought about him and our time together for the remainder of my trip. Through the tears I began to smile and feel blessed that I even had the opportunity to meet him.
Feli and I still remain friends and chat frequently. I used to wish that I had tried harder to make it work between us. But, the universe had other plans for us. He is now in a committed relationship and very happy. I am very happy for him and can’t wait to see him and meet his other half when I return to Spain. I am grateful for that magical time we spent together and my life has forever been enriched.
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