#7 Jesus Take the Moto
As I slid on the motorcycle helmet my homestay dad, Jesus, had handed me I envisioned myself as a transformer. You click this little button on the side and SWOOSH part of the helmet pops right on up to block some of the wind when you’re speeding down the highway. I’ve never been on a motorcycle before so this was indeed, my first rodeo. Jesus and I were meeting his daughter and son, Victoria and Jesus #2, for lunch at their traditional weekly spot. Propping one foot on the stirrup as directed, I hopped up onto the bike. I was unsure what the proper social code was for how I should hold onto my Spanish dad so I quite awkwardly gently grabbed hold of his jacket on his side with one hand and the back of my seat with the other. Heave Ho and off we went.
As we’re cruising down the highway the wind was quite strong. My eyes start watering and I really began to lose vision from the tears. Realizing there’s no way Jesus can drive while he’s crying I figured I had to be doing something wrong and alas, the bigger wind protector part of my helmet was not secured. I popped that bad boy down and there I was staring at my reflection in the cars that we passed by feeling honestly pretty dang cool. Jesus pretended in the moment like I did a great job as a “paquete,” person on the back of the moto as they call it here (literally translates to package). It was to my surprise that I didn’t fool him one bit. At lunch that day he told his kids all about how hilariously uncomfortable I was on the back of a motorcycle. He mimicked my instinctual reaction of gripping tighter onto any part of his belly I could grab for dear life anytime he sped up. It’s safe to say we got closer that day.
Mom if you’re reading this, I am so sorry, please do not worry, this is not a frequent thing. Love u :)
Continuing on. When I was on that moto, I was ON THAT MOTO. And my mind was nowhere but the present. Since I’ve gotten to Sevilla I have been experiencing “living in the moment” like I never really have before. I feel captivated by life and by the people around me. I think a part of it is the culture, my social circle, and my amplification of practicing gratitude.
Since I typically work from home I’ve gotten kind of accustomed to eating on my own schedule. I usually try not to do other things during meals like work or watch tv but I am usually alone. Or if someone is around, we have a little small talk and then they continue on their merry way. Here, I sit down to eat and it’s like I have summoned a family meeting. Jesus always sits with me and talks to me whether he has food in front of him or not. He literally just told me today to tell him when I’m going to eat so that that he can sit with me. When we’re finished eating maybe we make a coffee and then sit again and continue talking - no rush, no distractions, just being present with the people and food in front of us.
I’ve also noticed people are on their phones less when they’re with company - whether it be at the table in a restaurant, in the car, or walking down the street. People - my homestay family, my teammates, and my local friends seem so genuinely focused on what’s in front of them. I find myself getting so engulfed in conversation that suddenly it’s 4 hours later and I’m home late for COVID curfew. In the US generally speaking I feel like as soon as you finish your plate at dinner there’s some sort of rush to get the check and yeet as quickly as possible. Here I’ve sat with an empty coffee cup for 3 hours in deep conversation about enneagram types and misplaced feelings of nostalgia.
As simple as it may sound life here seems really just about living. After practices finish at 9:30 some nights I get dinner or drinks with my teammates. Many of them work, study, and play rugby yet they are always so present and enjoying the time spent with each other. I feel like the days here are longer in the most beautiful way. There’s time for work, play, rest, reflection, and adventures. I have been reminded to prioritize the things or people that make me feel happy, alive, and present - to create moments and incite conversations that spark internal reflection and connection.
I had a friend ask me if my morning walks were on the same path everyday. I wanted to say no, but that would have been a mentirijilla (little lie). This was after I had just got done explaining that I love exploring new places and seeing new things. I think as humans we love routine. And there is value in routine and habits. But there’s also a chance you’ll get lost in the routine, you’ll get comfortable, and you’ll live life going through the motions of your routines. Guess who’s taking a new path every morning now? That’s right, this girl. I’ve also noticed that even on parts of the same path there’s things I didn’t notice before, and I notice them because I’m intentionally staying present.
What I’m saying is; ride a motorcycle, engage in deep thought provoking conversations, put your phone away, and savor the moment that you’re in.