Practice explorations are something i find to be a good exersize. You dont want to find yourself at the heart of Europe only to find that you are an amateur explorer.
and that is why you practice.
practice always.
In your room, on the street over- the one with all the trees and the guy with the bike. Practice in your best friends car or at your neighbors house and at public swimming pools. practice.
Mostly just practice because it has been said that "practice makes perfect" and in fact practice has been making perfect since the 1500s when John Adams noticed it.
So while i was practicing, i happened upon a little sprinkle of zen from the gods. I didnt get a good look at the place because i was walking so close and this place was so tall but inside i saw what looked to be a thirft store and before i could think it through i found myself inside face to face with an older gentlemen- greeting me in spanish. We both stood there confused. until he waved his hands around and said, "one Euro".
and "llamo Antonio."
This is a thrift shop! i thought.
then out of excitement i thought it a little louder, THIS IS A THRIFT SHOP!
My natural hunter and gatherer instincts were quickly put to use and then i realized- the place was huge.
"26 room." he said.
With wide eyes i told Antonio that i was American and had never seen anything like this in my life.
in my life.
Antonio, being a man of few words- due to his language barrier- let me explore his home. I am unsure as to why Antonio allowed such an invasion but one thing i am sure. He didnt want to be the one to further deprive an american of experiencing culture and for that i am thankful.
This house was indescribable but for your sake i will try.
Each wall was a different color with so much detail you couldn't take see it all. It was simply that your eyes couldnt take it all in. There is no way to experience the fullness of this house because the house its self would not let you. it seemed to be a chameleon changing shape and color with every blink you took.
Thats why i didnt blink the entire time i was in there.
Their were moldings in the walls, and photos hanging everywhere, painting and tapestries too. The walls were wearing gifts from all around the world. Next to the American Twin tours hung the pyramids of Egypt.
And then there was stuff. stuff on the floors, stuff on the furniture, stuff on stuff.
Each new room seemed to be from a different time. "26 rooms" Antonio reminded.
The stair case sat in the center house- venturing up as far as the ceiling would allow. Rooms had windows not to the outside but to other rooms.
i could go on.
i bought a few necklaces from this man. photographed him. (practicing good exploration documentation protocol) and was on my way.
I got to the bench 10 yards away from his house.
I am my mothers daugher and i needed one more tiny glance inside.
Just a small one. "il just walk right by, like iv lost my way, and have a glance." i said to myself as i tried to justify what i was doing as a sane and normal thing to do.
so thats what i did- only it wasnt just a glance. and he saw me.
Again finding myself face to face with this man called Antonio. we staired at each other, both confused and embarrased.
so i handled it the way any mature, 22 year old, adult woman would.
i giggled.
and as i was trying to explain my self he held up a bracelet, gave it to me and said,"gift".
"i buy you coffee." he went on.
So because i was embarrassed and because he was already on the street walking, i followed him.
And then Antonio and I had coffee at a small cafe.
in silence.
love,
Ash
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