Remember

I will never forget Spain
 My husband and I were born to travel. We met as trainee flight attendants for our country's national carrier. We flew all over the world together for 15 years. Where the airline didn't fly, we went to on our own.   Going to a new place, eating the local street food, and living in small local hotels is what epitomizes travel for us. We call it 'getting the true feel of the place'. For months before our departure, Edgar will sit with his copy of the Lonely Planet, and choose hotels and plan excursions, and I will read up histories and learn as much as I can about our chosen destination.
Spain came after a grueling time in our lives. We were trying to have a baby, and found out instead that I had a tumor in my brain. After three years of doctors and medication, one year of infertility treatments, pain and humiliation, and frustration, we gave up. My body was a mess, my mind was worse and our savings were gone. We resigned ourselves to being a childless couple. From now on we would travel. Spend any money we had on exploring the world. The first place we chose was Spain.
And Spain was good to us. Architecture like I'd never seen before. So much history and beauty. A culture much like our own, (we're from Goa). Good food and better drink! We were happy again.
A few months later, we were planning our next exploration. Prague. But we never got there. Spain became the last of our carefree holidays. I was pregnant!
Here is my l/o.
  It's based on a sketch by Nadia from OUAS. Their theme was a memorable vacation. For me that's Spain. My journalling is handwritten on the postcard with the matador.

The palette is from C.S.I.
Here are some close-ups.

I'm also entering this for Bird Is The Word challenge for the first time. The word is 'journey'.
Thanks for stopping by!  

8 comments:

  1. What a touching story I was very moved to read your journey and its happy ending. What a fabulous layout. Great photo and love the Matador. great colours and lovely papers. Thank you for sharing with us at OUAS and good luck.

    Marie

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  2. Fabulous layout with beautiful details! Thank you so much for playing along with us at OUAS!

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  3. I'd love to go to Spain too, it looks lovely in your lo. thanks for joining us at BITW

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  4. Michelle what a touching story...you are one brave woman!!
    your layout is lovely...
    Thanks so much for playing along with us at Once UponA...Sketch
    hugz
    irini

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  5. The Colors are Vibrant & Delightful.....
    Such a Lovely Layout & THANKS so very much for sharing this with US over @ BITW!!!!!!! ♥

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  6. Beautiful page Michelle.. love all the layering and textures!! Thanks for sharing with us at BITW :))

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  7. Ohhh, now I want to go to Spain!! Great layout, love the flower cluster. Thanks for sharing it with us at BITW!!

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  8. Such a lovely story!! :) I loved all the colors.
    Hugs.

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