Can you picture us in your minds eye? We sit on the terrace bare-foot. There are 6 empty bottles of alcohol for 8 good friends. Our bellies are full of Mendo´s delicious Fidua and Allioli. Our view is of the factory roof´s and in the distant like a shimmering mirage are the Pyrenees. A flock of seagulls fly in from the East like the spirit of the ocean coming to remind me of what I am craving. We have sat here for hours, over our heads in light and deep conversation, but always with a smile on the corner of our lips and ready for a good belly laugh. We communicate in Catalan, Spanish, English, Spanglish, Catalanish and sign language. It´s bloody hot! The water spray has become a permanent attachment to Lluis´s hand. The beautiful fluttering green fan is an extension of mine (I feel extra Spanish with it in my hands...). I wear a bright purple dress to celebrate the summer fun. Funky beats are playing in the background as a strangely regal white cat pauses for us, her audience to appreciate her.

We arrived home at 4am from the outdoor cinema at a castle overlooking Barcelona city. It was a terrible movie but we were rewarded by a visit from our friend Chimmy (Aduard) from Badalona. This morning I woke to the realisation that it was Uncle Mike, Uncle Brian and Aunty Prue´s 60th birthdays - I jumped on Skype to have a hilarious birthday conversation with them. Happy Birthday my beautiful family! I have to go now, apparently the latest round of Caiparina´s are ready!

Love to all.

Nicola and Mendo.