We have now been here in Vic, over a month and it seems to me almost as foreign as India. India! Well that seems like years ago. I miss the freedom of India: the anonymity, the fact that we had no responsibilities and barely a timetable. India's passion, beauty and horribleness were there for the taking - available and cheap! I think it will take me a long time to discover Vic's true identity. Its outer beauty is evident - the buildings are ancient and beautiful and seem to be oozing with memories and eventful occurrences. The houses also have a small village charm which I haven't witnessed before. (more on Vic: http://www.bcninternet.com/groups/daytrip_detail.php?contentid=1980)

The country-side in the valley of Vic is lush (especially since it has rained every day since we've arrived). Fields of bright green wheat rippling with fresh, 'pig scented' air (from the nearby piggeries). Wildflowers of red, purple, yellow and white edge the fields - poppy's grow wild here and create beautiful patches of vivid red next to the sea of swaying green. The valley is surrounded by soft rocky hills with occasional grand castles perched on top, overlooking each village it once reigned over. Beyond the hills to the north lie the Pyrenees which are capped with fluffy white snow. Each time I glimpse them they literally take my breath away - Mendo looks at me with a quizzical look on his face and then I point to the magical peaks and he smiles.

We are living with Mendo's friend, Llois in his flat in the industrial area of Vic. This gives us close proximity to the town centre (15 mins walk) and a quiet home with no neighbors to disturb us. Llois is a fantastic friend who has really made us feel welcome. He is also in the process of teaching me to drive a manual car on the wrong side of the road - a very patient man (with Mendo in the back wishing he was wearing a helmet!) In fact all of Mendo's friends are incredible loving and caring people and together they form a very happy family. Much more than Australia, everyone will sit around and talk - not just chit-chat but real discussions about many different interesting subjects. Whether fueled by the delicious depths of the wine bottle or the scrumptious essence of the cuisine, these discussions last hours and at times become very animated and passionate. Mendo's family has been extremely welcoming, generous and caring. They are currently helping me to gain my residency which is not as easy as the Australian authorities led me to believe.

Mendo is starting his own business having been inspired by his legendary boss in Australia, David. He will now be Tres Puntes - Dental Technician specializing in Orthodontics. It's been exciting and creative making business cards, sussing out the equipment, contacts and networks. I have found work teaching English - plenty of work available, if anyone is interested! I've found that actually teaching English is the easy part - it's the student management/discipline/motivation which is bloody difficult! So I'm working on my patience and hoping to get more adult students (and will soon wear earplugs when I'm working!) In July I start Catalan lessons which are run for free through the Catalan Government. I am really looking forward to gaining a conversational use of Catalan - it will certainly change my life here (no-one speaks Spanish here unless you request them to). Also once I understand more Catalan I will look for work utilizing my degree more - something in the Health field.

Next week I'm off to Sweden for the Midsummer celebrations! Thank you profusely to Ellen and Aunty Adele for all their help. I can't wait to participate in the froggy penis dance! "The little frogs, the little frogs are funny to observe. No ears, no ears no tails do they possess. Kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack ack kaa." Ha! Since I miss my family in Oz like crazy, it will be brilliant to be surrounded by my Swedish family - just what the doctor ordered.

We now have mobiles and would LOVE to hear from you all! (+34) 608480282. When we're more settled in we will do some exploring of Europe so anyone interested in joining us or wanting a visit just let us know. Special love to Nicko, Kira, Jono, Jez and Eva. Mua mua mua!

Love Nic and Mendo.