What an odd week.

Last Saturday, I met someone with whom I really connected. We spent a lot of time together on Sunday and Monday. By Tuesday, we were agreeing that neither of us is ready for a serious relationship. We agreed to stay friends and I hope we do. He’s a smart, kind, courageous, thoughtful man.

Thursday, I went to the beach with my friends Laurent and Rafael. We had a lovely afternoon. However, when I got home, I realized my cell phone was missing. I know I had it when we left the beach. Fortunately, Laurent lives ten minutes from my house. So, I walked to his apartment and thankfully, remembered the correct apartment number. We went to his car. It wasn’t there. We drove back to the beach and looked where I last remembered having it. Nope.

Finally, after checking and double checking and saying a few prayers, we called it a night.

When I got home, I remembered the Apple feature, “Find My….” So I logged in and the phone wasn’t showing up anywhere. But I was able to “lock” it.

The next morning, I went to buy a new phone. The guys in the store were delightfully helpful.

That afternoon, after my new phone was set up and the data transferred to the new phone, I marked the old one to delete all of the contents.

Then, on the new phone, I found the “Find My” feature and with the tracking device inside it, I could see that the old phone was on a boat in the Valencia port. By Saturday, it had travelled to the northern most point of Spain, at the French border. I don’t think it sailed that far, that fast. But by car or plane, it was gone. I’m guessing the thieves will use it for parts.

On Saturday, the three of us returned to the beach and had a wonderful day. While there, I ran into three different people that I know. Does that mean that I’m starting to be more at home here?

That evening, Rafael and I went to the fireworks. It turns out that this evening’s celebrations were quite different.

A medieval tradition, a band of people dressed as “demons” dances around the square with firecrackers and sparklers. I never really understood the significance.

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The fireworks marked the end of the summer festival season.

But marking the end of the summer festival was not complete.

On Sunday, the Battle of the Flowers marks the real end of the summer festival.

This event was started in 1891. And tonight used 1.2 million marigold blossoms.

I couldn’t find anyone who wanted to go. So once again, i went by myself.

The event included floats and bands that were awarded prizes after circling the long arena three times.

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Then the battle begins! Flowers thrown, hit and tossed everywhere.

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It’s a fun, crazy way to celebrate summer.

August marks vacation season in Spain. They tell me that a lot of folks will be traveling, stores will be closed, and life comes to a crawl for the next few weeks.

I’ll let you know.

The emotions of making new friends, slowing a friendship, going to a big celebration alone, and losing my phone …and the stress that included, all left me feeling frustrated, alone and confused by the end of the weekend.

Monday marks a new week.

And next weekend, I’ll embrace the tradition of August vacation and take a three-day trip to Zaragoza. I’ll update you from there.