it's been nice to do absolutely nothing. and that's exactly what i've been doing -- and enjoying every moment of it. whereas in god-awful cromer, england (that podunk english seaside town we visited for a week at the start of our travels), i could barely sit still, here in seville i cringe when something requires me to get off my ass. i'm just crazy exhausted from all of the traveling. i've been sleeping upwards of 10 hours a day. plus, it's ridiculously hot here -- something like 40 degrees celsius, which is well over 100 farenheit, i think -- so even the slightest motion produces a great deal of sweat.

it was a bittersweet end to what will probably go down as the best summer of my life. because as much as i never wanted all the exploring to end, i couldn't wait for it to. even though it was just two-and-a-half weeks of nonstop go, go, go, it felt like two months. like we had been on the road forever. i feel wrecked. my feet are sore and swollen from all the walking and running to the trains. i'm in desparate need of a facial/pedicure/manicure/massage. my hair needs a dye job and cut. my body is covered in assorted scrapes and bruises from all the times i banged my suitcase against it. the tightness in my back will requires two weeks of yoga to undo. i'm sunburned, dehydrated, constipated. and i'm all out of money.

but i don't mean to complain. i know i'm lucky to have had this summer. and it has been worth every discomfort i've endured, every dollar i've spent. and it's come with this great zen outlook that i hope to hang on to for awhile.

later today we're going for a two-hour drive to the algarve, the southern state of portugal. it has the most beautiful beaches and most temperate climate. we'll be there until monday.