No. 4 - The Sacred Heart

5:08PM - Saturday, Mar 8] I love the sacred heart, it was favorite symbol the moment I found it, that or the borjgali for its funny name and beautiful origin. Nevertheless, I write this in grateful tears. I am glad to be here, I am glad to be alive. And I normally I don't get this sappy, but today was a fresh start that has reinspired my livelihood.

But for context, the morning was rough. It was noon, I couldn't sleep because I forgot my medicine as I traveled to a new country and slept in a hostel (also a new experience) surrounded by people I've never met before. I dreamt of being stuck in a mall, and ever so often passing by a clothing store where my ex worked, and seeing their blank, disgusted face towards me hurt me even in my dreams.

This isn't about them though. I'm crying because my day was filled with surprises, and if you asked me where I thought I would be one year before today, I would have never guessed I would be in a haven for my heart. In connection back to the sacred heart, I feel like that right now. Loved brightly, wholely, and holy (haha). 

I missed my uber to this perfume store that was closing in 30 mins, but then I rebooked it and arrived just 30 minutes before closing. It was a beautiful fragrance shop that you didn't just walk into, the entrance itself was a hall filled with art and matching scenery to each of the promoted scents, with some such as "The Secret Garden" or "Scent of History". It was mesmerizing, and just a quaint stop in a corridor of many. I bought a soap from there, a small thing with the scent of sea breeze, but it was a treasure to find this place as it inspires my hope for what I would like to do in the future. Owning a quiet, artisenal store like that, borne of love and filled with a deep appreciation for life.

Then I found that it was only a 1 minute walk from a glasses repair store, which I desperately needed as my lense popped out while I was getting dressed (and I lost the screw). I walked in and met a gorgeous lady with star earrings, and after taking one look at my glasses, she went into the back of the store and came back with them fixed. Not just fixed as in, putting the lens back into the frame, but she cleaned my glasses with care, made them like new. They used to sit asymmetrically on my face, but this shop fixed it all for free. I wish I could give them everything they wanted. But I couldn't, so I'll come back one day and give them a gift. 

Next, I explored where I was -- a line of luxury shops and high-end skincare. I found Rituals, a very popular place, and bought a lovely pair of body oil and shower gel. It smelled divine, and the lady who demonstrated it was so sweet. I kept exploring, deeper into the touristic part of this beautiful city, but being tourist-y is not a bad thing. For example, finding a tea shop with amazing selection and foods I had never seen before. It's odd because when I buy these interesting gifts, I never really thought of the benefit for me. I enjoy buying them, but I am more excited by the thought of how the recipient will be surprised and happy to discover something new. I like buying souvenirs that you will never find on amazon, in grocery stores, or anywhere in your city -- because then, the experience of indulging is unforgettable. I like that idea. 

I bought my mentor chocolate black tea turron, prickly pear jam, and rooibos sunset tea. I don't know if they like coffee, so I might ask first before buying them a local sample of coffee beans. Continuing down this corridor of small shops, I found a small vintage shop with amazing music taste that I expressed my gratitude for. I would have stayed for longer if I didn't have exams to study for. I could spent all day in that central area, doting on the uniqueness of each place I passed. But eventually, I had to go home, and I stopped for a burger on the way back. 

But when I arrived at my little hostel room, I cried. Because at each store I stopped at, they were really nice to me. And it's so spectacular to see so much as someone from a small town. I'm really glad I'm here, I have the finances to buy such cool things, and that I have people back home waiting for me. I can't wait to give them all my love in the form of fascinating souvenirs. I love being alive. I feel like the sacred heart because, no matter what literature, society, or anyone says, that is what represents me. A bright heart that is most content and happy when it gives.