Paray again

After only six weeks away, Kev and I were back in Paray Le Monial.

We got there on Sunday 13th February. First we had a meeting with the other Directors of the ESMs in Paray and Altotting. Then the three ESMs of Europe had a retreat together. Then they were joined by about 1300 other youngies for a Youth Forum - prayer, talks, fun times!

Here is a presentation that our students gave about life at the ESM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj-QzvzULus They created it all by themselves in about one week. It was very well received. What a clever bunch of kids we have!

The journey home was....fun. We woke up on Monday morning at 2am. We had a quick breakfast then packed the mini-vans. At about 3am students from the ESM Paray drove us to the airport in Lyon. It was a two hour drive. I had hoped to sleep, but it didn't happen. Instead I engaged in the strangest conversation of all time. We were all a little 'off the planet', and I can't even remember what we were talking about...but it was a lot of fun. Our flight left at 7am, and we were back at the Domus at about 11am.

Needless to say, we were exhausted. I didn't manage a siesta, but stayed up until about 10pm. I am still catching up.

Santa Marinella

Kev and I were able to go to Santa Marinella again this weekend. The weather is absolutely incredible at the moment.

It is great spending time with Jackie and Conor and Finn . Their place is amazing, with a huge terrace and great views of the beach. We were very spoilt because Conor made us breakfast - pancakes with syrup...they just kept coming and coming. Delicious!

The view from Jackie and Conor's

Conor, Jackie and Finn, and the Wags

Later in the day, I went and sat on the beach again to read my book. It was so calm and peaceful. I put my feet in the water again, but refrained from dunking my head this time. It was a glorious day....so relaxing.

Santa Marinella

I can't wait for Summer!

Winter on the beach

Last Sunday Kev and I went to the beach at Santa Marinella, which is about one hour out of Rome. It was such a beautiful day - hard to believe that it is Winter.

We went for a walk along the beach and climbed the rocks, then went and had some lunch. Later I went back and sat on the sand, enjoying the warmth of the sun, when all of a sudden.....I could hear a group of people approaching from behind. Then I could hear laughter. Actually it was more like the sound of muffled giggles. AAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggggggg. It was a group of the students! Of all the beaches in all the world, and they had to walk into mine!

Actually, it was great to see them. Kev got a suprise when he showed up and saw a bunch of people on the beach wearing ESM jackets. The students kept apologising for ruining our day off, but Kev and I assured them that it was fine.

Although it was quite warm, the water was freezing. Some of us were brave and tough enough to put our feet in. I was so tempted to jump right in, but it would have been too painful. Myself and one of the students took delight in sticking our heads in the water though. It was great! After dunking my head the first time, I looked up to find that ALL the people on the beach were staring at me in shock/horror/disgust. They were in their winter coats as if they were at the snow in a blizzard.



It was such a relaxing day. I can't wait to go back again!