Does this qualify as fan-freaking-tastic?

Hiking through the Alpujarra mountains in the south of Spain, spending the night on a self-sustaining organic farm, harvesting olives with my own two hands, eating completely delicious and completely natural homemade food, chillaxing and playing music with new friends, creating amazing memories...that was my weekend.

Fast-forward through a 6:30 alarm, 8:00 meeting at the bus station, and a nauseating 2 hour bus ride up into the mountains. . . I would like to forget those less then pleasant parts and jump right into the good stuff.

Our bus dropped us off in the Alpujarras right outside the little Spanish town of Orgiva; after a little bit of a trek we found ourselves at a completely self-sustaining Organic farm nestled in the beauty of the area, our home for the weekend. My friends and I were all overwhelmed with everything that was around us, and also overjoyed for the lack of things that were around us. There were no buses, mopeds, or cars, no cigarette smoke or other air pollutants, and there was no noise except the flowing of the water through the 1500-year-old irrigation system still in use today.

After settling in, we were served an amazing organic lunch; I could feel my body thanking me for the beautiful nourishment! Once lunch was over, it was time for a tour of the 11 acre farm that is complete with olive trees, fruit trees, vegetable garden, chickens, rabbits, and two goats and a sheep. The tour ended at the king olive tree, the tree we were to help harvest. I never thought that I would find myself sitting in an olive tree in the Alpujarras of southern Spain harvesting its fruits...wonderful experience.

I have to admit that by the time supper rolled around I was thankful for the break. We were treated to another excellent meal and good conversation. Enjoying homemade whole-wheat bread with fresh avocado and goat cheese while sipping fresh mint tea and sharing stories of travel just can't be beat. The night ended with everyone joining in and making beautiful, relaxing music together with drums, guitars, flutes, sticks, tambourines, hands, and voices. Sleeping in the Yurt was perfect; layered in my warm clothes, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and thinking about the day...

Sunday was wonderfully relaxing; sleeping late, sitting on a hillside enjoying the views, a hearty breakfast full of fresh fruits, napping under an olive tree below a warm sun, and finally saying goodbye and hiking down into Orgiva to catch the evening bus back to Granada.

Overall, the weekend was amazing. My words nor my pictures can do it justice. It was, by far, my best experience in Spain.