The Gymkhana started before most of us had finished breakfast and involved running between challenges while someone from another country was shouting instructions in a language neither of us spoke. Peak communication. We got through it anyway.
The garden project was actually really good. There is something strange and satisfying about digging actual soil with people you met 36 hours ago. By the end our group had planted something that may or may not survive the week, but we were genuinely proud of it.
Then came the Jota. I want to be clear: I have danced before. I have rhythm. The Jota does not care about either of those things. It has its own rules, its own timing, and a skirt that spins independently of whatever your legs are doing. The instructor was very patient. She had to be.
Community Teamwork Rating:
★
★
★
★
★
👥 Society Section: Team Climate
Better than yesterday, which I didn't think was possible. The Gymkhana forced us to actually communicate — there was no option to just scroll your phone and hope someone else figured it out. By the garden session people were genuinely helping each other without being asked.
⛅ Tomorrow's Weather Forecast
Iron legs and the ability to convince yourself that uphill is enjoyable. I have been told Penyagolosa is "not that bad." I have also been told Spanish dinner is "just a little late." I am learning to adjust my expectations accordingly.
💥 Breaking News: The Gossip of the Village
During the Gymkhana there was a challenge where you had to carry a full glass of water across a field without spilling it. A boy from the Czech Republic sprinted — full sprint — dropped the glass immediately, caught it before it hit the ground, and kept running with an empty glass as if nothing had happened. He finished first. Nobody told him the water was the point. He was very confused when he didn't win. He is now known as the Glass Guy and I think that will follow him for the rest of the week.
