Yes - we have a signed contract. Because El Jefe is here it's now a done deal. I clutched the pen with my tiny female claws. Barely able to put pen to paper. But Jeff's large paws made up for my short fall. Eye roll. We met at the imobilaria to meet our new landlords, … Continue reading Contrato Firmado
The Travel Bug
I was bitten by the travel bug even before I ever traveled on my first train ride. It started by receiving gifts from my Uncle living in Japan for my birthdays. And from my Grandmother who was a ballsy lady who traveled the world on her own in retirement. Neither seemed to be afraid of … Continue reading The Travel Bug
He’s Da Man
I'll be heading on a train to Barcelona soon to hang out with my niece, Melody, for a few days. She's on her first trip to Europe with her HS German language class, and for the last 10 days has been touring Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. She extending her stay here so she can pass … Continue reading He’s Da Man
El Barranc de l’infern
I don't speak Valenciano or Catalan. These are the local languages of the North and Central coasts of the Mediterranean side of Spain. People say they're totally different languages, others say they're the same. To me it doesn't matter - because I know neither of them. To me, they're a combo of Spanish and French. … Continue reading El Barranc de l’infern
Love is the Little Things
Jeff popped home to Valencia from Germany, for an overnight (about 7 hours total) before heading to the US. We've spent so much time together over the last year - more than any other time in our marriage - it felt a bit strange to have him away. But in the past it was usually … Continue reading Love is the Little Things
The Sounds of Fallas 2019
I've shared a bunch of photos of different things during Fallas this year. Mostly, other than the bands for the processions, it's been more of a visual feast. But Holy Batman! It's loud around here and you can't really appreciate it until you're there in person. But I'm going to try to help you get … Continue reading The Sounds of Fallas 2019
Last Days of Fallas
What I said in my last post about noise? Well, I take it all back. Last night was epic on the noise front. Our local Fallas Associations were in full steam until late. I took the elevator down with several Falleras from our building. Some older ladies who had the sash from long ago with … Continue reading Last Days of Fallas
Falles 2019 and the Environment: Shades of Things to Come
No matter how much you love Fallas, and people do or don't to varying degrees, you can't help but look at these amazing sculptures carved from hardened liquid Styrofoam, and not understand that burning over 700 of these in one night is an environmental disaster. The chemicals and CO2 released as they melt (The Crema), … Continue reading Falles 2019 and the Environment: Shades of Things to Come
It Goes BOOM!
Last year when we arrived in Valencia, we felt like we were inundated by sound. BOOMS! and POPS!. People throwing fireworks under the feet of strangers seemed to be common. And when sitting at a cafe you'd be jumping as someone lit a firecracker under your chair and ran. We noticed that very small children, … Continue reading It Goes BOOM!
Effigies and Processions
The last days of Fallas are upon us. It started slow with neighborhood processions - my favorite - that are more homegrown and organic, and don't possess all the flash of the grand processions with the 100's of Falleras and Falleros marching to the town hall on floats. Or the one to Our Lady of … Continue reading Effigies and Processions
