Thanks to everyone who has been asking about Julio. He’s home and doing well. I never really understood what the issue was. But I’m glad to know he’s okay.

Today, I had two important appointments.

1. I met with City Hall and I officially have my Padrón. I’m an official resident of Valencia! There’s still more to do. And I’m need to renew everything within three months. But it’s a step forward.

2. I met the doctor this afternoon. He said that I tore a ligament. And he wants to schedule an MRI. He prescribed an ankle brace. So, I finally have the ankle wrap off and don’t need to wrap my foot to take a shower. The swelling has gone down almost completely. And I asked again and he said “yes,” I can walk without restriction. I’ll see him again in two weeks or so.

Thank you to my sister-in-law, Carole, who was one of several who recommended I get a cane. I found one with tortoise shell coloring to match my sunglasses. One really must be coordinating one’s fashion choices. And walking with it does help take pressure off the ankle.

Meanwhile, Valencia is continuing to build up to the last few days of Fallas. Here are some images from the neighborhoods I’ve seen.

There are more than 230 different neighborhoods Fallas associations, each with their own Fallas Mayor (their own elected beauty queen), each with their own Fallas (satirical sculpture in the street that will ultimately be burned), and each with their own sense of pride, tradition and reputation to uphold.

More and more streets are closed. I’m so glad I don’t have a car and don’t need to drive around here!

Oh…I met Rafa yesterday to see the Maskleta.

Afterwards, we went to lunch. I didn’t have much time as I needed to meet Dima, my English student. So we went to fast food…my first since arriving here. We had KFC fried chicken! It reminded me of having a bucket of chicken as a kid…a taste of home.

Have a great week!