Holy Week in Spain is a big deal. However, I have to confess that I have not been excited to experience the local processions and celebrations. They are happening in nearly every city. A local television station was carrying detailed coverage of these festivals and celebrations from around the country.
If you Google “Holy Week in Spain” you’ll see why I have this reluctance. All of these processions include participants from various religious orders who wear robes and hoods that have been a part of their traditions for centuries…long before the U.S. was founded and long before the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan. Here, these robes and hoods signify their devotion to Christ. They are sacred, holy and blessed. But because of the blasphemous and widespread use of these symbols by the the KKK, I have a visceral reaction to seeing people marching wearing these outfits. I just don’t want to be seeing it.
So, I have not been apart of this tradition here.
Instead, my week was more routine.
Choir on Monday was a really good practice, learning difficult music. Our section leader turned to me and said I sounded good…always nice to hear. And to my surprise, when we finished, I learned that because of Easter Break at the university, we don’t have practice again until April 11! I’ll enjoy a less busy schedule for the next two weeks.
We actually had rain on Tuesday, real, honest to goodness rain. Not heavy mist or a light drizzle. It actually rained…the first time in my three months in Valencia.
If not routine, at least mundane…the hot water in my bathroom shower stopped working. So, I’ve been using the guest shower. On Wednesday I stayed home from school to meet a plumber who said that the whole faucet and handle needs to be replaced. He said he’d have to see if it’s covered by the homeowner’s insurance. If not, I’d need to purchase and install a new one myself. As they say here in Valencia, “Uff!” Fortunately, my landlady said that if it’s not covered, she would pay for it. Good news. But I’m still waiting for the answer and the repairs.
Last week, my immigration attorney in Barcelona wrote to tell me that she’s leaving the firm. If I want, they can provide me a new attorney. However, I noticed an immigration attorney right on my street and decided to see what they could do and what they would charge.
So, also on Wednesday, I met with her. She speaks almost no English. With my limited Spanish and lots of Google Translate, she told me that she would help with each step that I need. I still need to register with the local police. I will need to renew my student visa. And I will need to renew my padrón with the city. For only 50€, she is scheduling my appointment with the the police AND she will go with me to the appointment. I’ve never heard of any attorney doing that here!
Through all of this, she patiently passed my phone back and forth, as we clarified, asked questions, joked, and laughed through the technology. I really like this attorney. Hopefully, she will be as helpful as she is kind and patient.
It’s Easter weekend. That means that nearly everything is closed today, tomorrow, Sunday and Monday. I had no school today (Good Friday) nor do I have school on Monday.
So, I met Dima early and had a good session with him. On my way, I noticed that the decorative orange trees that line so many streets are starting to bloom.
Then I met Rafa for lunch and a trip to the BioPark. What a fun afternoon!
The weather was beautiful, warm and sunny, in the mid to upper 70’s. It was a great day to plan a trip to the zoo.
Lunch was at a traditional Catalan restaurant. We started with tomato bread, which is quite common in Spain. Only this time, we were provided the ingredients to make our own!
The garlic is peeled, and rubbed along the surface of the bread. Then the tomato is cut in half and rubbed firmly into the bread. We also cut up the used tomato halves and put them on the bread, before drizzling olive oil over each slice.
Then, we enjoyed Calçotada. These grilled onions, Calçots, arrived on an inverted terra cotta roof shingle, along with a Romesco sauce. Nearly everyone in the restaurant ordered this dish. And they all ate it the same way.
You’re supposed to do it this way!
Romesco sauce is made with tomato, almonds, hazelnuts, garlic, tomato, bread crumbs, red pepper, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
We also ordered blood sausage with aoli, a Catalon sausage and grilled potatoes.
We concluded with two desserts because Rafa said, “You just have to try these!”
Torrija is traditionally served at Easter. It is a brioche, sweet bread, soaked in egg, and cooked with cinnamon and sugar. Delicious!
And Crema Catalonia, similar to Creme Brulee. Also, really good!
Stuffed and really needing a walk, we headed to BioPark.
On the way, we passed the apartment building that was destroyed by fire a few weeks ago. It’s the first time that I saw it in person.
I have been hearing about the BioPark and what a special place it is. And it really is. Unfortunately, the great weather was changing quickly.
So we decided to go ahead with our plan because it never rains in Valencia!
As we walked, we got wetter and wetter.
But the animals seemed to love the weather.
The rhinos were out chasing ostriches and zebras.
The thing about this zoo is how beautifully it is designed and landscaped. You don’t see animals in cages. You see animals in what looks like natural habitat, with room to run, play and live. I keep using superlatives about Valencia. But once again, it’s warranted. This is the coolest zoo I’ve ever seen!
At this point, we had seen almost half the park. And for the second time in my three months here, it really rained. The rain was getting colder and Rafa was starting to feel sick. So after an hour and a half, we promised to come back and spend more time on a better day.
I don’t have other plans for the weekend. If anything noteworthy comes along, I’ll be sure to let you know.
In the meantime, have a blessed Easter celebrating the promise of Spring, new life and resurrection!
Adventures in Europe 
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