I have a working shower!

After three weeks of using my guest shower, the plumber came in Thursday to repair mine. He arrived exactly on time at 10:30. He asked where the new shower faucet is. I looked at him and said, “I thought you had it.” He looked at his work order and sure enough, he was supposed to bring it.

So he said he’d go get one and bring it back. But first he asked where the apartment water cut off valve is. We finally found it and he absolutely could not get it to turn.

We were wondering what to do when he started taking the shower head hose off the spigot (with the water turned off there). He used his screwdriver to clean out the lime deposits there and when he turned the hot water on, the hot water heater engaged and a moment later, there it was! Much cheaper! Much faster!

I emailed the apartment owner. I’m nervous about the water cut off valve not working. If something broke, all the apartments below me could get very wet. That ball is in her court.

Valencia is a great city. But it has terrible tasting water. The water is potable. But it just tastes funky. The lime in it is just too much. So most folks drink bottled water.

We’ve had wonderful weather this week. Sunny with highs reaching the low 80s. Perfect, I’m my humble opinion.

Yesterday, I went with s group from school to Gandia, a small beach town about an hour away by train.

We walked through the town to the palace.

The palace was the residence of the Duke of Gandia.

The Dukes of Gandia were of the infamous Borgia family. The town of Gandia celebrates Saint Francis Borgia, the 4th Duke of Gandia. His great grandfather was Pope Alexander VI, the father of Caesare, Lucretia, Giovanni and other children. Giovanni was the 2nd Duke of Gandia and was murdered. His murder was never solved but there was evidence that his brother Cesare was responsible.

Fast forward to the start of the 16th Century, Francis assumed the title look the death of his father (the son of Giovanni). He retired from his title and pursued ordination as a Jesuit priest. He went on to help found the first Jesuit University, as well as numerous other universities and charitable organizations.

He declined becoming a cardinal in more than one occasion. He was canonized as a saint in 1670.

From the palace, we took a bus to the beach.

Gandia has a beautiful beach where we enjoyed a beer before heading back to Valencia.

My friends Mark and Laurel from San Francisco are also studying Spanish and were in this trip. Afterwards, they invited several of us to their stunning apartment. They are spectacular entertainers, putting out a spontaneous spread of meats, cheeses, olives, bread, cocktails and more.

We are, talked, drank, laughed, and told stories until I left at 11:00.

Mark introduced me to the music of Pablo Alboran, my new obsession. I’ve been listening to his music all day while I cleaned the apartment and worked around the house. (He’s easy on the eyes too!)

Check out Pablo Alboran here:

https://youtube.com/@pabloalboran?si=7nOE6juhxKCkcdXi

I think I’ll make s pot of spaghetti for dinner. Have a great week!

PS. I forgot to mention. I saw the doctor this week for my ankle. He confirmed that the MRI showed a torn ligament, which is why the healing has been so slow. He estimates I’ll need the brace and cane for at least three more weeks when he wants to see me again.