Don’t let anyone tell you that vaccines don’t work. Not only was my stint with COVID limited to one week, when I added Shingles to the mix, that vaccine shortened the sick time to three days, not 3-5 weeks as is normal.

So this week was full speed ahead.

I didn’t meet with Dima this week. He was busy finishing his last week after resigning from his job, renewing his drivers license, and other bureaucratic activities. So I had time to relax a little. I went to the beach on Tuesday afternoon. I walked around neighborhoods that I hadn’t seen before. I enjoyed a quiet week.

I had a great conversation on Friday afternoon with the administrator of my Spanish school. I explained my frustration with my progress. She assured me that I’m in step with the rest of the class. And she reminded me that they made a mistake when I enrolled and they owe me some classes beyond what I registered to take. So we’re going to add one hour of tutoring per week. I’m excited and hopeful with this opportunity.

On Friday, I met Martin for a drink. It was a lovely night for the Summer Solstice.

We stopped for gelato and realized the it was still daylight at 9:45. By 10:00, when we left the ice cream shop, it was dark. But it was notable to see how long the days really are right now.

As I walked home, I was delighted with a huge, bright full moon over the City of Arts and Sciences.

Saturday, after cleaning the apartment, I went to the beach and met up with my friends Mike and Carlos. They were there with Christoph from Warsaw Poland. It was fun mixing English, Spanish and Polish together!

On Sunday evening, I met Jat from London for dinner and a flamenco show.

The food was amazing and the show was equally impressive. When you come, this may be something you add to your list. And, it’s only two blocks from my front door!

This coming week will be filled with choir rehearsals and two concerts.

Have a great one!