6 April 2025

Spring has finally arrived in Valencia. After a cold, wet March, April has turned lovely!

I received news from my lawyer this week that I finally have an appointment with the police department to file my paperwork for my student visa. That’s not until May 26. But I have a date!

On Tuesday evening Vicente and I went to see the stage musical production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. If you remember the 1991 film, the stage show takes the great costumes, music and laughter to a new level. Even in Spanish, it was great fun!

We had a choir concert on Friday. It was a big community event with the mayor, various politicians and the archbishop speaking. It was to kick off Valencia’s celebrations of Holy Week and Easter…which starts next week.

I don’t think our performance was terrible. But it could have been…no, should have been better.

On Thursday, we were told to arrive at 6 pm for the 8 pm event. After I left to go there, I got a message that we didn’t need to meet until 7. So, I arrived an hour early. When everyone arrived, we never did anything until the event started. So, we never rehearsed in the church, never rehearsed with the soloists and never practiced the Hymn to Valencia, at all.

I’m grateful for the amazing music we sing and the amazing events we have been a part of. But I’m starting to question my continued participation with this group, under this leadership.

On Saturday, Vicente had to show an apartment in a luxury beach building. So, I tagged along and took Cooper for a walk while Vicente worked.

Then we met for lunch and spent a couple hours relaxing at the beach together.

Today, Vicente was with his kids. So, I took the bus to a beach that’s in the middle of a national park. It’s a bit farther than I usually travel. But with temperatures finally in the mid 70’s, it was worth it for a quiet, relaxed and lovely day.

After getting off the bus, I walked through the park to the beach.

Tonight, Sunday, I met my friend Rafael for dinner. He complemented me on my improving Spanish. That was very encouraging.

May your week be filled with sunshine and encouragement.