Sunday 29 June 2025

Happy Pride Weekend!

Tuesday was a holiday. But school was open for those of who wanted to attend. We had a full conversation in class on Monday about who planned to attend and who didn’t. I had no other plans, so I went to school that morning like every day.

Walking through the quiet streets, past all the closed shops and cafes led me to feel that something was off.

When I arrived, the front door was locked. But there’s a door bell to push so the receptionist can let you in. No problem.

I rang. No answer. Others started to arrive. I rang again. No answer. More people arrived. I rang the bell six times and no one answered.

I could only conclude that the school’s plans changed and they failed to notify everyone. I checked my email, spam filter, text messages. Nothing.

So, I walked home.

When I got home, I wrote a courteous but firm email complaining about the inaccurate and insufficient communication.

An hour later, I got a phone call from one of the administrators. She said, “I don’t know what happened. We’re here and we’re open.” I got a follow up email from the director of the school apologizing for their failed systems. She assured me that they would credit me for a day of classes.

On Thursday, Vicente came over for dinner. We decided to make a peach pie. I have to admit, it came out pretty good.

Visa

It’s been just over a month since I completed my paperwork and fingerprints at the police station to continue my (already approved) student visa. So on Friday after class, I took the bus to the police station where I hoped to pick up the new ID card.

When I arrived, they were turning people away. The police officer was telling people the building was closed. When I asked him if this was just for today, he said, “Yes. It’s because they’ve had an infestation of mosquitos and they are fumigating the building.”

You can’t make this stuff up! I’ll go back this week.

Pride was on Saturday in Valencia, like everywhere.

And it was Cooper’s first birthday!

We went to the parade/ march. In recent years past, I’m told this event was more of a celebration of inclusiveness and love. But last year, the conservative Valencia government chose to defund all Pride related events. And they’ve taken a stand against trans people. So, this year we saw a combination of protest and celebration.

It was heartwarming to see so many people marching, chanting, singing, and laughing.

Here are some pics…

At the party afterwards in front of city hall, I was surprised how often Donald Trump’s name was mentioned for his efforts to erase trans people. Conservative governments that vilify people who are different and then rely on lies and misinformation to influence their followers are everywhere. We live in scary times.

To escape the 95-degree heat, Vicente and I went to his pool today (Sunday) and then to a department store to walk around.

As I was walking to meet him, I saw this billboard….

His pool is next to the port. It’s a lovely location.

From the top floor of the department store, I got this great view from the outdoor furniture department of part of the City of Arts and Sciences.

Tonight, we’ll go see the new F1 movie about Formula One racing. Neither of us are that into cars, but it will be fun, loud and air conditioned!

Here’s wishing you a great week. May doors open for you. Whoever you are, may you always feel respected. And may you stay cool in the hottest of circumstances.