7 July 2025

Visa
I have to laugh. I started the process in November. And finally, on Wednesday, the second of July, I received my residency card for my student visa. It’s good until the second of January 2026…six more months. Now, I need to figure out next steps to start the process all over again to get a retiree visa and make living here a bit more permanent.

The Phantom of the Opera

My friend Rafael invited me to join him on Friday night to see The Phanton of the Opera at the Les Arts opera house to celebrate both of our birthdays (his in June, mine in May). It was his treat! So, I agreed and offered to buy dinner afterwards. When we arrived, I was surprised to find that he had bought seats in the second row! It was a wonderful show. I had seen it in London 30 years ago. I had seen the movie version many times. All of that helped because this production was completely in Spanish. And, this production brought something new to the experience. It was the same great music we all love, with a full, live orchestra. The sets were grand and impressive. The singing was outstanding. The soprano who played Christine was incredible! But for some fun twists, there were some special effects and even “magic” tricks that made me question what I just saw!

Dinner afterwards created a bit of a challenge. On a Friday night, in Valencia, the restaurants were closing at 11:00 p.m.! The show started at 8:30 and let out at 11:15. We found a smaller restaurant, near Rafael’s house that was open until 12:00 and we arrived in time to order before the kitchen closed. We both enjoyed a bottle of wine and very tender steaks.

Dog sitting
Also on Friday, I was in class that morning when I got an urgent message from the wife of my (former) English student, Dima. Liza was frantic because they both were leaving that morning for London and their dog sitter had just cancelled. Could I take care of Cherry (in English), Vyshnia (in Ukranian)? Vyshnia is delightful. But they live across town and my lease does not allow me to keep pets here. Even so, they were desperate and for all of the kindnesses I have been shown, I knew I had to say, “yes.” I planned to go over each morning before class and each evening to feed and walk Vyshnia. They were thrilled.

When I told this to Vicente, he spontaneously offered to keep Vyshnia at his house with Cooper. Vicente and I went over that afternoon to feed and walk Vyshnia. We also brought Cooper. I went to the apartment and took Vyshnia to the park. She was delighted to see me (she had spent most of the day alone). We carefully and slowly introduced her to Cooper. They were immediate best friends. So, with confidence that this could work, we called Liza and Dima, who had just arrived in London, and suggested that Vyshnia stay with Vicente and Cooper. We sent videos of them playing and they felt comfortable with us doing so.

I had the play. So, we left Vyshnia there for the night by herself and I returned at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning to feed and walk her. Vicente came by around 11 a.m. (after a work appointment) and we reintroduced the dogs. This was a great idea.

We spent Saturday and Sunday walking them, watching them tussle and play. We knew Cooper was gregarious with other dogs. And Liza had warned us that Vyshnia can be aggressive with other dogs. But it was a match made in heaven. It was too hot (mid 90’s) to do much but stay home in the air conditioning and go for occasional walks. So that’s what we did….and some cooking.

On Saturday, we made some fresh Gazpacho…the perfect summer treat.

On Sunday, we made a salad and some mussels. Life in Valencia is good!

I’ve been sending regular updates to Dima and Liza. They’re thrilled.

I’ll meet Vicente with “the kids” each afternoon or evening in the park to walk together. It’s finally cooled to a lovely 85. Dima and Liza get home on Wednesday evening.

I hope your week is filled with accomplishments and joy…and respite from the heat.