5 October 2025

First, the big news is that I’m starting to plan my next visit to the U.S.

At this point (no airfare had been purchased), I’m planning to arrive the 9th of December and return to Spain around the 17th of January. Vicente is looking at the possibility of joining me for the week after Christmas. Fingers crossed!

If you think you’d have time to get together during any of that time, please email or send a message on What’sApp or FB. I’d love to plan to see you!

That should give me the time that I need to plan two quick trips to Los Angeles, to first file my visa application for a non lucrative (retiree) visa, and later to pick it up. This is the visa that will give me a path towards permanent residency. By filing it before my current student visa expires, I can apply 50% of my last two years here, towards those residency requirements. That’s great news! Thanks in advance for sending prayers and good vibes that all goes smoothly and successfully with that process.

I’ve been busy getting my paperwork together for that application, including banking details, health certificate and more. This week, I have an appointment with the police to get my fingerprints for an updated FBI background check. There’s a lot to do and it will be a busy couple months before I leave.

Speaking of health issues, I had a dentist appointment this week. I had two cavities. But they were able to fix them right then and there!

This week I hosted a Couchsurfer from Munich. Michael is a delightful gentleman who is taking time away from work to do some traveling. We had a fun visit including a stop at Cafe de les Hores for an Agua de Valencia, a cocktail of orange juice, vodka, gin and Cava. One was enough! When you come for a visit, remind me to bring you here. It’s a fun place with quirky art, small tables and a uniquely Valencia experience.

Choir is fun. We’re preparing for a concert in November, with a mix of Broadway show tunes. It should be a fun event.

My Spanish classes continue. My progress is slow. But it’s happening!

Speaking of choir and language learning, this week we had a guest conductor who talked about the voice as an instrument. I knew enough Spanish to understand a lot of key words…breath, tongue, head, mouth, teeth, lungs, sinuses, and more. But honestly, I didn’t understand enough to get much out of the talk. My language barriers continue to frustrate me…and I’m making progress.

Two quick stories. I’ve been looking at apartments after all the challenges of this one (no, my kitchen water issues still aren’t fixed!). So when I met with a realtor this week, she complimented me on my Spanish! That felt encouraging Incidentally, with the visa process, travel plans and everything else happening, I’ve decided to wait until I get back in January to look for an apartment in earnest.

Another quick story. When I walked into a shop this week to buy a new backpack, the shopkeeper went from panic when I walked in (and she saw a tall, blond guy who clearly isn’t from here), to delight when I asked in Spanish for a small backpack. She said she was terrified I would speak English or German and she wouldn’t know how to help me. She was delighted to help me and I found the perfect backpack for my daily needs.

I still don’t understand most spoken Spanish. But I’m understanding more and more. And when others see it, it reminds me to not lose heart.

On Saturday morning, I met Vicente and Cooper for a walk in the Turia Gardens. We stopped for a coffee and enjoyed the lovely morning.

I was able to get to the beach on Saturday. It was warm, calm and delightful. The season is quickly coming to a close. So, I’m trying to grab every opportunity that I can.

Today, Vicente and I will go to see the opera Tosca, at the movie theater. This is a production of the Royal Opera in London, with live broadcasts across Europe, starring international superstar, Anna Netrebco. I know it will be great!

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible when I’m in the US over the holidays. Happy Fall!