9 November 2025

It was a more routine week. Classes are going good. Because I was sick for three weeks in the Spring, and have done so much traveling this year, I’ve paid for more classes than I’ve used. So, I’m adding some private classes on top of my four hours per day to make sure I don’t throw away the money I’ve paid. I have to use all the classes I’ve paid for before I leave for the US at the beginning of December. When they asked me who i would like for my private tutor, I told them “someone from Valencia.” I want to practice speaking with an accent that is more local sounding. Unfortunately, one of the three is home recovering from a badly broken leg. The other is on vacation. So this week, I started meeting with the director of the school on Monday and Friday afternoons for two hours. Estefa is delightful and a wonderful encourager.

On Friday, my class went to the Botanic Gardens. Field trips are a fun way towork on vocabulary in a different context.

My friend Tony (from Denver and now living in a Phoenix) was here for two nights this week. I was able to spend time with him, showing him the Old City on Wednesday afternoon.

I continue working on the visa details to change from a student visa to a retiree visa. The good news is that I got my FBI background check back this week. I had been worried that with the US government shutdown, that it may not get processed. But it did! The bad news is that because there are so many people trying to emigrate from the US to Spain, the appointments are always full at the Spain consulate in Los Angeles. I go online several times every day looking for an appointment. But it always tells me that no appointments are available right now and to check back later. I’ve alerted my attorney to the challenge and I’ll keep trying.

This weekend, Vicente and I went to see the new Frankenstein movie. It’s long, beautifully filmed and a bit gory in parts.

In Sunday, we went to see an exhibit on the works of the painter, Joaquin Sorolla. Sorolla was from Valencia. So he’s a local hero. His use of light and color are beautiful.

Speaking of Mallorca. Vicente is representing an apartment there. So, we’re going next weekend. While he is showing the apartment, I’ll go sightseeing. It will be a fun, quick weekend.

We booked Vicente’s flight to the US this weekend. He’ll be there from December 27-January 3. It will be fun showing him some of Colorado

I’m making plans to see many of you when I’m in the US in December snd January. I can’t wait. Missing seeing loved ones is the hardest part of living so far away.