15 February 2026

Things seem to be moving forward with the visa process. At least, that’s what my attorney is telling me.

In addition to the visa work, he was able to get me added to the Spain National Health Care system. I’ll pay about $160 / month for it. The main benefit is that if there’s something catastrophic, I won’t have to use the private insurance and risk getting dropped be them later.

I also took a test to measure my Spanish proficiency. The SIELE exam measures abilities in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. I’m sorry to say that after two years here, I’m only at a B1 level. I’ve made progress. But I’ve been studying at a B2 level for quite a while. It’s just such a slow process for me. But I am making progress. So, I’ll celebrate that.

One other thing my attorney is recommending is that I take a class on Spain and Valencia history, language and culture. I’ve been calling a list of the schools that offer the class. But so far, they’re all full or not offering it until May or later.

Choir is fun. We’re working on both the Schubert mass for a March concert and Puccini’s La Traviata for an April performance. I’m trying to memorize the Italian for La Traviata. (As if another language won’t be a problem! Ha! Ha!)

Today (Sunday), Vicente and I went to pick oranges from his family’s orange grove. That’s always fun and provides a great start to each day with fresh squeezed juice!

Valencia is getting ready for Fallas, which starts in a couple weeks (March 1-19). Lights are going up, street blockades are starting to be distributed to the various neighborhoods, and the local Fallas groups are hosting more parties in the streets.

For Valentine’s Day, Vicente surprised me with tickets to a concert tonight to see a cover band of Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong favorites. What a great way to end the week and to celebrate the holiday.

Always remember, It’s a Wonderful World.