3 May, 2026

My friends Sarah and Greg left on Wednesday. It was a blast having them here.

But they didn’t go until we had a chance to tour the City of Arts and Sciences and the aquarium.

The aquarium, aka La Oceanografic, is the largest aquarium in Europe. It’s worth your time when you come. And be sure to stay for the dolphin show. It’s included in the price of admission.

Birds, reptiles and sea creatures from around the world are here…

My Spain Integration Class continues. This should be the final week (if they don’t cancel and reschedule classes this week). Last week, we toured a couple different museums, including the Fallas museum and La Almoina Archeological Museum which includes roads, walls and remnants of the Roman era when the city was founded in 138 BC.

Interestingly, the Romans were only here for 60 years before their infighting, civil wars and such left the city empty and abandoned until they returned in the First Century and built the city that included a Forum, Circus, Baths, Temples and more.

The cathedral was first the site of a temple to Dionysus. Later, for some 700 years, it was the site of a mosque during the Muslim occupation. Then, when King Jaime I conquered the city in 1238, the site was consecrated as a cathedral.

This weekend was cloudy and rainy. So, I didn’t do much. On Saturday, I walked to the Andalusian Festival. But getting there around 12:30 was way too early and there was very little happening.

Today (Sunday) is Mother’s Day in Spain. It’s celebrated on the first Sunday in May.

One cool tradition is that local Fallas Casals assemble crosses of flowers in the streets.

With not much else to do, I went to see the new Michael Jackson movie tonight. After you’ve seen it, tell me what you think. I enjoyed the music and performances. They were incredible. And is very much worth your time to see it. But I left the theater very disappointed. I won’t say more here. I’ll be glad to compare notes after you’ve seen it. Let me know!

For all the moms who read this, here’s wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day (this week and next)! Thank you for your selfless love and care.

Tell your mom you love her. I know I’m grateful for mine. Have a great week!