24 May, 2026

My friend Francesco on Monday from Venice, Italy. Because my visa situation is so in-flux, I’m reluctant to travel outside of Spain right now.

So, instead of going to Italy, Italy has come to me.

Francesco had contacted me a couple weeks ago. He wants to move to Valencia, find a job and study Spanish.

He asked if he could stay here for a few weeks to begin that process. He offered to pay rent. But my lease does not allow me to collect rent. So, he suggested that he’ll buy groceries and cook for me. Heck! That’s better than collecting rent money!

He started with making Lasagne. Incredibly delicious! He also has made some delicious salads. And he made a fabulous tiramisu. In his tiramisu, he adds chocolate chips for a fun, crunchy texture. I’m glad I walk a lot. With this great Italian cooking, I’m sure to gain a few pounds!

He’s also started taking classes in my Spanish school. So we compare notes from our respective classes. I asked the administrator if I get a discount for the referral. She just laughed and said, “I wish!”

We had a little time for rest and relaxation this week. We went to the beach on Tuesday afternoon with my friend British Martin. We met my British friend, David for dinner on Wednesday night. On Friday, we walked around the old city. Then, that night, we met my friend Tatiana for a live, musical, variety show at the university.

On Saturday, we took a long walk through the Turia River Gardens before Francesco caught a flight home for the weekend. He was careful to fly home to vote in the local elections. He will be back Monday evening.

I got some good news from my attorney this week. I got my certificate for completing the course on integrating into Spanish and Valencia culture. After I sent it to him, he said that with this document, he will be filling my application for residency this week. One big step forward! I’m still waiting to hear about my student visa for this year. So I’m believing that “no news is good news,” in that front.

Today, I went to a beach that’s a bit farther away. It’s more remote and quiet. But even there, I met a nice German couple who are visiting Valencia for two months.

Here’s wishing you a great week ahead.