20 July 2026

By now, you know the news.

Spain is the World Champion team of the World Cup! …but more on that, later.

One thing I’ve never written about, is the sound of summer here. Every July, cicadas fill the trees. I thought you might enjoy this moment of tranquility.

Another thing I’ve never written about, on Tuesday, was the conclusion of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.

I only mention it because it’s such a part of the national identity here. For the full week, instead of broadcasting the morning news programs, Spain’s national public television shows the whole live event each day at 8:00 a.m. For a whole week, the news stops and we watch thousands of crazy people defy death and injury, running through a stampede of angry bulls. That it’s worthy of interrupting a news station to show a cultural event, still surprises me.

That afternoon, my friend Peter arrived from Holland. Peter is a Couchsurfer who visited two years ago with his younger son. It’s been nice having him here. He’s a great guest.

Also that night, Spain beat France in the semi-final of the World Cup, setting up an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Saturday night was the Great Night of the annual Feria de Valencia. Every July, Valencia celebrates summer! Free concerts throughout the city, many museums open for free until midnight, and of course, fireworks at midnight.

We really enjoyed a Whitney Houston Tribute concert in Plaza de La Reina.

But of course, nothing could compare to last night.

We left the house at 6 p.m. to arrive in the City Hall Plaza by 6:30, in order to secure a good spot to watch the World Cup Final against Argentina on a giant screen…along with a few thousand of my closest friends. The city (really the whole nation) was electric with anticipation.

We met my friends Travis and Obi.

The match began at 9 p.m. (local time). It was a long, slow match, with some controversial calls. But through it all, Spain dominated, keeping possession of the ball over two-thirds of the time. After a scoreless 90 minutes, after a scoreless overtime, finally in the second overtime, Valencia native, Ferran Torres scored the game-winning goal.

When the last seconds ticked off the clock, the party kicked into high gear!

The walk home was euphoric throughout the city! Horns blaring. People cheering. Flags waving. Despite the hour, no one was sleeping!

After standing since 6:00 p.m., and watching, walking, jumping, dancing and celebrating, we arrived home after 1:30 a.m. I was sound asleep by 2:00 a.m., and back in my Spanish class at 9:00 a.m.

Maybe I’ll actually take a siesta today!