31 August 2026

I’ll start with the good news! My temporary residency has been approved! There are still many steps in the process. And as soon as it’s done, I’ll need to start again for 2027. But this is a huge step forward. …finally!

One of my goals with this blog is to make it part travel blog and part a story of the ups and downs of moving to a new country, learning the language, and learning the culture, customs and nuances.

So, I share the following not for sympathy, nor advice. But I want you to know the real story and not just the marvelous parts.

I haven’t written much lately, because, upon reflection, I think I’m a little depressed. Most of you know me pretty well. I’m a positive guy. I focus on the positives, celebrate my blessings, and don’t dwell on the negatives.

And to be clear, I’m blessed. I have good health. I live in an amazing city. I’m make steady progress in my language learning. I have a comfortable apartment in a quiet neighborhood.

But after ending my relationship in April, after the crazy fallout with the choir director and leaving the choir in May, after my residency was rejected in June, and after a long, very hot summer, I’ve been feeling down. Nothing extreme…just somewhat adrift and despondent.

I’ve been trying to pay attention to it. Experience it. Feel it. Acknowledge it. Not be afraid of it.

I know it will pass. I know better days are coming. But for now, I’m not feeling motivated or energetic.

And with that said, I’m very grateful for all my blessings.

Today, I started in a new, smaller Spanish class. This is the one I mentioned a few weeks ago. I’m calling it a B2+ Class. It’s encouraging that school sees my progress and is keeping me challenged.

I’ve enjoyed a few Couchsurfers over the last couple weeks. I’ve gone to the beach several times. And I’ve enjoyed time with friends.

Earlier this week, my neighbor Carlos and I made plans to see the movie The End of Oak Street. It’s a crazy, unreal adventure film that I can’t even explain in this short space. But mix time travel, worm holes, suburban Michigan, and dinosaurs…and you get the idea.

I stopped and saw Carlos in the park earlier in the day and he handed me a bag. He had purchased another gift for me…another official soccer jersey. This one for Team USA, numbered for my birth year, with JAMES across the back. What a surprise. And what a treasure.

We went to dinner at Burger King…making it an evening celebrating US culture and gastronomy!

Afterwards, we talked over a couple of beers about the movie, my ever improving Spanish, and being more and more rooted in Valencia.

Tonight, I ate tacos with my friend Tatiana who is just back from a summer in Germany. It was fun catching up and making plans for concerts and such in the coming weeks.

Have a great week.