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My Easter weekend was quiet. And with extra days off from school and choir, it was restful and “tranquiló.” I did a progress test for my Spanish proficiency to update my Student Visa. They want me to demonstrate that I am in fact attending classes and am a serious student. So I sent that to…

Holy Week in Spain is a big deal. However, I have to confess that I have not been excited to experience the local processions and celebrations. They are happening in nearly every city. A local television station was carrying detailed coverage of these festivals and celebrations from around the country. If you Google “Holy Week…

I would tell you that after Fallas, I really slowed things down and took things easy. I would tell you that if it were true. But, since it’s not…. Well, you get the idea. As I was told, Wednesday, the day after the last Crema and fireworks, things miraculously returned to normal. The giant fallas…

You may remember that Fallas started as a commemoration to St Joseph, the carpenter. Today, is his feast day and the conclusion of this 19 day festival. I couldn’t find anyone interested in joining me. So at 11:30, I left the apartment, with some cokes and snacks. I knew if I wanted to see today’s…

It’s the penultimate day of Fallas. When I got up this morning and walked to school, the streets were the emptiest and quietest I’ve ever seen them. It was spooky. Clearly, folks were recovering from the weekend. That didn’t last. After Spanish class, I went straight to the City Hall plaza and unfortunately, even a…

It’s the last weekend of Fallas and Valencia is building up to a big crescendo of this festival on the 19th. I learned yesterday that Fallas in Valencia is recognized by UNESCO as the longest, on-going festival in the world. No other event (Carnival, Mardi Gras, etc) lasts 19 days…and none has fireworks at anywhere…

I had an especially fun time today at the Maskleta. Rafa invited me to join him with his Falla from Cullera. Cullera is a small town not far from Valencia. Their Falla group met today at the Maskleta, complete with the mayor, the Fallera Mayor, and their own marching band. I think today was especially…

Thanks to everyone who has been asking about Julio. He’s home and doing well. I never really understood what the issue was. But I’m glad to know he’s okay. Today, I had two important appointments. 1. I met with City Hall and I officially have my Padrón. I’m an official resident of Valencia! There’s still…

This has been an interesting weekend filled with very mixed emotions. On Friday night, I met Rafa. We went to an Italian restaurant that he tells me is “George Clooney’s favorite restaurant in Valencia.” Clooney was here filming Tomorrowland. The City of Arts and Sciences is a perfect set for the city of the future.…

It started on a Monday. I met Omar to see the Maskleta. Afterwards, we went to lunch at a great Ramen restaurant in the Chinatown area. After I said goodby to him, I was rushing to catch my bus and I stepped in a hole and sprained my ankle. I knew it wasn’t “nothing.” I…