“The EU tried to put an end to the Fallas festival,” my friend Christopher told us. “They thought it was too dangerous.” We all laughed. “Dangerous” is not a strong enough word. I can just imagine a Spaniard in front of the EU trying to explain this festival. The Spaniard would start innocently enough by…
Category: Valencia
Learning Spanish: The Masked Man
My youngest sister Meg had come to visit me in Valencia, Spain. I had not yet climbed the Micalet–a tower near the cathedral–so we decided to do it. We went into the church and a sign told us to wait until we were called forth. Nearby, in a small alcove, we could see a masked…
A Day in the Olive Grove (Part 1)
You would think it wouldn’t be too hard to find an olive oil tasting experience in Tuscany. You’d be wrong. Back in September, Michael and I tried but the tourism office said wineries grow olives as a side business, so we’d have to go for a wine and olive oil experience. Which, let’s be honest,…
If You Could Live Anywhere, Where Would You Live?
“It’s be nice to live in a smaller town,” I said to my husband Michael. “One that has its own life–doesn’t close down in the winter. And it would be great if the city center streets were closed to traffic. And it was close to a big city if we needed it.” “In your travels…
Breaking Up with Valencia
After a break up with a boyfriend, I would do my best to focus only on the things that didn’t work between us. Because if I remembered all the good times, all the things that were so perfect about our relationship, I might never recover. And so it is with my relationship with Valencia. When…
How To Recognize an American in Valencia
Usually it’s just the look. As evidenced by the woman who literally walked up to Michael as he was sitting with me drinking coffee, pointed to him, and said “Americano?” He was stunned and asked how she knew. “You just look like an American.” Which I used to think funny as Americans have quite a…
A Day Trip
Not to brag. . . but yes, I’m going to brag: Michael and I and a friend are considering taking a road trip to Barcelona on Sunday. How amazing is it that I can even say that? A day trip! To a major European destination! It would be a long day trip. It’s a three…
When Worlds Collide
Michael and I arrived in Asheville 48 hours ago. And ever since then, the universe has been gently saying, “This is still your place, kid.” The morning walkers took me back into their fold like I’d never left. On that walk, I was delighted to see a new Little Free Library in the neighborhood —…
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way Home From The Library (or Oh, The People You’ll Meet – Part 3)
“I know you!“ she said, pointing her finger at me. I was walking down a random street in Valencia, on my way home from the library, Michael conversing with me through the earbud I had in one ear. “I’m Yvonne!“ she said as I pulled my earbud out and looked from her to the man…
Oh, The People You’ll Meet (Part 2)
When you apply for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), timing is everything: there can be no more than 90 days between the date you get your first required document and the date you present your entire portfolio of documents to the Spanish Consulate. So when my husband Michael and I our started our process in May…
RenaissanceRebecca 