Early one morning we came across a small circus set up at the marina. The Raluy Legacy circus had come to town!
Joy is Good Enough
With time looking both more precious due to the pandemic and more endless during the recent lockdown, I decided to take up a new activity: oil painting. It was actually round three for me. Once …
How to Get a Digital Signature in Valencia, Spain
We’re up for our second visa renewal this year. When I reached out for advice from our good friends at YesValencia, Linda asked me if I had ever considered getting a digital signature. The COVID-19 …
Deja Vu High School
As I sat down to write this post it dawned on me that it has been 50 years since I graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine, Wisconsin. Fifty years is a long time. …
I’ll Be Using Idioms Until the Cows Come Home
Something I’ve learned during my time in Spain is that my speech is full of idioms. When Jamie called me out on this, I thought, well maybe I use these expressions once in a blue …
Before the Sun: A Photo Project
My project wasn’t to create a portfolio of publication quality photos. I really just wanted to get myself to reclassify my morning excursions with Lizzie from a category labeled CHORE to one labeled JOY
Spanish – English Conversation Exchanges: The Struggles, the Joys, and the Beauty
When we planned our Spain move people repeatedly made two comments, “You’re so lucky to be immersed in the language every day,” or, “You’ll pick up Spanish so fast living in Spain.” All that pep talk had me believing that I’d be carrying on high-level conversations in six months. Ha!
An Independent, Family Owned Insurance Agency That’s Expat Friendly
Julija Roslova, English speaking associate, and Ángel Giron Descalzo, Technical Director. We just had our annual insurance review. I can’t describe how freeing it is to have nothing but health and renter’s insurance to discuss. …
Private Language Study with Elisa Valero, a Remarkable Teacher
We haven’t mastered Spanish yet, but 90 percent of the progress we have made has been with the consistent and friendly assistance of Elisa Valero Peris, our delightful Spanish teacher. She is much more than a tutor, without exaggeration, Elisa is a friend.
A Quick Note on Renewing Your Padron de Habitantes in Valencia
After being in Spain for about two years, you’re going to get a letter from the Ayuntamiento that you probably ought not ignore. Basically, it contains words to the effect, “Show up in person and let us know you’re still here.” Here’s what it takes to comply.
A Friendly English/Spanish Conversation Group with Maria Hidalgo
One of the reasons we decided to live in Spain was to meet new people and learn the language. One way to do that, we thought, was to participate in one of the scores of Spanish/English language exchanges (intercambios) …
How to Get a Senior Bus Pass in Valencia
The Bono Oro bus pass is for those of us over 65, pensioners and disabled people. It allows unlimited use of all the EMT bus routes and at 20 euros/year, it’s an excellent deal. Here’s how to get yours…