A QUICK TRIP SOUTH

SALUDOS DESDE VALENCIA!

Typical of us, we only stayed put in Valencia for a couple of weeks after arriving on the first of November. We boarded a train to head south. Our first stop was an overnighter in Madrid to see a special Picasso exhibit at the Reina Sophia – Spain’s national museum of 20^th century art. This is one of more than 50 exhibits around the world celebrating Picasso’s work at the 50^th anniversary of his death. The exhibit at the Reina Sophia includes only works completed in 1906, a transformational year for Picasso. It was fascinating to see these early works and other than marveling at his (obvious) incredible talent, I loved seeing the early genesis of his influence on modern art.

After a wonderful 24 hours in expansive, bustling, regal Madrid, we boarded a train for Malaga. Sitting on the beautiful Costa del Sol, Malaga is part of the autonomous region of Andalusia. The sixth largest in Spain (Valencia is #3), Malaga is a vibrant port city with a rich history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and great food. It’s famous for its ancient landmarks such as an 11^th century fortress (the Alcazaba https://visita.malaga.eu/es/que-ver-y-hacer/visitas/monumentos-historicos/monumentos/alcazaba-p103303) and a Roman Theater. Malaga also happens to be the birthplace of Picasso.

We were delighted to have our dear friend, Susan, join us in Malaga. We spent several days exploring Malaga, hanging out at the beach, enjoying a flamenco show, and spending time talking about life. A day trip by train to Cordoba was a highlight and while it was our second time in Cordoba, and we’d happily go back!

HOLIDAY CHEER

When we arrived back in Valencia, Christmas decorations were everywhere – Christmas trees in the major plazas and lots of lights strung about. Our weather has been a near perfect mid-60’s to low 70’s, although it’s getting cool at night dipping into the 40’s occasionally.

This week we are celebrating two major holidays. Wednesday, December 6 is Spanish Constitution Day. This national holiday marks the day when the country’s constitution was approved by the Spanish people – a crucial step in Spain’s transition to democracy following the death of Franco in 1975.

Friday, December 8, while not a national holiday, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the immaculate conception of Mary. Most people take off the Thursday in between and enjoy a 5-day weekend! It’s a festive time in Valencia!

We’re participating in the IWC Valencia annual “Adopt a Child” program which involves buying Christmas gifts for needy families. We’ve had a great time shopping for gifts for a family with six children (ages 8-15). Interestingly, the Spanish tradition is to exchange gifts on January 6 honoring the arrival of the Magi.

LIFE’S LITTLE DETAILS

Our days are so full that we decided to use a project management app to keep track of all the things we need/want to do. (This might also have something to do with our obsessive personalities.) Daily life here includes lots of walking, but we decided to join a gym to up our game on the fitness front. We’ve been eating at home more (again, trying to be healthier), getting together with expat friends, and doing lots of travel planning.

Ed keeps busy too! He’s enjoying shopping for food at our fabulous Mercat Centrale. Just a 5-minute walk from our flat, Mercat Central has an amazing array of fresh produce, incredible seafood, and many other yummy things!  Besides being one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe, it’s also but also a cultural and architectural gem in the heart of Valencia’s old city.

Ed is also busy working on getting a Spanish driver’s license. Since we have been residents of Spain for more than 6 months, we are no longer able to drive in Spain using our International Driving permits. It’s quite a lengthy and onerous process, but he’s making progress. I’m content to be the passenger!

COMING UP

Next up is a 4-day get-away to Barcelona. It’s a 3-hour train ride and we’ll be there from December 20-24. We’ve booked a culinary walking tour in a not-so-touristy neighborhood https://culinarybackstreets.com/tours-food-tours/tours-barcelona/2016/day-sants-feasting-off-grid/ and tickets for a fútbol game the night we arrive. Ed’s very excited about that one.

Happy Holidays!