Valencia es muy bien!!!

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There is no meaningful preparation available to those moving to a new country. Guidebooks and websites gloss over culture and daily life and only provide extensive lists of identical hostels, beaches and museums. Struggle seems to be the only way to improve ones patience and understanding of local language, culture and perspectives and the impact of this inevitable struggle was minimized by the fact that Dennie and I had access to a fleet of friendly bilingual people willing to help and guide us in our pursuits to become residents. And so,, with asisstance from the school, we fell effortlessly into the Spanish way of life; Mornings at the Beach, 3 hour Paella lunches, 2 hour afternoon siestas, nightly wonderings and socializings and late weeknight bed times. Within 3 days of our arrival we had moved into our characterless Ikea apartment and began the process of replacing efficient Swedish coffee tables with cases of beer.

Our Apartment, Lovingly named Ikea Two, has many things in common with our fellow teachers apartment downstairs, Ikea One. The white walls only serve to compliment the red plastic chairs and stainless steal appliances, which give an air of institutional efficiency. In the streets below, the hoots and hollars of wild Thursday night revellers can be heard as they move from Tapas bar to night club, and somewhere in the countryside outside of town my 18th century Spanish villa with leaky pipes and a wood stove sits waiting to be bulldozed to make room for beachfront condominiums. Admittedly my romantic visions of what valencia would be are somewhat distorted. Valencia sits in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, with some of the most hospitable weather. And so it is logical that it might fall victim to an uncomfortable influx of wealthy british vacationers. As we ride the bus to school each day we pass the endless line of cranes slapping together poorly built beachfront apartments to serve Europes growing demand for sun and sand.

Still, life here is very very good. The Ancient quarter of town which we live is a mish mash of narrow winding streets, cathedrals, markets, fountains and plazas. It is a place that never sleeps, and is vibrant, friendly and mildy chaotic. The food is cheap fresh and delicious, and Wine and Beer are cheaper than bottled water. The school is located outside of Valencia amid a field of orange groves, and from the staff room, on a clear day, you can see the Mediterranean Sea.
Classes have yet to begin and this could be the glorious calm before the storm. The students could be awful, and the workload might be unbearable, but right now, I feel that the fact that I live in paradise will help me to overcome most obstacles.

En La Ciudad, Donde Vivo yo, y muchas cosas interesantes!
una cine, y una cathedral, y seis cientos restaurantes!

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Photos

Peniscola
View of the Mediteranean from the castle

Dancing
performances in the Plaza Del Virgen

Comments

[emily]

damn..i seriously need to find some time to read your updated stories...and on my break is not a good time! however.. i find that i sometimes have a hard time reading them because they always make me miss you :( hope you're safe and well. em :P