Experiences in Valencia

 

During our time in Valencia, we have been able to have some great experiences and meet some new folx, who have become friends. There have been bumpy moments and challenges for sure. But overall,  Valencia has been a welcoming and transformative experience for us all. 

Here is what has gone down since the last post. 

Amara's friend from school was traveling with his choir and we saw them perform in a 15th century church. It turned out there were two Bentley friends in the choir! The boys choir and a local girls choir were phenomenal.  To hear them in that sacred setting was quite a moving experience. 

We celebrated Havana's birthday a few days early  so we did not have to schlep gifts to Barcelona,( where we'd have a birthday weekend), with pizza,  delicious handmade ice cream and the reveal that we are going to Venice! (and we did celebrate on her actual birthday too.)

We have done (too much) shopping (but Havana has needed clothing.)

We have walked and walked and walked. Getting over ten thousand steps, many days. Walking has allowed us to marvel at the historic buildings. I am fascinated by the doors and find myself stopping and gazing in awe at them.

Don and I completed two weeks for Spanish immersion classes. The girls have one more week to go. I found the classes very challenging. I  even found myself in tears a few times but I did learn. Towards the end of week two, I woke up several days realizing I had dreams of the classroom and my teacher speaking Spanish. Somewhere in this thick skull of mine, I am gaining some knowledge. Havana is gaining a bit of knowledge as a beginner. Don found himself realizing what he needed to learn and that he knew alot more than he realized but it is buried in his brain!  He got to practice alot and made great strides while here. Amara is learning a lot. She is anxious to practice it conversationally, so that is her work; to practice, practice, practice. She felt she made strides with past and future tenses and her grammar. Havana did not want to do Spanish immersion school but I think she is glad she did it and she has done well.  Amara has plans to return next summer for even longer!

The school offers afternoon activities, which has gotten them outside and active. The girls have done beach volleyball, surfing, bowling, scavenger hunts in the old city, hang outs on the beach and even a to the mountains. Sometimes Havana has opted to skip an activity to go back to our apartment and chill, which she needs for own self-care. Amara does all the activities, which is good for her self-care.  They have been taking public transportation on their own. It is a ten minute bus ride and then a ten minute to walk tp school.  For their activities, the school has them take public transportation. They have both learned to navigate their way through Valencia, which in turn, has boosted their confidence and independence. They both have made friends from around the globe. That was something I was hoping for and was my #2 goal (after them making strides in their Spanish lessons) because I know meeting others is a major part of any traveling experience. I think it is safe to say this was a good experience for them both and one that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Below are some random photos of things I have seen around the city. It's fun to walk, take the bus and just see what is around.  This is a sweet city; rich in history, kind and friendly people, an ideal climate and  a peaceful feeling.  I am beyond grateful that we got to spend three weeks here.

The big 'you are going to Italy' reveal on Havana's birthday. She has wanted to go to Italy and enjoy the food there for several years!! 

On break at school.