And now the companion piece – the emotional highs and lows of a month in Spain.
I have already written about cheering at a Trinquet match, relishing a full day at the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and learning about, and trying my hand at, street art. As a follow-up to a previous ‘low’, I am also happy to report that I have been reunited with my longtime teapot. It is now traveling with me, and bringing me simple joy every morning. And here are a few other ’highs’ from Spain:
It is time for a new installment of highs and lows. In the categories of best Bell tower with an active bell; City wall tower; City wall; Bell tower with a legend; Sea level; and Archaeological excavation, here are my thoughts for Valencia, Spain:
I really enjoy traveling by train. I can snooze whenever I want. I can gaze at an endless display of scenery. I can visit a restroom without delaying the trip. I don’t have to pack my liquids into tiny containers and put them in a plastic bag. I can stand up and walk a bit…like to the café car.
One element of train travel though can be a hassle – getting the ticket.
Years ago when I heard that there was more than one Guggenheim Museum, I immediately looked for a picture of the one in Bilbao, Spain. When I saw it, I knew I had to go there. In October 2015, Mom and I squeezed in a day visit to Bilbao on our way from Barcelona to Seville. Four years later, I have just recently commuted from Valencia to Bilbao and back, for another one day visit. I wondered if the museum’s initial spell would still hold. And it did! It was a true testament to good design having a lasting impact. Here are some experiences from that wonderful day:
Third month with Remote Year, so third country – Spain. My language skills are a mess. In Portugal we were vigilant NOT to say por favor, and now we have to break that habit! I just keep rattling off gracias, si, and ola. And I offer a lazy (though apparently acceptable) buenos…. greeting that trails off for an implied morning, afternoon, evening, night as applicable. This happens a lot given I am living right in the heart of the city, in walking distance of the cathedral, train station, markets, beach, and other discoveries in between!
