Six weeks in…

We're closing in on our six-week mark in Valencia, and, goodness gracious, what a blur it's been. Learning a new way of life, in a new language, in a new country all while navigating the triumphs and pitfalls of the day-to-day can certainly feel overwhelming, particularly for a couple of introverts whose current roster of friends consists of two locals we met when we visited last year - many thanks to our friend Jen for the intro.

This isn't the first time we've moved to a place where we only had each other. When we left Indianapolis bound for Portland, OR, we didn't have jobs or a long-term place to live (just a three-week reservation at an extended-stay hotel), and we knew no one. We jumped in head-first though - rented an incredible apartment overlooking the city, landed paid and volunteer jobs, and forged new friendships with kind, caring folks we met during our trips to the local grocery store and on Craigslist (if anyone remembers those days). This go-round has been a bit trickier with the added hurdle of our rudimentary Spanish/Valencian-speaking skills, which we're working to improve every day - thanks to Pimsleur online courses.

Recently we've taken to putting ourselves "out there" more and have added to our friend roster by meeting folks in a meditation class and at a meeting of the local chapter of Democrats Abroad. Baby steps.

A few things we've learned so far: a slower pace suits us, going to the market every day for fresh produce is ideal, spending less and sticking to a budget can be challenging but totally manageable, chasing bubbles is always a delight, and kindness prevails, no matter where we are in the world. Inspired by the beauty surrounding us as we wander the narrow, cobblestone streets of Ciutat Vella (old city) and the astonishing surprises we stumble upon daily, we feel incredibly grateful to be here experiencing life at its best.