Here is the Spanish equivalent.  La pizza margarita - which very often comes with an egg on top!

And can you see the love I have for my mother and my Aunt Betsy?  My cousin Joseph or his wife Melissa probably took this picture.  I enjoyed their visit immensely and these pictures always bring a smile to my face.

And the neighborhood commission - or Casa Faller marching by.  If you are  visiting Valencia for Las Fallas, please try and experience Las Fallas in the lesser known neighborhoods.  We were so impressed with our walks through Cabanal and la Malvarrosa.  In these neighborhoods, we were noticed to be tourists and invited it for a drink or a snack.  Mind you, have a good excuse if you don't think you would like to sample to fried, salted, pig tongue you may be offered :)

B:  Mama, what color is God? 

M:  What Ben?

B:  Is God red or blue?

M:  Gosh Ben, I really don't know.

B:  Is God always in the sky or can he be in the car?

M:  Well yes Ben, God can be around us and very close to us.

B:  Well then what color?

M:  I guess he can be clear.

B:  Like the color of the windshield - that color?

M:  Yes Ben.

Thank you God, for giving me this wondrous child.

There is a nice open western view from the balcony which adds a lot of light.

There is a double bedroom with a queen bed and a double bedroom with two twins (or a twin with a trundle)

Valencia anyone???

Sigh.  Sometimes I miss the excitement of a new adventure every day - the sort that one feels when living in a foreign country with one's family for a time.

Of course, when parenting a little one, there is also new excitement, no matter where you live.  We are back home and much of our excitement, ahem stress, these days comes from debating professional choices, bank account balances and the other thrilling matters.  Ben's hair is a little less white these days and he talks much more (English AND Spanish thankfully :)) 

Tonight he proudly lit all of his candles on his own menorah, ate up more than his fair share of latkes and happily announced that he was not sad at all that Hanukkah was over.  After all, there were no more candles to light after tonight.  It appears that the only sentimental woos in this family is his mama.  Let's hope my nostalgia doesn't stifle him!

I made the most of it this year and bought great costumes for the two great men in my life.

Dear Baby.  We still miss you even though you were never born.  We tried so hard not to fall in love with you so soon, but when we saw these pictures, there was no stopping us.   You looked so precious.  We can only dream about what life with you would have been like.

Today, Mitch moved his office to the small bedroom upstairs.  He told me he likes it, although what he really wanted was for a baby to be there. 

Benjamin talked about the baby for more than a week.  "The nene (baby) died - right mommy?"  "Right," I would sadly agree.  "The baby was okay but mommy's tummy just didn't work right.  That's why we adopted you Ben."  By the time I would get to that point he had already moved on.  That's the beauty of being four.  

It's been a bit harder for me to move on.   25 days have passed and I'm finally making progress.   The baby measured 13 weeks when I miscarried.  The cause was most likely the massive subchorionic hematoma in my uterus, but honestly, no one so far can tell me anything for certain. 

So, perhaps this explains why there wasn't much blogging on lifeinvalencia.com or on what could have been lifeaftervalencia.com.  There is a quick trip to Valencia looming.  And after that.  Well, time shall tell.  We certainly hope and pray that another baby, however that baby may find us, will be included. 

 Carmen - 1994-2007

Carmen, it's been a week now since we've said goodbye, but the emotions are fresh now as I remember how precious you were.  I sincerely hope that you no longer hurt, and that you are eating lots of chicken, fish, steak, bones and leftover pizza on the doggie heaven floor. 

Carmen was just 8 weeks ago when she came to me.  Her first name was Dolly and she was the runt - the 9th puppy of a first litter.  Her human breeders, who were leaving for Ireland days later,  tried to convince me to choose one of the larger, wilder, male JRTs that remained.  "It's never a good idea to pick the runt you know," they advised.  "She could have major health problems."  But I didn't.  I chose Dolly, aka Carmen, and for many, many years - five to be exact :) - she was perfect.

Her fancy jack russell terrier pedigree papers showed her mama to be a long-legged JRT and her papa to be a short-legged JRT.  They were racers and in her day, Carmen was very fast. Mitch was the only one to point out that her grandpa JRT and her great-grandpa JRT were in fact the same, Nasty-Ned.  In hind-sight - probably not the best choice, but I'm not in the dog-breeding business. 

Mitch and I began to date just days after Carmen came home with me.  I suppose I will only find out now who the true love really is.  I, for one, was madly in love with my first baby Carmen.  I brought her everywhere and she obliged.  I was getting an MBA at Darden, which had its laid back atmosphere in those days. She slept in my bag during classes, or entertained herself in the library as I worked.  She caught her first squirrel between the library and the old law school.   Much to my mother's absolute horror (I'm also surprised at myself now looking back) I had Carmen walk on the stage to receive my MBA diploma with me.  Given Carmen's history that year at Darden, I don't really know how shocking it was to administration. 

It took a year for Carmen to bark and become territorial, but it happened when I moved to Baltimore.  Given that Carmen was such a small dog, it always seemed amusing to me.  She made fast friends with a dog named Ashes, who according to her owner Mini, had no other friends because she was so mean.  This became a constant in Carmen's life.  Owners would say to me in shock, "gosh, your dog is the only one my dog doesn't bite.  How odd."   And in keeping with the business school trend, Carmen would accompany me on late nights or weekends to the office. 

It's been actually quite healing for me to reminisce about Carmen's early years.  She really filled my life with such joy.  She needed to be walked about 3 miles a day in her younger years so I was much skinnier then too!

Carmen lost sight in one eye due to glaucoma at age five and suffered from high pressure in both eyes after that.  It was painful, but she adjusted, and the $80 a month Xalatan medication was a bit painful for us.  She was almost ten when she lost total sight in her other eye, and the doggie ophthalmologist recommended that we remove her lenses.  Shocking as the concept was, she did seem to be much relieved of pain after that, and gained some of her confidence back.  She would still occasionally chase squirrels and cats although she really never stood a chance. 

Moving to Spain with Carmen was an ordeal.  It was expensive and there was one particular vet at Friendship animal hospital didn't want to certify her papers because he couldn't assure us that she was in good health - I mean she was TWELVE!  We needed to escalate those papers to a head vet at the USDA - no joke. 

Carmen was a joy on the flight -as she has always been since she traveled with us in the cabin from a very young age.  Only when the flight attendants stated beef or chicken, did the aggressive JRT awake from the bag beneath the seat.  FEED ME NOW she barked. 

We noticed Carmen's total deafness on arrival in Spain.  There were fireworks almost every night back then and she didn't stir.  Even during Las Fallas, which really sounds like incoming artillery confirmed by Mitch, she was silent and calm.  It was only during meal times when she became increasingly aggressive.  Had she been a bigger dog, we really think she would have learned to tie us up and steal all of the food. 

Despite her obsession with food, and our weakness for giving it to her, Carmen died a mere seven pounds.  She had lost almost half of her body weight in a year due to massive liver failure.  She became increasingly incontinent and when she began to show pain, we knew we had to make the difficult decision. 

In Spain, we were blessed with a very kind and competent vet (Richard) on la Avenida del Puerto.  I know that Richard, the owner and the vet, wanted to keep Carmen alive as much as we did.  He didn't think she would survive the flight home, but was all for us trying.  However, he assured us that most dogs with livers like that would not still be alive.

I'm sure that all of us dog owners want our dogs to go peacefully in their sleep when it is their time.  That was not our luxury.  I hope Mitch won't be embarrassed that I share that we both bawled our eyes out as she went.   We fed her tons of biscuits which she still ate and I tore myself up inside by the fact that we were putting her to sleep when she still had one source of pleasure left in her life. 

Good bye my dear Carmen.  There is a big part of you within us all, and there are so many that loved you.  Your name was Benjamin's first word (CA) and despite his ability to say dog, doggie, perro and perrito, he still prefers to call dogs CAs

Carmen, we will miss you always.

My historical imagination however also ventured to guess that one of the guys has a thing for the girl.  But he won't work up the nerve to say anything about it until a lot of time....or alcohol....or both happens.  He convinved his friend to come along for this visit.  Will the girl wait for him to decide, or will she let some foreign guy who has a lot more dating confidence sweep her off her feet?  We can't really say now can we?  Perhaps one of my writer friends can expand on that.

Joaquin Sorolla is an early 20th century Valencia painter who captured scenes on Malvarrosa and Las Arenas beach.  I just noticed these two and how much the little boys look like Benjamin.  And since we met friends at thh beach today and Ben and his friend Willie decided to body surf sans bathing suits, I am really amazed at how realistic Sorolla's paintings are.  Perhaps we should find a few prints for our apartment. 

More "after pictures" of the apartment once we settle, paint and furnish it.  Interested renters please contact us!

Oh yes - and for those folks who have wondered if we will rent out the apartment.  We're so happy we occasionally appear to be independently wealthy.  Umm.  Not in the least.  We just hope that in 30 years when we finally get to retire, that we'll be able to live a nice life syle.  The sabbatical is coming to an end and it's back to the working world for us....

Here are some pictures from our trip to the Cantabrian Coast with our friends Scott, Maxine and family.  I will note that Maxine was very selective about collecting beach glass.  While I tend to pick it all up and sort through it later, she kept only the whites, blues and teals.  None of that common green or brown glass for her!  And just look at these terrible spots we had to visit to find our treasured sea glass!

And here are a few shots which include Pirate Ben helping me search.  (Ben's class put on the show Peter Pan for the end of the year - and somehow - Ben's version of Peter Pan is actually Peter Man, a pirate and Peter Pan all in one!)

I'm sure it all started when we had guests.  One afternoon in March, mid-Fallas, Aunt Betsy, my Mom, Joseph and Melissa and I took a walk in Malvarrosa.  I don't actually recall picking up beach glass that afternoon - simply pottery shards - but my downward gaze must have begun then. 

By the time we walked Peter and Josh on the beach during a rainy afternoon in April, I was beginning to search in earnest.  And when Juliet and Max headed down to Almeria with us, I became obsessed.  I joke that all of her pictures of me will be with my head pointed downwards.  Mitch's sister and boyfriend (his sister's boyfriend that is :)) enjoyed the beach combing with me as did my friend Jean.  Let's see what this weekend's guests think!

Here are my treasures.  Some of the really large dark green pieces that look like stones are from a private beach near a house we rented.  They are almost too big for jewelry if you can imagine that! 

There is something so reassuring for me to find such beautiful creations in nature.  Many of the pieces I find are just as beautiful and precious to me as the semi-precious stones I use to make jewelry.  Of course, only the nicely shaped pieces, one in fifty perhaps, can be used for jewelry.  Even then, I need to wrap the pieces, when often, I would rather string it.  (I sense a dremel hand drill with a stand in my future. :))  I also can't wait to enlist my mother's help with the saudering and foiling techniques that she learned in stained glass.  

A year abroad.  6 bags allowed back on the plane.  One small, blind dog.  Ahem.  The sewing machine I lugged over here.  (No regrets - lots of use - even learned to quilt!) Oh yes.  And the beach glass.  It's not too much yet, but I still have a bit of time to find some more.  

And here are a few of my first pendant creations. 

BOY do I have material to write about :)  Trips I mean, not Mitch's joke to our guests that I am secretly writing a book about visitor behavior. 

With Juliet, we visited the coast of Almeria and have lots of beautiful pictures to share.

Amy and Marty took us to Madrid where Marty delighted Madrilenos with his blues.  (Check out www.martychristian.com)

Jean and Jim took us to the America's cup yesterday where we boarded the spectator boats to watch the races.  Spain lost to New Zealand :( but we had a great time out on the boat.  Rough seas - not for the non-sea saavy - but lots of fun.  It was also our anniversary so we enjoyed doing something memorable to mark the event.

More updates soon on our past trips.  Off to sightsee with Jean and Jim.

When friends Juliet and Max were here, we spent a few hours at Port America's Cup with the children.  Mitch and I were AMAZED at how quickly the entire port came together as a destination. 

We truly did not recognize the place compared with four months prior.   Fences, security and distinct entrances where before there was none.   A lot of swanky bars and restaurants, Miami south beach style, where the beautiful people can go out to have a 10 euro drink.  (We almost splurged because it was clear that Max and Ben liked to dance to that techno music, but because they were using the matress lounges as crash pads instead of the seats intended for the "in" crowd - we decided to pass)

There are free boat shuttles linking the different ports which is great free entertainment for those with small children. 

There are also remote controlled sailboats for the children, a fantastic playground and jumping park and even a balloon ride.   We can't wait to go again.  Our friends Jean and Jim will be here soon - our only visitors from the world of sailing to take advantage of our ideally located apartment in Valencia :)  Perhaps we'll learn a thing or two!

Benjamin, Today you are Four!

 You have grown so much this year.

You no longer wear a diaper, or use a pacifier, or sleep in a crib.  You go to sleep almost all by yourself and you stay in bed all night – well – usually.  You know so many of your numbers and letters and you can trace and hold your pencil like "los mayores."  What a very big boy you are!  

We can't believe that it has been four years since you came into this world. 

You were born a bit past 3am.  Sometimes you still wake up at that time to come into our bed.

The doctor noticed you had a strong grip. You are still so very very strong.

Your eyes were closed and you tried not to open them, for a few weeks actually. Today, you still wake up slowly.

But there is so very much about you that we could never imagine that early morning you were born.

Who would have known that you would have such a great sense of humor? You make us laugh, and the children at school too.

You are so athletic.  We can't believe how high you can climb, how perfectly you somersault and how you can already do flips on bars at the playground.

You love to entertain and are very good at making sure that everyone has a little something to eat or drink.  You are also very good at sharing your food and your toys….well, except for vanilla ice cream and I understand that my love.

We never knew how much you would like to dance and what incredible rhythm you would possess.

Ben, you are so wonderful and there are so many people who love you.  I bet your birth-mom is thinking about you today - we know that she loves you very much.  How can we measure how happy we are that we were able to adopt you and be your mommy and daddy?  We can't.  It's simply immeasurable.  Grandpa, both of your Grandmas, your greant Grandmother and all of your cousins, aunts, uncles and friends love you MUCHO MUCHO MUCHO.  

Happy, happy, happy Birthday our love.  You have made all of our dreams come true.   Now it's our turn to help you make yours come true.

Peter and Josh were here for just a weekend and unfortunately it rained almost the entire time.  Nevertheless we enjoyed the company and the sights like the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias) and all of the sand art on the beaches of Malvarosa and Las Arenas. 

This is not a typical Ben expression, none the less, it made me laugh.

Although Ben and I have enjoyed the beach for at least an hour or so every day for the past four days - today was the first time we enjoyed it without rain.  It was packed.  We also ran into one of his classmates there.  Also 'expats' (albeit from Hungary), they told me that come May and June, the beach and promenade are packed in the evenings as Valencians come out with their families for picnic dinners.  What a nice thought.  I can't wait to see it.

We were lucky to stumble upon the preparations for the festival on the Saturday night before Palm Sunday - the official start of the Holy Week Processions.  It was 9pm and the restaurant where we were planning to dine with our cousins was just opening.  (Remember - this is the country where Sesame Street is on from 9-10 PM each evening!)  So Mitch hung out at the restaurant with the paper and a little red wine while cousins Joe and Melissa, rascal Ben and I wandered around the neighborhood.   We saw the lights on in the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles and wandered in.  Within the church were 9 elaborate floats, all depicting various stations of the cross.   The priest explained that there were nine cofradias (fraternities) that belonged to the parish.  Each had its own float, a bit like the fallas commissions, but along the religious lines. 

Religious festivities in Spain have much more a sense of tradition and culture than religion.  At least in the overt sense.  My memories of Holy Week in Seville many years back include being surprised at how much the locals were drinking.  Most religious festivities in Spain involve alcohol but Valencia's Cabanyal processions seemed to be more focused on tradition and not so much on alcohol.  Every city within Spain seems to have a singular culture that is different from the rest.  Within Cabanyal, that extends to the neighborhood level.  Although there are so very unique holy week traditions within other parts of Valencia (for example, releasing a prisoner from jail to one of the holy week commissions) Cabanyal is considered the most colorful because each 'brotherhood' dresses up to depict the different people from the era of Jesus.

The first procession we saw in the evening was a bit disconcerting.  Penitents with large walking sticks that seem like swords wearing cone shaped hoods with tiny slats for the eyes.  Many Americans can only compare those with what the KuKluxKlan wears.  Not a pleasant image.  My mind wanders to hundreds of years ago.  What was in like in the XIV and XV century in Spain?  1492 marks the date when the Jews and the Muslims were expelled from Spain.  What were the hundred years preceding like for those Jews and Muslims?  What were these processions like?  Were they hiding their faces because they were penitents or because it made it easier to pray? Or were they the perpetrators of evil acts?

Putting the unpleasant thoughts about the hoods behind me, I focused on the enthusiasm of the participants and those watching.  The interesting thing about Valencia is that there always seems to be just as many participants as there are spectators. 

Children participate in the traditions in Valencia from a very young age.  They are easily distracted and amusing to watch!

Sunday evening the Semana Santa Marinera started in the nearby neighborhood of Cabanyal.  These are the holy week celebrations and processions that are common in Spain and world famous in Sevilla.  What is unusual is that Valencia's Cabanyal processions are unique and barely mentioned.  We went Sunday night and I will go a bit this weekend since I can hear them from the window. 

Monday evening was Passover.  We were so lucky to find a wonderful group of people celebrating Passover here in Valencia.  We attended a seder with almost 40 people, 6 of which were children which was great for Ben.  Ben had a fantastic time and found the afikommen and got a prize.  He was (and is) so proud.  He also behaved like a champ.  One of our lucky nights since we never know what he will be like on a late night.  It helped that it was a relatively fast seder and we were actually home by midnight.  And although it can be wonderful to host a seder at home, it's quite a pleasure to attend one!The haroset was interesting as well.  The nuts and apples were ground completely and the haroset was served in balls with a lot of Cinnamon.

Joe and Melissa left early Tuesday morning.  It was wonderful to have them.  I'll be honest.  Now that we have family visiting, we're not so homesick anymore.  We started to get kind of sad about going home in late Summer. 

Ben had his first swimming lesson yesterday.  What a champ!  We couldn't go in with him but could watch through a window.   He got right into the pool, wore his bathing cap, and actually cooperated with the teacher.  He gave us the thumbs up several times.

Ben's sleep schedule has been a bit on and off since Las Fallas.  I have never been a big stickler for schedules but their benefits are clear to me now - especially with Ben.  We are now on Spring break and this morning was a rough one for Ben.  Up at 7:00 (too early for the country where Sesame Street is on from 9-10PM!)  Ben and I were going to walk down to the beach and take pictures of the processions but we had to put our screaming delight down for a nap at 10:30 am.  Perhaps a bit later while Mitch wraps up his work week. 

The weather has turned a bit chilly which is unexpected after this warm winter. And the America's Cup has officially begun.  And speaking of sailing, check out this crazy article.  You will see that there are more of us DC crazies who head over to Iberia for a break!

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/09/0919_020919_corkboat.html

The other night we ate at Restaurante Bocheria, our new favorite restaurant in Valencia.  What made it so great? Most importantly of course, the food.  OUT OF THIS WORLD.  In addition, a rustic and cozy décor and a relaxed atmosphere.  I can't stand all of the "nouveau" restaurants that promote their bold colors, clean lines and other stylistic notions that don't add to my food one bit.

We were so luck to find La Bocheria.  Our neighbor was babysitting Benjamin and she sprung into action when I told her we were looking for a restaurant in or near El Barrio del Carmen.   She suggested a restaurant owned by a friend nicknamed "Bobal" – short for Cristobol. 

We order 5 appetizers (yes there were only four of us), four main dishes and four desserts.  2 bottles of wine – and of course the customary Spanish "chupitos" which did not taste like fire water.  All for a total of 149 euros.  One of our appetizers was a mixed "crudite" presented as a tower, exquisitely crafted vegetables mixed with smoked trout and salmon.  My cousin Joe ordered Cod for his main meal which was topped with a shrimp and cheese sauce.  He is still talking about it.  The rest of us enjoyed beef filet or entrecote.  Generous portions that were perfectly seasoned.  I typically enjoy my beef medium rare.  Both Mitch and Melissa were delighted with their steaks but I embarrassed Mitch by sending mine back for a bit less purple inside.  They quickly complied and there was still plenty of red when it returned (which was fine.)

Amazing ingredients, creative presentation, absolutely delicious food.  Every time another dish was brought to the table, we were more impressed.  After the first appetizer, my husband reminded me of the Metropolitan restaurant in Charlottesville – the original Metropolitan when the food was outstanding and the service unpretentious.  It's always so disappointing to us when a restaurant has it all – delicious food, great service, great prices and then someone decides they have to change it all.  The redesign always seems to include bold colors, sharp and cold furniture, dimmed lights and extremely pretentious service.  Of course, higher prices and less tasty food seems to follow.  I can't seem to say if the food really tastes worse or if by the time it arrives you are ever so slightly annoyed so it never ends up tasting as good as it should. 

When the meal was over, a complimentary "chupito" was served.  A delicious apple liquor.  We spoke with Bobal and mentioned that we were surprised that the restaurant was full at the back but not in the front.  So many restaurants fill up the window seats first so that those passing by will see the place full and stop in.  Bobal insists he doesn't get caught up in all of that.  Instead, all of the patrons were sitting in the back of the restaurant along side the open kitchen.  There, we could see them preparing the dishes, and they I assume, could gauge our reactions as we enjoyed the food. 

La Bocheria.  Calle Guillem de Castro 114, esquina Corona.  Phenomenal food.  You will not be disappointed.  I promise.   

My sister-in-law laughed when she passed by the town Peniscola.  I didn't get it at first - but then I figured it out.  Penis cola. 

Today I passed a store with pajamas in the window and I saw the brand name that made my Mitch and I laugh a few weeks back.  Assman.  A brand of underwear and pajamas.  Get it?? Ass man. 

Yes, you see how cheap a good laugh is when you live in another country?

Most Americans would like to learn about the food they're eating from the label - not from anything else.  As difficult as it may seem though, I have always considered it "noble" to have a strong sense of our food's origins, even if that means witnessing its unsavory journey toward our table.  

Benjamin is into a "me work too Mommy?" stage so he was helping me prepare the chicken.  Goodness gracious me, there is a very long neck, head and beak hidden in this chicken package I said.  Twisting didn't do the trick - that had been done before perhaps  -  it was certainly not the way to dislodge the neck and head.  Scissors did the trick.  Off went the neck and beyond into the tray with the insides. 

But Ben ran off.  Me work too Mommy.  Me work too.  Before I knew it - there he was with his preschool saw, pretending to saw off the head.   Yes, yes.  It is noble to know where your food comes from.  

We ended up walking what my mother thought was at least ten miles.  She may be right.  Be fore-warned for the future if you visit.  Public transportation is not readily available and easy to figure out during the festival.  Time to bed that night - 2am. 

Sunday - cousins arrive.  Out again at night.  We saw the calle Sueca with their light display of 750,000 bulbs. 

 Fantastic fireworks.  Bedtime - 5am.  Awake - 8am.  Why?  The 8am-9am EXPLOSIONS.  Forget alarm clocks.

Monday.  The final day.  So much to see, so little time.  The crowds - intense.  We saw Nou Campanar which was fantastic. 

We walked on the beach which made us all happy. 

We were invited to friends to watch a crema (burning) near the central market from a balcony.  It didn't burn until 1:30am. 

Again - transportation challenges on the way home.  After a mile or saw a bus saved us and brought us near home.  Time to bed - 3:30 - and that includes the 3 year old.

Did I say we were tired? Great pictures, videos and stories to follow.

Darn right.  That three year old's perspective on the view around him just make me smile.  Yes, it would make me proud if Ben decided to become a photo journalist....just as long as he doesn't go to some war torn area to do so.  Once is enough in this mama's life time.

Papa, Ben and the "Ca" went for a stroll yesterday afternoon and came back with these.  I fixed the color on a few of the pictures because it's not a great camera but none are cropped.   All are from the the Cabanyal neighborhood.

View of buildings in a reflection of bus windows. (He's three and doesn't ever listen to our advice so this was his idea!  Mitch was shocked to see it)

Self-portrait and picture of Papa.  Notice the flag of Valencia in the top right.

Cabanyal Street views.  Notice our dog's fur on the right side of these picture.  He must have had Carmen on his lap in the stroller when he took this. 

Now I know what they mean by enjoying the Mascleta up close.  It's impressive from a distance but I may give it a go and wait for a few hours to get a good view if I have another opportunity.

Mascleta March 15th

March 8th Mascleta

Final Portion of March 8th Mascleta

Carmen was always terrified of fireworks.  TERRIFIED.  She would shake furiously during the fireworks and tremble for days after wards.  It was so sad.  Thunderstorms were the same.  We arrived in Valencia and noticed that she wasn't scared during the fireworks.  How grateful were we.  It was so sad to see her suffer and there is no way you can sound proof your apartment against the noises of explosions. 

I smile as I write this.  Since 8am this morning we have been hearing the Desperta - the Fallas alarm clock for Valencia.  But at this very moment, it's going crazy out there, marching bands and all.  It's what Ben needed to wake up.  As Robin Williams would say....GOOD MORNING VALENCIA!

No more sleeping past 8:00 am they mentioned.  Oh, no worries I replied.  I have a three year old.  I'm always up at 8am.  Well, be sure to sleep when your child sleeps they said - otherwise you won't get any sleep at all.

Now that is advice they give to mothers with newborns.  I guess it applies to everyone with kids for Las Fallas. 

Here is my little Fallero - oh so cute in the shirt.

My vote for the children's falla

Mitch's vote for the children's falla.

Can't you see how our parenting has affected us.  Clearly, I have given in way too much with our son.  Mitch - he is still traumatized from taking away that pacifier from our son, who by the way, can't even imagine using one. 

Here is another cute children's figure in keeping with the ipodization of the world.

My favorite Ninot for the regular fallas was this one.

This laughs at the new official protected housing that is being promoted for students or others with limited resources.  They are being promoted like crazy but many think they are too small to live in as you can see.

http://www.viviendas-vpo.com/

Here are a few close ups.

Some of the other nifty photos.  This exp ends tomorrow because they finish the planta - or the construction of all of the fallas by tomorrow evening at midnight. 

Airplane ban on liquids falla

Vulgar figures too -

But the next time I looked out the window, I saw this.

A Falla - with what looked like the set up for a mascleta - those are fireworks hanging from the strings.  Goodness - will they actually burn it.  Yes, they did.  The love for pyrotechnics and las fallas is the culture of Valencia. 

First the Mascleta -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq700seKi7c

And finally, la crema -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXc_QQrQNrw

Mitch noticed this gentleman's olive oil.  Yes mentioned his wife.  We're from "the pueblo." We picked and pressed those olives ourselves.  Mitch also assumed all of the wood was pressure treated.  Captain Safety's comments can make it hard to feel romantic about that paella huh?  I do learn a lot with him though. 

Yesterday evening we had a babysitter and we decided to try another mini-mascleta.  Turns out, it was a traca kilometrica.  I didn't really understand it until one of the falleros showed me the ropes and explained it. 

A kilometer of rope suspended around the neighborhood and the falla - all with fireworks attached.  They light one end and voila - off it runs with the people trying to stay ahead of it. 

These folks are crazy!! Mitch decided to run.  I decided to document.  We had no idea what to expect. 

It was hysterical and one of the greatest fallas experiences for me to date.  It is quite exhilarated to duck as the pyrotechnics zoom over your head.  This would not have met Ben's fancy at all - although there were tons of kids.  I assume everyone gets used to the noise, the fire and the explosions.  It's quite a show here.

Here are the links to the two videos I took.  Enjoy.  I hope you can appreciate how close those embers came to my head. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXthzoZURPk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcdP1Wo9S6s

There are 300+ fallas commissions all of which have a falla.  The concentration of them in the old town is high.  It seems that every few blocks yields another Casa Faller. 

The local newspapers Las Provincias and El Levante are great for keeping up on the last minute schedules put forth by the commissions.

We began our evening walking down the streets near the metro Colon.  Soon we stumbled upon folkloric dancing near the Casa Faller El Forcat on the streets Joaquin Costa - Conde Altea.  It was wonderful.

Here are some links to some folkloric dancing videos from last night that I posted on YouTube.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppeXmF6pcyk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1dkkZMCkIQ

Later we went to a mini-mascleta near Angel Guimera metro - Erudito Orellana - Fernando el Catolico.  Here is the Fallera Mayor arriving at the festivities.

We laughed because they closed off the traffic for her arrival, but once she crossed the strfeet, they opened it up for the mascleta.  The police were there to keep the traffic moving during the explosions!

Las Fallas, and the season of - as it does seem to be a distinct season of the year here - is simply amazing.  How incredibly lucky that they will be able to experience it.  If you've met my mother and my Aunt, you know they ask a lot of questions.  But I do as well.  Perhaps it's a family trait.  I've determined that I better read up on the Fallas and all of the ins and outs so I can better answer their questions.  After all - although I will always be an outsider to the Valencians - I am an insider for them.  When I mentioned to a worker at a local newsstand that I wanted to understand the culture of Las Fallas, she said - Good luck - that takes a lifetime!

The four days of Fallas have evolved over the years.  The 17th century Fallas were simply bonfires set up in honor of St. Joseph's day - the patron saint of the carpenters.  Apparently, they would burn their scraps before spring.  In the 19th century, rudimentary fallas - ninots- figures - appeared.  Mostly they were figures of inside jokes among neighbors - all taken in good humor.   By the end of the 19th century, some political statements were made - and the government got involved.  (how surprising :))

Today, the government subsidizes a percentage of the expenses.  Currently, there are slightly more than 300 fallas and fallas commissions.  In total, the commissions, which are made up of neighborhoods, spend over 20 million euros per year.  The local government spends about 2 million to help them organize.

This year there will be a total of 380 fallas for a total cost of  7.8 million euros.  Some of the major Fallas charge for admission to get up close and see them.  Apparently the dues to join our neighborhood Falla is 280 euros a year.  I can only imagine what the really important commissions charge given the costs of their monuments. 

The crowd around us was quite varied.  Folks from age 16 to 86 I assume.  Some of the twenty-some year olds were right behind us doing some illegal things that are generally overlooked here.  Since I was videotaping the experience, I also turned around and videotaped them.  That made them nervous.  I told them I was just documenting the Valencian culture which they found to be quite amusing.  The older gentleman on the other side of them obviously disapproved of anyone thinking that their activities were part of the Valencian culture. 

As we were waiting for the Mascleta to begin, my husband, (aka Captain Safety- have you checked your smoke detector batteries lately) noticed that the ambulance was right next to the fireworks staging area.  Yet, all the people were way back.  So, if there was an explosion, how would that ambulance help.  Good point....that's why I married him.  He's smart like that :)

Before the Mascleta began, it was announced that the air portion of the mascleta would be cancelled for safety reasons due to the high winds.  There were loud boos among the crowd.  Yesterday's winds topped 60 some mile and hour winds - so I guess it was a sensible move.

Masclet means firecracker in Valencian.  Mascleta means LARGE firecracker - or many in Valencia.  Yes, there were many, many firecrackers at the Mascleta.  What started with a few explosions evolved into a rhythmic series of explosions.  I suddenly understood why some people referred to the mascleta as a symphony of explosions.   It was fun.  After the "music" portion came the explosions that were more intense, with little pauses in between.  Then came the explosions that caused even Mitch to cover his ears.  I was videotaping so my ears were naked - but they survived. 

Surprise, surprise.  I loved it.  It was awesome. Everyone cheered and clapped when it was over.  Then the crowd began to run - apparently to lift up the pyrotechnic.  Today is also the International Day of the Woman - so the pyrotechnic for the day was a woman - which is apparently quite unusual.  The pyrotechnic team entered a big cage where the fireworks were staged and walked around while the crowd cheered.

 Here are a few pictures of the Falla being constructed near the Ayuntamiento.

  We ran into someone we know on the metro home.  She told us that today's mascleta was flojo - soft - and not very good.  Hmm.  I need to see what a good one is like then.

The Falleras dresses and skirts are hanging in the dry cleaners windows.

Petardos (Fireworks - the noise making kind :) are everywhere)  

There are new Churrerias  popping up everywhere. 

 I haven't tried the bunuelos de calabaza (pumpkin bunuels) yet but the churros are yummy. 

Look at these oil machines.  This is serious business. 

The streets are lit up at night and the Fallas are being constructed already in some of the major Fallas areas.  Tomorrow I'll share some of those photos. 

Hasta pronto!

Today's paper Las Provincias said that the Mascleta at the beach was a wild success.  35,000 in attendance - boosted by 30 degree celcius temperature.  Here is a link, a picture (courtesy of the paper) and a brief snippet.

Un cuarto de hora de exhibición de colores en el que se dispararon más de 2.205 kilogramos de material pirotécnico y donde destacaron las bombas de color chocolate y vainilla.

Translation - a 15 minute exhibition of colors in which more than 2,205 kilograms of pirotecnic material was set off - and of which stood out the bombs made of chocolate and vanilla.

If you click on the following link - it should launch a three minute video of the mascleta napolitana at the beach.  If not, cut and paste into a new browser.  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-LjR0Gc3FQ

From what I hear, these oranges are not edible, or at least not tasty.  There was a day when I would need to make that determination myself, but now I'm an old fart and a Mom and far too responsible for that.  Calling for all comments from you adventurous urban forragers who have dared to taste.

 The parade took place at the unusual hour of 7:30 am – which for Spaniards, on a Sunday, is quite early.  To compare – we have been out and about looking for a place to have breakfast at 9am and have not found anything open.  After the parade, in which each fallero group walks throwing little "petardos" – firecrackers that make quite a loud pop – there was hot chocolate and bread for the participants.   Take a look at the fallera hair style in the pictures below.  The girls are in front of a temporary cage from where the "mascletas" (massive 10 minute explosions) are staged.

We arrived late, following the police, the garbage trucks and some other late stragglers like us.  Some of the young folks in front of us were picking up unexploded ordinances – or so it seemed to me – and exploding them.  Otherwise, the garbage trucks set them off as they drove by.  In addition, some of the parade participants carried little mallets that they used to set them off.   Below is a photo of a boy throwing one and then making sure that his petardo exploded.

A mascleta took place after the parade and before the breakfast.  Thank goodness we missed that.  The streets were still dark and began to fill with smoke when the explosions started.  We were curious to see the source, but lucky for us, and for Benjamin, we were always blocks away.  No matter.  The streets filled with smoke, the buildings shook and our feet vibrated.  A strange sensation to be in a zone that seemed very much like a war zone instead of a festivity zone.  But that seems to be what every one here craves.  I can't count the number of people who have told me that they are not very much into the Fallas.  However, they all love a good mascleta – especially when they are up close.  Apparently, you need to be right there to appreciate the symphony of noise and the smell of gunpowder.

I promise to attend just once, and bring you a full report.  Hopefully, my ears will survive the experience.   

I found this at Las Anadas a few weeks ago.  I asked the salesperson how much time the wine had left - since I don't often see 1998s around.  It was just released he said - in a very nice way.  (You know how some staff at wine stores can be so snobby?  Can't stand that.  Not so at Las Anadas)

We typically open a nice bottle of wine on Friday nights - and at 4.98 euros - ($6.50) - that's almost as nice as we get these days.  Here are the family reviews - and proof that opposites attract.

Me: The first sip was very full and robust.  A mouth full of flavor.  Lots of tannins but very smooth.  Not overpowering in the least.  Cherry fruits and a nice, long finish.  I loved it.  I'll buy lots more of it to have around - especially when we have guests.

Husband:  Tell me this was cheap.  The aroma is not pleasing.  Slightly sour fruit tast.  It's just not pleasing to me.  I could drink a bottle of this with lunch if it were included with the meal. 

Side note.  With comments like that last one, I want to point out, that my husband has never been a big drinker.  However, this wine cheaper than water phenomenon gets him a bit excited sometimes. 

Choose your reviewer.  If you buy the wine, remember to let it breathe.

How about NOW?

Yea.  I'm here riding my horse on Las Arenas beach in Valencia talking to you!  I'm also looking at my Internet Provider 1&1.com's boat out here in the water.  I've been having some email problems and their server has been down for service.  Can you believe it.  Now I know why.  They're out here practing for the America's Cup.  Uh huh....

All I could think about when I saw this scene at Las Arenas Beach today was that cellular commerical - is it Verizon Wireless or Sprint?  (Pretty sad that I can't remember the provider huh?)

So free out there on his horse in the water...and on his cell phone.  Then again, if that's the way he gets his business done, guess who has the last laugh.  I wonder if 1&1 is his email provider.  They have had a few problems in the past week.  Spending all of that server money on sailing huh?

I have begun to notice fallas costumes.  Not just the elaborate dresses for women and girls but outfits for the boys - white espadrilles with ties, smocks, scarves and bandannas.  I was told that before the Fallas, Benjamin would probably dress up like this at school.  Oh good!  I can't wait.  Of course, the idea of me spending the money on the costume and him refusing to wear it - well - I don't want to think about it :(

Something else caught my eye at the market and I immediately knew who I had to get it for.  I have a friend with a new baby.  That two month old baby sent me a telepathic message at the market and told me I had to get this for his mother.  A belated valentines gift. 

Dear Mommy.  Although I am only 2 months old, I wanted to get you the perfect Valentines Day gift.  I searched and searched and finally received a tip from La Leche League that your friend could help me score this gift in the Cabanyal market.  You are so generous with me now.  Will it always be this way?  This gift is for a year or two or three from now, when you may be considering cutting me off.   La Leche League actually designs this bra.  

There were some Rioja Reservas - 1998, 2000 and 2001 for 4.95 euros - and some were from the vineyard Sonsierra.  That caught my eye because for some reason - the top search terms that lead strangers to my blog happen to be sonsierra crianza - a wine we tried and reviewed long ago. 

Last night we tried the Sonsierra vino seleccionada crianza 2001.  It was good but I honestly can't remember anything special about it.  It was a rioja - it was fairly smooth - but that's about it.   I remember thinking  - hmmm- I need to think about how to describe this.  When I love a wine- I don't need to do that.  I seem to be driven to make a note to buy it again.  But with the Sonsierra 2001 - that didn't happen.  Surpising because it's a good vineyand and 2001 was apparently a banner year. 

But lucky us - the Vegalfaro that Mitch opened today is much better in our opinion and 2 euros cheaper.  Vegalfaro cosecha 2005 for 2.95 euros.  We both loved it and will absolutely buy it again.  it.  Very well rounded.  Great tastes of cherry - I think a bit of oak.  Nice tannins.  It has Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot y Bobal grapes in it which explains why I love it.  (I prefer blends to single varietal wines)  If you can find it - try it.  I think you'll like it.  The website is www.vegalfaro.com. 

Architects of Air is part of an amazing exhibition that is presented by VEO - Valencia Escena Oberta - an international festival of visual arts.  From February 14th -February 25th (2007) in the Rio Turia between the bridges of Calatrava and los Flores (right next to the Alameda metro stop), Levity II is open daily from 11 to 17h.  The hours are limited because this incredible inflatable cathedral is created using only natural light.  The inflatable structure was designed by the architect Alan Parkinson and was inspired by both mosques and cathedrals.  Tickets are 3 euros and we waited in line for about 10 minutes to enter.  The structure is designed with a fabric that is 1 mm thick - so we were asked to keep our children by their hands to prevent them from running and jumping.  I did my very best.  I will admit however that I think children were very energized by this exhibt and their natural tendencies - exhibited not so much by my own child but by every one I saw - was to run, jump and bounce against the structure.  Hopefully, no children will damage the structure because I do think it is an amazing experience for them.  One of the guides did tell us that the exhibit is most empty during the week around 2pm so I am considering heading back to experience it in a slightly different time of day. 

If you are in Valencia - please go.  It is truly amazing.

This week, we stopped getting in bed with Benjamin to have him fall asleep.  We started it when we got to Spain and with our three year old's will, it seemed as if there was no stopping it.  We could never go out and one of us inevitably fell asleep or remained groggy for the rest of the evening.  On Sunday, I felt new resolve and I reminded Ben that when he had a crib, we didn't not get in bed with him to have him fall asleep.  The transition was way easier than I expected.  Not only did he cry for a mere two minutes, he mandated that I get in the chair last night when I tried to take a wee nap in the extra bed in his room.  Of course, we will eventually try and get out of the room all together when he goes to sleep but hey - little by little. 

We actually went out for Valentines Day -  a first - and a babysitter put him to sleep with no problem.  Amazing. 

Here's a picture of my big boy practicing his letters last Sunday with his proud Mommy and Daddy.    

We took a walk in the park on Sunday and enjoyed the variety of views.  There were soccer games in one portion of the park.  It was truly the United Nations of Futbol (Soccer)  We watched one game and it was Ecuador against Peru.  Another one was Senegal I think with another African country.  Of course, the players were all Valencian immigrants from those countries as opposed to players visiting from abroad.  There was also a Spanish team playing from Murcia against another European league.   I loved the backdrop of the old city wall as they played!

I've learned a lot about my neighbors by hanging out my laundry.  A family across the way sends their child to the same school as Ben, as evidenced by the uniform hanging out to dry.  They also follow the school's rules to a T as the child's lights are out at 8:30 sharp.  My downstairs neighbor has a turtle who gets to sun itself occasionally in a container set on the ledge.  Another man across the way is the one who does the laundry.  Late at night, I see a secret smoker who leans outside her galeria window enjoying a midnight cigarette.   

I remember this concept a bit from living in New York City, but the Valencian windows are always open.  Long ago, while studying in Madrid, my fellow apartment mates and I learned how to say our Spanish Js by listening to a neighbor shout daily to her son over the sound of frying oil...."Javi......A comer!"  (Javi - to the table - let's eat)

What was that sound??? - - - What is that on the floor? - - Is the roof caving in???

Poor Ben thought there was an animal moving in.  We were mystified as we couldn't find the hole. 

Finally, mystery solved.

Our new heater was so efficient that it jostled that tiny amount of plaster covering the pipes.

Back went the picture.  We just learned that he happened to the owner 8 years ago and happened to our downstairs neigbhor.

Glad we're just renting :)

This lady picks it up with a tissue and then hurls it into the treebox.  Of course, sometimes the wind blows...

Valencia Fireworks by Ben - crayola on scrappaper

We are encouraging Ben to draw based on his teacher's recommendations. Although Ben has never shown an interest in art, we apparently need to get him ready for kindergarden. Just a few days ago, on his own initiative, he drew a sky, a sun, some water with waves and a fish. This recent work (smile) doesn't show the same technique, but it does show his creativity and Valencia's influence.   Perhaps this will be known as his Valencian period. 

Back home, I never see storekeepers washing their sidewalks with ammonia every morning.  In the supermarkets, the shelves are emptied, wiped down and restacked every single morning.  Shop windows are cleaned every single day.  Basically, everyone has a mop located within 20 feet of them and they are ready to whip it out at any moment. 

When it comes to children and their accessories, they simply sparkle.  I am embarrassed by the sight of our worn looking McLaren stroller.  (But with Ben nearing four, I refuse to buy another one!)  Every other stroller out there is covered with an elaborate, quilted cotton stroller cover that can be removed and washed.  The children's clothes are ironed, their shoes are shined and their hair is slicked back. 

Ben's longish hair sticking up all over the place, his newly ripped jeans and his overall, slightly disheveled look this morning prompted his teacher to say that Ben looked like a hippy.  Oh well, he was clean and his school zipper sweatshirt was recently ironed so I was able to brush that one off!

Another common sight here in the city are the 'sanidad' crews zooming around on cleaning scooters and machines.  On another occasion, I will share with the some pictures.  Why pictures?  It seems like  the Valencian cleaning crews are either middle aged men or "hot" (Mitch's word) young women who look like they model in their spare time.  This is no joke.  Mitch informs me every day whether the blondie crew or the brunette crew are out there. I must admit, with their long, flowing hair, it does look like they are biding time until accepted into America's top model or some similar reality program.  I promise to take some pictures and share them with you.   

For my first experience, I ordered printer cartridges from Pixmania.  Let's see, they cost 10 euros each and took about 10 days to arrive.  After purchasing from Pixmania, I must have received an email every day.  Luckily, I eventually opted out, and it worked to my surprise, so the emails have ceased.  I have found however that I can buy the same printer cartridges down the street from our apartment so there is really no price or time advantage to buy those online.   

Next, I needed a digital camera.  Mitch's Canon Powershot Elph, which I inherited,  was fantastic but one day it simply stopped working.  Since this was our third, yes third, replacement of this camera, we decided that we needed to opt for a new model.  I found the Kodak dual lens 570 and decided it was just what I needed.  I wanted to buy it in Spain.  For one thing, I couldn't find a single U.S. retailer that would ship the camera here.  Plus, I wanted it fast.  I love to have a camera in my pocket and my old Canon A20 - tried and true from 2002 - felt like one of those old cell phones in my pocket.

Pixmania had the camera for 232 euros.  El Corte Ingles for 399 euros.  (yes, that's a difference of 167 euros or $233)  Clearly, you need to shop around.  In the end, I purchased it from one of my favorite online retailers - Buydig.com had it for $210 including shipping.  (Yes - 142 euros) It shipped to my brother's house in just a few days, in time for them to bring it along for their visit.  If they weren't coming to Spain, I would have needed to ship it to a U.S. address - and that friend or family member would have needed to ship it to me.  I'm not sure of the legality of that transaction in terms of duties and taxes however.  (Note - Buydig currently has the same camera for $196) 

I have purchased from Buydig on three occasions and have been delighted with every purchase.  I should also mention that it's a delight to have a dual lens camera like the Kodak V570.  I can't remember how many times I felt frustrated because I couldn't fit my intended picture into the frame of my camera.  The wide angle lens on the V570 allows me to take all of those pictures.  Fun!

Last week, when I was looking to buy vitamins and fish oil for my son (that's another story) I went to evitamins.  Although the shipping was $18, which seemed painful to me, given the euro/dollar exchange rate along with the price of things like children's' vitamins here, I figured I would come out ahead.  The vitamins arrived in less than a week.  Another successful transatlantic ecommerce transaction. 

As we checked into the Hotel Campanile in Alicante, Benjamin, being the clever three year old he is, immediately found the Rio Safari Elche brochure in the lobby.  As we had a late bite to eat in the hotel restaurant, it became apparent to us that the safari was first on the next day's agenda. 

We kept our expectations low as we had never heard of this place and it looked pretty small.  Plus, the weather was dreary and cold.  As we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed a man walking out with a dog.  "Are dogs allowed here," we asked the parking lot attendant?  Sure, they just can't attend the shows.  O…kay….  Mitch had to convince me not to leave Carmen in the hotel, and now he was spending all of his energy convincing me that we had to bring her into the safari.  "Just think of all the smells," he implored.  "Come on.  She doesn't have that much enjoyment left in her life."  Oh brother, here we go again, schlepping our blind, nearly deaf dog in the stroller. 

The safari was pricey.  18Euros for adults and 15 Euros for children.  Mitch was ecstatic and I think would have paid twice the amount for the right to bring in his dog.  The most shocking part of this was at the gate house.  "Just bring the dog back to the office when you want to watch a show.  We'll take care of her.  We love animals!"  WOW! (And we did, and we were amazed that we were able to)

Do any of you know my husband?  Do you get his sense of humor?  Take a look at these pictures.  He was in heaven.  We're not sure if the dog was on her way there or if the camels and giraffe were simply grooming her.  It was pretty funny.

Some additional highlights of the safari were the guacamayo show and the elephant show.  Have you ever seen a parrot riding a skateboard or a bicycle?  How about a dancing elephant?  We had fun at the shows.  

 About the emus. They're not too nice.  They were quick to nibble my jacket as I took this photo. 

Actually, they are quite nasty. 

Did you know that BIG BIRD is based on an Emu?  It's a huge artistic stretch however, because I just can't imagine ever telling a child that Big Bird is an Emu.  Either they will lose a limb to an emu or they will be turned off to Sesame Street education for ever!

Raising Emus is becoming so popular in the U.S. for their meat that apparently some towns are beginning to have problems with packs of wild emus roaming free.  

A grandmother and her grandson in Eugene, Oregon were almost attacked by one of these.   

But I digress.  Thankfully, Rio Safari Elche has them under control.  And thankfully, funny Mitch did not ask the Emus to groom his beloved Jack Russell Terrier. 

We live in a pedestrian only plaza, but we don't want our son playing soccer here because of the mine field that it is.  We live very near a long stretch of gardens that line Blasco Ibanez.  There are benches, fountains, gardens and piles and piles and piles of feces everywhere you step.  Luckily, there are children's parks with signs for no dogs - so that helps in the playgrounds at least - but not all of them.  But wow, what a waste of a green space that we could use daily.

Last week I lost it, and spent a morning printing out signs and stickers with catchy clean up your mess phrases.  I posted a few of them around the plaza but the rain washed most of them away, as it spread the messes around.   The thing that gets me is that some owners think they are being responsible by picking up the messes and throwing them in the tree boxes.  Excuse me?

Every day, I try to put things in perspective, but I keep coming back to this #1 annoyance.  How much will signs help?  How much will offering a bag to a dog owner do?  Would the mayoress Barbera grant me 30 minutes?  Could I inspire her to start a city wide campaign - or a huge program to fine the culprits?  Who cleaned up New York?  Would Mayor Koch volunteer his time to clean up Valencia?  If we purchased real estate now, would it appreciate if Valencia were caca-free? 

Do you have comments or suggestions?  Do you think I'm insane?  Are you a relative reading this who hasn't booked your tickets yet because you are offended?  Let me know!

But it is about Baby Einstein, which is related to my little Ben however because he was introduced to the videos at a very young age - four months perhaps.  I know, young.  But there has to be at least one of you out there that put your little baby in one of those vibrating bouncy seats in front of a dvd just so you could take a shower, right?  Well, I was one of them.  Plus, honestly, it's pretty intriguing to see your baby react to all of the lights, music and movement of the baby einstein videos.  That's a good thing isn't it?

And it is about Papa, since Papa was in Iraq, and Bush decided to go into Iraq, and the author of this article links the "marketing" of the war in Iraq by Bush to the "marketing" of Baby Einstein.  A stretch, but an interesting article.

And for the record, I wouldn't mind creating a little company in my basement that I could later sell to Disney.  I know a lot of mothers.  Some of them purchased baby einstein and others didn't.  But I don't know a single mother who thought their babies would fall behind without baby einstein.  That's a stretch.  

And also for the record - post baby einstein.  Ben may have a few issues - but he excels at critical thinking!

There were several parades in honor of the city's patron.  We caught one at midday near the Plaza de la Reina.  We especially liked the dancing!

My sister-in-law wanted me to take this picture, so she could share it with her sisters (or brother ;))

I know, passing the buck on the daring underwear but it's the truth!

El Jardin Botanico is on the Calle Quart, not too far from the Torres del Quart, currently closed for renovation.  We went on a Sunday morning and the gardens were full of well dressed families strolling as well as many folks simply reading the Sunday paper.  On many of those readers' laps were cats, that seem to live in the gardens.  The cats were very friendly, at least when not being chased by a little boy. 

The cats seem healthy, friendly and well fed.  I read that some nuns from a nearby convent keep them well fed. 

And to give credit where it is due, that tidbit about the nuns feeding the cats came up on a google search.   For what - surprisingly - a short term apartment rental on Calle del Turia overlooking the botanical gardens. 

Here goes.  And if you rent it - tell the agent to throw some commissions this way :)

When I lived in Spain in the late 80's and early 90's, receiving piropos was part of my daily existence.  While on occasion, it bothered me, on just as many occasions, it raised my self esteem.  Of course, it is all in the delivery, and it depends on what is said and how it is said.  Some women find piropos to be offensive but I often found them to be a bit amusing. 

Many of the common piropos mention food.  

Eres mas bueno que el pan - Translation - You're better than bread -  - (Remember - Spaniards take their bread seriously)

Tanta carne y yo a dieta!  Translation - So much meat and I'm on a diet!

Eres de verdad o estoy sonando?  Excuse me - are you real or am I dreaming?

I remember walking in Sevilla with my mother and the two of us receiving a piropo at the same time.   Something like - Si asi esta la madre - como estara la hija - Translation - If the mother is that fine - I can't imagine how the daughter will be.   

Along the same note -  Se nota que tu mamá es pastelera, porque bombones como tú no los hace cualquiera.  Translation - You can tell that your mother is a pastry chef, because not everyone can make a 'bonbon' like you.

It's 2007, and the truth is, I'm just a bit older, and probably look like just another "senora" walking down the street.  Or maybe it's the three year old attached to me as I walk down the street.  Or perhaps my husband looks like a body guard and they're afraid he will beat them up.  

So tell me.  Have piropos disappeared in Spain?  Is it simply not a Valencian custom?  Or....have I lost my touch?  Ok, ok.  I get it.  I may just have to shape up, dress up, or go back 20 years in my time machine to get those same piropos I used to.  

The ever-changing series of "freebies" that are attached to periodicals in Spain is not seen in the U.S.   I have noticed this trend in the U.K. as well but I'm not sure how common it is throughout the rest of Europe. 

I explained this peculiarity to a vendor the other day (in an effort to explain why I was taking a picture of her newstand.)  It didn't make sense to her that a particular periodical, Elle for example, would only use this approach in Spain as opposed to worldwide.  I have spoken with other shop owners who complain that the practice complicates their lives because it is so hard to predict what these magazines will come out with next - and where to put all of the unpredictablly sized items. 

Several months ago, Las Provincias, a local Valencian newpaper was giving away a different type of glass everyday for a few weeks.  I was thrilled to stock up on glasses for our sparsely equipped furnished kitchen.  Unfortunately, only one glass remains of that free collection.  It's clear, these are not always high quality give aways.

El Pais, the national newspaper, had a weekly coupon in their Sunday paper, for a 1 euro animal book if purchased alongside of the paper.  We have a nice collection of them as shown in the picture above and I know Ben will appreciate them when he gets a bit older.  We were a bit disappointed to discover last Sunday that the promotion had ended, but we wound up with a Duke Ellington CD instead. 

The lastest Las Provincias Sunday paper promotion is a free book about a different world museum each week.  Mitch, the self-named "anti-crap" guy is inspired to buy the Sunday paper so we will have large, encyclopedia style books in Spanish about world museums around the house.  Although I think it goes against his anti-accumulation stance, I will say in his defense that the books are nicely done.  I was also impressed to see Ben and his Dad discussing art last Sunday evening.  When Mitch asked Ben what he saw in a painting, Ben told a story about the one hump camels he used to see when he (the three year old) was in Iraq.  :)

The science museum in Valencia however really lit my fire.  We arrived just after opening this morning at 10:00 am and as usual, we were delighted with the extremely light Sunday morning crowds at Spanish museums.  It has to be the best time to visit a museum in this country.

We started on the top floor with a series of interactive exhibits about the brain, human health and strength, gravity, nature, animals, you name it.  Because so much of the museum's exhibits are interactive, it is really an ideal experience for children, no matter what their ages.  In addition, there is a special one hour supervised activity that children ages 4-7 can participate in if registered.  Ben was very sad when he learned he couldn't attend. 

Also on the top floor were a series of incubators where baby chicks were hatching.  Although I waited and waited, I did not catch one actually hatching.  I did see the little chickies stumbling around their recently hatched shells.  Simply adorable.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this exhibit.  Perhaps a glance at the pictures Mitch took of me will show.  I was mesmerized. 

We all learned how to make the best paper airplane ever.  We were shocked at how far this one actually flew. 

Finally, there is a sailing exhibit, appropriately so as Valencia is the site of the 32nd America's Cup late this Spring.  The Desafio Espanol ESP 51, one of the first Spanish Challenger sailboats used in training for the America's Cup is within the museum, incredibly so, as it is 32 meters high.  This boat was apparently purchased from the American team One World Challenge who used it to compete in the last America's Cup race in New Zealand.  The exhibit takes you along side the boat on a moving platform with an 8 minute commentary complete with images and sound provided by a large panel screen.