What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Tough times


Outside the school yard



School is not getting any easier for the boys. In fact, it's more difficult and now that the newness has worn off and they still realize that they have to go every day, mornings are getting tougher. Colin was in tears this morning when I dropped him off which has never happened before with my normally very outgoing and carefree kid. Painful for both of us for sure. Thankfully he was his usual happy-go-lucky self at pick-up. Happily, Clark has made some new buddies, both from international famlies so they speak English, which makes his life a bit easier.

Futbol practice

Local sports arena (boys in green & red)

We took the boys back to the local sports arena so that they could try out a futbol practice with the 20 or so other boys that had gathered. This is a new league just starting up after a 5 year gap, so there is much disorganization and confusion as to who can play, when the practice times are, etc... It was a lesson in humility for Nat and I to sit through the parent meeting only understanding a word or two (they talk so fast!) and gave us empathy for what our boys have to sit through in school all day long. Fortunately, I recognized a few other parents who speak English and we were able to get some help with translation.




Our house has the green umbrella

The biggest bummer was that we found out Clark was too old to play on this league as it isn't accepting anyone born after 2001. But by the end of practice he told us he never wanted to come back anyway due to a bullying incident (some kid kept flicking him on the neck and making fun of him because he couldn't understand anything. He finally got tired of it and poked him back so the kid pinched him so hard on his arm that it bled). Pretty harsh. These are the times it's not so fun to be here...

Life
That said, we just heard that a dear friend of ours from the U.S. had emergency open heart surgery due to a newly detected aortic aneurysm which he had a 50% chance of survival on. And this is the fittest, most athletic (avid windsurfer, mountain biker and yogini), youngest (acting) guy around. Probably the most laid back guy I've ever met. In fact, in the 20 years that I've known him I don't think I've ever seen him even mildly upset. Thankfully he is going to fully recover and thanks to his good health, loving wife and strong support network he will be fine. But it is a reminder that you never know what life is going to throw you, so live every day to the fullest and tell those you love that you love them. Every day.


Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevade ski area

We drove up to the local ski area on our day off school to check out where might might be able to do some schussing this winter. About a 45 minute drive, the road was narrow and steep but easy to navigate. We checked out the ski village, which was much larger than we expected, had a picnic lunch and took a short walk along a telemarking trail and admired the view.

On the way home, we stopped by the home of some new friends from school (mom is French, dad is German, their 3 kids speak four !! languages) to go swimming in their shared swimming pool (piscina) which was lovely on such a hot afternoon.

Narrow alleyways make
for tight parking

Our car
We are fortunate to be able to be renting our landlord's car while we are here which makes our lives much more flexible and gives us access to travel. That said, there are few simple things, like renewing the car tabs, that are a little more challenging than at home, due to the language difficulty. Lucky for us, some lovely Spanish neighbors helped us make the appointment onine (Seattle, take note) and our landlord is going to be in town this week so will be able to help us take it in for its emissions inspection. Nat took the boys to a local "car wash" today for a quick clean-up and apparently they had fun riding through the electronic machinery and then putting in euro's to vaccuum out the interior. Until the vacuum clogged, they had to keep switching machines and they ran out of coins....


Beauty and Magnificence


The Alhambra from our terrace

I still can't get over the incredible views from our house and beyond. Granada is truly a magical city full of life, energy, art and fascinating people (as well as plenty of dog poop). We couldn't be luckier with such nice neighbors , new friends and access to the great outdoors which is right outside our door (and the consistant sunny weather sure doesn't hurt). Although we are facing small challenges every day and are being pushed outside our comfort zone, I am confidant that this was a good decision for our family and am still in disbelief that we are actually living here. Our 15th wedding anniversary is next week and Nat just promised to take me to Europe in celebration. Oops, already did.