It’s hard work not working. Well, it’s hard work moving to another country, finding a new home, trying to get utilities connected, learning one’s way around, assembling furniture, learning where to shop, trying to get utilities connected, buying and repotting house plants, missing family and friends, trying to get utilities connected, hanging pictures, trying to get utilities connected, and doing it all in another language.
 |
| A LITTLE BIT OF GREEN INSIDE TO GO WITH THE GREEN OUTSIDE. |
It’s also a complete joy to do all of the above (except trying to get utilities connected, although that was a complete joy when finally accomplished). And I am grateful for every minute (well, ALMOST every minute, since sometimes I am an ingrate) of this great adventure we have created for ourselves.
MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY
In any case, we are now a bit run down. We also haven’t transitioned from attempting to create a new life here to actually living one. So, we are very excited to have the opportunity to get out of town for a few days and to then actually come home.
 |
| SOME MORE GREEN. WE STILL NEED MORE… AND LAMPS. |
We have a dear friend, Jorunn, from Oslo, Norway (met through our wonderful cousin Inger) who will be in Málaga. Coincidentally, Jerry’s first cousin once removed (his mother’s cousin, his grandfather’s niece…) — from the other side of the Norwegian family — is on holiday in Torrox, which is about a half hour further along the coast from Málaga.
Jerry only discovered this first cousin once removed (and other extended family from his grandfather’s line) about 10 years ago and they’ve been in email correspondence ever since. We had great plans in 2001 to go up above the Arctic Circle to meet this branch of the family, but hard times hit at the hotel and we couldn’t get away. We hope to be able to make that trip in the near future.
 |
| THE TWO OF US. NOW SURROUNDED BY FAMILY. (HAD WE KNOWN HOW MANY WALLS WE’D HAVE, WE WOULD HAVE SHIPPED MORE OF THE FAMILY PHOTOS.) |
So, we’re taking the train down to Málaga Monday to meet up with Jorunn. We’ll spend Monday night in Málaga and then we three will head up the coast (either in a rental car or by bus) to Torrox to have lunch with First Cousin Once Removed and her nephew (Jerry’s second cousin). We’ll then head back to Málaga for another night and we three will then train back up to Sevilla. Can’t wait to be relaxed tourists in Málaga. Can’t wait to see Torrox. But, I especially can’t wait to see Jorunn again and to meet more of Jerry’s Norwegian family.
I wonder if I should start practicing my Norwegian again. No I don’t wonder. That’s just too much for my already addled brain to contemplate. Uff dah!
Hello Mitch:
Well, both you and Jerry do deserve a break from all the stress that has been involved in setting up your home in Spain. But, how wonderful it will be to return from you short break to your home, which already looks so very comfortable and inviting.
We hope that you both have a lovely time!
J&L:
Thanks so much. Nothing to complain about, obviously, but I am so looking forward to a little exploration outside the city. It's an amazing country and we've hardly seen any of it.
OH Mr. Block, you have done an amzing job with the apoartment, I've said it before, I could curl up there and read a book for days, beautiful.
Your love of family and tradition is wonderful, something to cherish…have a wonderful, well deserved trip dear friend.
hugs
David:
I am looking forward to one of these days curling up and reading a book. We have been very lucky to have some incredible family to make up for the not-so-incredible. And Jerry's extended family in Norway (whom we only began meeting in 1998) have been the absolute best gift.
Dear Mitch – (and Jerry) – I envy Jorunn! Wish it was me going….. Your Norwegian is great! You don't even have to practice, it will come to you naturally as soon as you meet up with Jorunn!
Your apartment looks georgious and relaxing! Enjoy
Ellen:
First Cousin Once Removed is a sweetheart but she doesn't speak English as well as you all do! Her nephew apparently does. So, he and Jorunn will help us understand each other at times. And, yes, we sure wish we could see you in Spain! But we know we will see you soon. Mange klemmer!
You had me at "It's hard work not working". And again, I must say I love the barrel ceiling. It is fantastic to hear that all the hard work is paying off and that the time has come to now enjoy your new life. I am not sure I would be a successful as you doing such a thing, I can really respect and appreciate what it must take to do such a thing. Keep moving forward.
Scott
http://www.travelwithscott.com
Have a wonderful time. You and Jerry deserve it. Can't wait to see pictures.
Bon voyage ! There will be photos, I hope?
Scott:
No respect and appreciation deserved. We're just doing what plenty of others have done and are doing (I just talk about it … ad nauseum).
I still haven't gotten over that scalloped ceiling myself. I get better pictures of the room but they don't include the ceiling!
Nubian:
Thanks. Can't wait to hit the … tracks!
Walt the Fourth:
Thanks. There will definitely be pictures!
I absolutely adore the look of your flat, the green outside with the fabulous french doors. I hope your meet with Jorunn goes well. I too have Norwegian family, my grandmother who was from Gjovik. I am in contact with my cousin and her family and also my aunt. Great country.
The trips away from home always make you appreciate it more.
Have a fun vacation from all the utility madness.
Well, I guess since it's Monday, you are traveling, right? I'm hoping that you have a great trip. I don't know how it is to travel without children but I would suspect that it's nice.
m.
The Cuby Poet: I've only been to Bergen and Oslo. Will have to learn about Gjovik.
Bob: thanks. On the train right now and almost there.
Mark: I travel with Jerry. It might not qualify as traveling without kids. Nah. It qualifies!
A vacation from the vacation?…oh envy…
FDeF:
And then we complain we're tired from the vacation… So, now we need a vacation after the vacation from the vacation.