Week 4 and nothing much has changed.

Ironically, I told people when I left the U.S. in February that these three months in Spain would “FLY BY”!! Well…not so much.

I am spending an inordinate amount of time in “my spot” on the couch.  How many things can I keep on the coffee table, i.e., within reach?

I’ve started doing online jigsaw puzzles.  I’m featuring Gaudi’s works, as if anyone is interested…

My biggest problem currently is trash.  I have no trash pickup here since I’m outside of town and no one really lives here – it’s a weekend spot for most of the owners of the apartments.  Normally, I have to take the trash to town to one of the recycling stations, but I’ve been afraid to drive to town because I don’t think it’s “essential” and I really don’t want to be fined!  Needless to say, I have a LOT of trash.  I may have to make two trips in my car to dispose of it all.  YUCK!

I don’t know if any US cellular providers are doing this, but my Spanish phone says “Quédate en casa” (stay home) at the top of my screen.  Really?

There may not be much new to say as weeks go on … but I have a couple of ideas…

I think my post for Week 2 may have been a little dark and seemed like I was feeling sorry for myself.  Of course I’m a little lonely, bored, and anxious, but who isn’t?  I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a glorious sea, sky, and soon-to-be flowering springtime, and all of you with whom I talk and chat online!

Shame on me!  I  was only thinking of myself.  I am actually worried about those with fewer resources.  What is this uncertainty like for them?  How are they coping?  It’s difficult to think about.

I’m going to try to focus on the positive.  I’d like to help in some way, but I’m not sure what that would be considering I’m in the high risk category.  So far, I’ve only given some money to Doctors Without Borders and to my kids who will be having a hard time without paychecks.

The good news here, at least to date, is that there are NO cases of COVID-19 in my municipality and only one in the next town.  Map of Catalunya:

I’ve been safely tucked in here for 21 days with no human contact to speak of.  My neighbor and I sit on the lawn six or more feet apart every day that the sun is out and discuss all manner of things – he practicing his English, and me practicing my Spanish.  He volunteered to buy groceries for me!  What an angel he was to do that!  I am blessed to have some fabulous and kind neighbors.   Aren’t they cute (photo from Christmas 2018) ?

I’m happy to report that I’m upgrading my personal hygiene habits and I’ve begun fixing my hair and wearing make-up….every OTHER day.  It’s better than nothing and it makes me feel better.  My real worry is my feet.  I haven’t done my own toenails in YEARS!  Since I can’t get to a salon (as if!  none nearby), I had to cut them myself and take off the pealing polish.  I can’t wait for a fresh toe job!!

I enjoy writing these posts, but I’m not sure how long I’ll have something to say.  We’ll see… take care everyone!

Sorry to be heavy, but I’ve been thinking that when it comes right down to it, what we’re all really worried about is death, more than the boredom or inconvenience or worries about the economy.  And for those of us (most of my readers) who are over 60 years of age, infection with the coronavirus can be a death sentence.  If we become infected, the health care system (most of them around the world) cannot afford to put us on a respirator; they’re giving those to younger, stronger folks.  It’s a little troubling, discouraging, and frightening.

It’s also strange to think about how things will be different in the future.  I already wince when I’m watching shows where there are groups of people in close quarters.  It’s like watching people smoking in old movies or boarding a plane without removing shoes or laptops from your carry-on’s.  It won’t ever be the same.

It’s scary to be facing my mortality away from family and friends.  I feel safe here and confident I’ll make it through.  But, whatever happens, I’m good.  I’ve had a fabulous life; the last five+years especially have been full of joy.

I hope you all can say the same and that we all come out relatively unscathed on the other side.  Peace.

 

 

This is getting a little old, eh?  I’m sure all of you have adapted to a new routine.  Mine consists of planning, preparing, and eating three times a day – the highlights of the day for me; spending 30 minutes on Duolingo trying to learn Catalan; taking a walk for at least an hour; doing the NYT Spelling Bee (I’m obsessed); walking the dogs; checking Facebook, Instagram, my blog stats, and email; working for the hospital, if there is anything to do; trying to figure out what to watch next on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, or Acorn; and talking with friends on WhatsApp or FaceTime – another favorite pastime.

Speaking of Acorn – the streaming app for British and Australian shows – I’m afraid I may come out of this with a British accent.  I’ve already caught myself (talking to myself internally) saying things such as “I’m sitting on me sofa,” with the accent of course.   I might try to drive on the left/wrong side!  Besides that the shows are British, most of them are crime dramas.  It’s basically been all murder all the time.  At least that’s one thing I’m not afraid of here!

Also, my self-care habits have deteriorated.  I’ve barely brushed my hair and I haven’t worn make-up or a bra in weeks.  It’s kind of scary, I think you can relate.  I’m considering dreadlocks.

Here’s hoping all we have to fear is boredom and that we clean up a bit in the end!!

A friend told me I should make chicken soup and freeze it in case I were to get sick.  So on my big trip to four grocery stores the day before the world collapsed here and everything was shut down, I bought a whole chicken.  I’ve never made chicken soup before and I’ve never cut up a whole chicken.  When I pulled it out of its packaging, I was surprised to find it still had its head!  Yuck!

I made the soup and it turned out moderately well, considering.  I didn’t really have a container to freeze it in, but then I found something I bought last summer in Lourdes.  It seemed appropriate!!  Praying for good health!

PS I hope you don’t get tired of my posts!  I have little else to do!

On March 13, I went to town to my post office box and I had a cappuccino in a cafe on the square.  There were actually more people there than I had seen so far this season.  Afterwards, I went to several grocery stores and stocked up on what I thought I needed.

Later that day, the Prime Minister of Spain announced that virtually everything was closing.  I’m glad I got to have a last day of freedom.

Some of my neighbors who live in Barcelona came to their apartments here to ride it out.  I’m glad to have folks nearby, but it’s really weird to wave to them from a distance instead of having a normal (within six feet) conversation.  I guess everyone is having that feeling now.  We’re all in the same weird boat.

My first week of captivity coincided with several dreary cold, damp days.  Perfect timing!  I think the sun is coming back soon, so that will encourage me to take some long walks outside of the apartment!

Since I wrote the above, the State Department has recommended that Americans abroad come back immediately or be prepared to stay indefinitely.  What is indefinitely?  I feel safe where I am.  Getting back to the states would expose me much more than I currently am, plus I have the problem that I need another passenger to travel with me to transport my second dog.  I cannot leave them here, I don’t have anyone here to go with me, and I don’t want to risk exposing anyone coming to get me.  So, I still plan to wait it out here.  Time will tell if this is the right decision.  It’s a gamble.

On a lighter note, I had a beautiful sunset last week!  I hope everyone stays safe and stays home!!!

 

Trump’s travel ban sent me into a tizzy.  News reports were unclear and confusing.  If I wanted to return to the US should I do it before 12:00 midnight on Friday??  Then, it became clear that the ban did not apply to US citizens.  What a relief.  But what are the procedures and guidelines for returning?  It’s unclear.

My dilemma seemed to be where would I rather be sick/where was the greatest chance of being infected with the virus.  I truly believe that the Spanish healthcare system is among the best in the world, at least equal to the US – so that isn’t a concern.  However, the lack of a support system here is concerning.  Communicating with doctors and navigating the Spanish healthcare system could be daunting alone.

On the other hand, I don’t want to leave, and are the requirements for returning to the US under the terms of the ban also daunting?

My daughter pointed out that where I am living I am virtually quarantined.  I’m miles from other people.  Why would I want to leave my gorgeous perch?

For the moment, I’m taking a wait-and-see position.  I am going to stock up on food and booze and prepare to wait it out.  I’m sure I’ll have plenty of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Acorn time to come.  And the dogs and I will be together.

Write me!  I’ll be in isolation!

FlashBack:

I found this on my computer from last summer, but I never posted it:

So, I’ve been back over a month and it just now hit me.  I’m here and nothing’s changed. 

But I’ve changed. 

It’s been fun seeing all the friends I’ve missed, driving on the freeway, drying clothes in a dryer, eating foods that are so familiar, and watching stupid TV shows in English.

But I miss the exotic and new.  I miss writing this blog.  I miss hearing Spanish everyday.

I don’t know what to do with myself. I mean I do know what to do with myself – yoga, Catalan online, Spanish conversation meet-ups, time with friends. 

But, do I want to be here?  Time will tell. 

FlashForward:

I think the answer is I did and I do want to keep the connections and familiarities that I have in Texas.  I don’t think that will go away, but neither will my love for Spain.

This morning was my first day here alone.  Just out of bed, I saw a school of dolphins off of my balcony — is that a sign of a wonderful day to come, or what?  Then, I drove myself to Palafrugell (the next town over, which is bigger and actually offers services that people need) without getting lost, and I bought a printer.  The printer works and I’ve already been able to print and do some work for the hospital.  Yeah!  Then, I went to the Post Office and purchased a PO box so I can use Amazon Spain to order other stuff I need to live, like snacks I can’t find and binoculars so I can look at ships passing by and dolphins swimming past.

Yippee!  Another glorious day…

So, I’m back.  It feels like home, it feels like I never left, and it feels “normal.”  Every other time I’ve come to Spain (actually, that would be 11 times), I’ve felt an enormous lift, a happiness that filled me up.  It seems strange that I haven’t felt that this time.  I can only imagine it’s because it’s “normal” now.  I live here part-time and I hope always to do so.  Or maybe it’s because I had a crushing case of jet lag.  OMG.  I slept too much, woke up too early, and generally felt incredibly foggy.  Finally,  I’m back to myself.

It’s only just begun, and yet I feel that three months will fly by.  I’m trying not to look at the end when I’m only at the beginning, but it’s hard not to do.

I have missed being here and I’ve missed writing to you all.  I hope to have some adventures that will be of interest.  We’ll see…hang in there with me!

The pups seem very happy to have arrived!  Video is from arrival in BCN…

 

 

 

So, at the end of my senior year abroad, I’m left to reflect on what I’ve learned and to contemplate what’s ahead…

I’ve learned that I can remain calm and competent in a crisis, I can drive almost anywhere, I can climb almost anything, the winter is not my enemy, and I look forward to the future whatever it may be!  I can also confirm that my sense of direction is for shit!  Even with GPS and paper maps!

I’ve also come to realize that Spain is my heart’s home.  That doesn’t mean I don’t care about Houston or my friends in other places, but I can’t deny or begin to describe how happy I am just being here.  I hope I can find the balance that is right for me.

Stay tuned, there may be future volumes to come of Susie’s Senior Year Abroad!! The post-grad years!

Hasta luego!

[photo of Barcelona]