Hot Neighborhood Vibes

Waiting for owner

I thought I left Florida for a cooler climate, but it’s been in the low 90’s.  Less humidity but still hot!  It’s a good thing I don’t mind sweating because I’m walking in the midday to see the area and then picking up the kiddos at noonish. It’s their last week and then summertime with Granny Nanny!

I wake up quite early to the sounds of birds   It’s about 55 degrees in the morning and perfect.  The sun rises to the right of my balcony and it’s definitely a room with a view.

I joined a gym and guess what?   There’s a bakery with tempting pastries and coffee just steps away.  The coffee here is so deliciously strong and inexpensive.  Now I have to decide whether to eat pastries before or after my workout.  Or both!

My new favorite soft drink is Kas and I’ve tried the lemon and apple flavor.  Both are delicious!

Enjoy the neighborhood!  

Lavender fields

Charcuterie

My cat is Felix and I walk down this street to go home.
 

  

Spanish Flora & Mas

Wow! Apparently, the grounds maintenance folks are on strike and the grass is overgrown with beautiful wildflowers and all sorts of grasses.  The elders are not happy, but I think it looks beautiful and thought it was supposed to look wild.  All the paths are lined with nature, benches and playgrounds.  Lots of people walking to and fro and well behaved dogs following along leashless. 

A stroll into town to buy a few items including Chinese sauces.  I promised to make fried rice for my family.  I found a couple but didn’t see sesame oil.  I asked for help.  It’s so strange to look at an Asian man and hear him speak Spanish.  Even stranger is that he didn’t understand when I asked about sesame oil.   Oh well, I’ll have to do without.  A little rest on the way home at the local bar for a cafe con leche and croissant.  I sat and watched people chatting, drinking, playing soccer, children swinging, all having a good time outside and not on their phones.  So refreshing!

 

Mountain range in distance

Vitoria-Gasteiz- I made it!

I always wanted to be a Nanny when I grew up!   Little did I know I would be a Nanny in Spain, but here I am.  I arrived at the Bilbao airport without any problems at all.   My family picked me up and I was greeted with a sign custom made by my 5 year old new friend, named L for short,  “Welcome Laureen” and a big hug.  What a greeting!

I went to bed early and woke up a few times, but was able to fall back asleep.  This morning, I heard a little sweet voice saying, Laureen, and it was L in her Elsa frozen costume.  Started my day with a family breakfast with delicious fruit, homemade granola, yogurt, toasted bread and nespresso.  Now I know I’m in Europe.  We walked to catch the tram to the city, about 15 minutes, and bumped into a terrific square with live entertainment and a playground.  Then we walked to another square for tapas, where I tried blood sausage,  yes blood.  It was tasty but probably wouldn’t order on my own.  Big bubbles, children playing soccer and people enjoying themselves on a dreary Sunday.  We ended our outing at the gelato shop and was treated with hazelnut and salted pistachio gelato,  so creamy and delicious!