“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the friends we didn’t meet, and the adventures we didn’t share.” — Unknown
Valencia is a place I never even had on my bucket-list.
Over six years ago, I retired because of chronic back issues. A doctor told me the condition was degenerative and the pain would likely get worse. I spent the next 60 weeks, implementing my 60-until-60 project, executing 60 goals before my 60th birthday.
Most of my goals focused on the people in my life. There was only one trip that I took in which I traveled alone and that was to Costa Rica for a Spanish Immersion program. It was on that trip that I met David Davies.
How amazing that meeting David led to an experience 6 years later that I never imagined would be possible – this magical 3 weeks in Spain.
It was David who told me about the VaughanTown opportunity and then invited me to Valencia afterwards. David’s hospitality and guidance throughout my stay were priceless!
Every day was an experience deserving of its own post. Instead, I put together a video set to the music of Josh Groban’s, “You Raise Me Up” with photos from the trip. (By the way, I’d asked David for a song to add to the Playlist I’d created as part of my 60 until 60 project and this is the one he chose. It turned out to be a perfect background for this slideshow!)
🎥 Watch: “Valencia with David Davies”
A Few Favorite Moments in Still Life
One of the things that made this vacation so special is that I didn’t have the usual “travel stress.” Other times I’ve visited Europe, I’ve been a pure tourist, trying to take in every historical site and museum amidst crowds. I’d load my itinerary up with all the recommended attractions and spend way too much time trying to figure out all the logistics.
This time, with David as a guide, I got to step into his world, relaxing, playing, meeting the locals, enjoying the cafes, and getting a personalized tour of all the beautiful city spots.
Though most of these photos are repeats from the slideshow, I wanted to repeat them here and also note memories of times when I wasn’t able to snap a picture.
Photos and Memories From Valencia
- David’s sweet hospitality – from a welcome surprise to delicious meals (he’s quite the chef!) He’s a true model for making a guest feel welcome.
- The beach! – just a short walk from David’s flat.
- La Ciudad de Las Artes y Las Ciencias (especially the Leonardo DaVinci exhibits)
- David playfully interacting with “the locals”
- Meeting and speaking in Spanish with people on the busses and subways
- Port Saplaya – Sitting with David and enjoying the view
- The intercambio event at Helen’s Cafe
- Meeting and chatting with David’s neighborhood friends
- Running a 5K in Turia Park – My “independent” excursion!
- My coffee and view – a sweet habit for conversation, people-watching, and savoring the experience
- Watching Netflix shows in Spanish with David in the evenings
- Seeing an unexpected parade right on David’s street for Semana Santa Marinera (Maritime Holy Week)
- “Teaching” David about ChatGPT (which he named “Fred”) and sampling the AI paintings it can make and the poems it can write.
AI (Fred) – Generated Memories
To Sir David, A Most Wondrous Knave of Wit and Wander
Hark! What light through yonder doorway gleams?
’Tis David fair, well-traveled, bold, and wise!
A scholar keen, well-versed in worldly themes,
Whose nimble tongue dost all confusion prize.
In Spain he strides with grace both fleet and spry,
And guides lost souls through winding streets with glee.
Yet oft he speaks, and lo! with twinkling eye,
Doth weave such tales as bend the truth’s decree!
For certes, none could boast a friend so rare—
Who call’d me thrice whilst plague did haunt the land,
And spun such jests that sorrow fled mid-air,
Like thieves who flee from justice’ stern demand.
So raise thy cup to David, wise and free!
A rogue of mirth—yet aye, the best of thee!
Gracias, David. Because of you, I experienced a trip of a lifetime.
