The Changing Seasons – January 2019

The Changing Seasons post, inspired by the lovely Sarah at Secret Art Expedition and hosted by Su at Zimmerbitch.

Happy New Year! Let’s hope 2019 will bring joy, happiness, and new adventures!

I arrived back in the UK in time for New Year and saw the beginning of 2019 at my brother and sister-in-law’s party with a family and a few of their friends. It was fun, although I was in bed not long after the clock struck midnight – those damn whisky shots!

After a few more nights in my hometown, I arrived in Valencia full of hope and excitement. This was to be my new home!

I have never been to Valencia before, but the more I read about it – it seemed to be right up my alley. Lots of art and culture and plenty more to explore!

I had given myself a week – thinking back, that was a little overambitious – but a week it was and I wanted to find a place in that time, so I could start my new life.

I found a place, a lovely triplex in Malvarrosa – close to the beach – and it was with excitement I told the guy I’d take it. However, his agent told him to ask me for 11 months rent (7,150 EUR) upfront because I didn’t have income in Spain. That was the end of that!

Then, I found another agent who took me to look at more apartments, but, again, one wanted 6 months deposit, plus his fee, plus 1 month’s (bail) payment – making a grand total of 6,000 EUR. I told him I didn’t have that much money, so forgot about that!

I found out that it is illegal to ask for any more than 2/3 months as a deposit, but there has been an influx of people renting apartments in Valencia and not paying their rent, so many of the landlords are asking for these ridiculous amounts up front. I get it – they are only trying to protect their properties etc., but who has that kind of money to pay up front!? I don’t!

I was only in Valencia for 2 weeks, and for most of that I was stressed, upset, and very frustrated. There were tears, on several occasions. I was sleeping for 12 hours a day, comfort eating, and not doing any exercise!

So, I made the decision to go back to my hometown to reassess and get more money behind me. If I’d stayed in Spain, I would be penniless, not to mention, fat!

My bottom line was “what the hell have I just done – why did I leave Bangkok?”

Even the language was a problem – not many people speak English in Valencia. I was glad that my friend was there because I found it all very intimidating – believe it or not, more people speak English in Bangkok! I’m not shying away from learning Spanish, far from it, and that’s another thing on my list of things to do back home!

I spent the last few days in Valencia getting to know the city. My friend and I went to the City of Arts and Sciences. A stunning complex with several futuristic-type buildings, dedicated to the arts and sciences. (I will write about this at some point)

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I took a stroll around El Carmen, whose small lanes and alleyways are adorned with street art. It was great to just wander and see what I came across.

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On the way to meet my friend, I came across Torres de Serranos – one of Valencia’s old gateways. I climbed the steps for some awesome views.

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I really enjoyed Valencia, apart from all the stress, and it’s a place I can see myself living. I’ve simply taken a sideways step to get me back on track.

I’ve given myself 6 months to get back to where I was! And, if my motto is correct I shouldn’t have any problems!

Everything works out OK in the end! 🙂

About The Changing Seasons

The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.

If you would like to join me and the others in this challenge, here are the guidelines:

The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic)

• Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
  
• Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
• Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them

The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):

• Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
• Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
• Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.