Sigh.... Here I am in the US and my kids are in Spain. They're old enough now to do all kinds of things on their own, so after some time in Valencia, my son hopped on a train to visit an old buddy in Madrid, and now I hear they've decided to go to Pamplona for the running of the bulls (I'm not supposed to know, but someone squeeled)... Next week hiking in the Pyrenees, after that sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling off the Costa Brava... My daughter is on cloud nine hanging out by the pool with all her cool new Valencian friends and dancing all night long, and no one wants to come home... I think we should just move back there... What a life! What a place!

As long as you don't count things like the Metro tragedy in Valencia last week or the poor soul who went to Pamplona and is now in Intensive Care, paralyzed from the waist down: not from running with the bulls, but from a fall he took playing bullfighter with the cows in the afternoon.

You can't live your life trying to avoid unforseeable tragedy. I agree, Spain does those moments about it that make one feel alive, you just have to enjoy it while you can.

Be careful, the pasture is always green on the other side.

Bill

"Be careful, the pasture is always green on the other side."

Hey - dont spoil my fantasy!! It keeps me going as I sit in traffic every day :-)

Diana,

Saw your post under the Valencia thread - first and formost - your kids are both safe and that is what really counts ....

I'm with you on "that greener pasture" ... miss Spain terribly -

Have you thought about a surprise visit to the kids? Any excuse for a visit - and no one can argue w/ the kid angle

The sacrifices you make for kids eh!

LOL!
FYI - lots of the time, its oh so self-serving!

oh Diana, I guess there are reasons you are not here this year! How wonderful for your kids though. Make sure they bring things home for you...although it is not the same...I know! I think you need to treat yourself to a good Spanish restaurant this weekend. Enjoy a good bottle of wine and a delicious paella too.

Well actually, I'm having quite a great time here without the kids - I'm getting things accomplished that I'm very proud of - without interruptions! I'm also very much looking forward to next summer, when I plan to spend a loooong time in both Spain and Italy.... and I'm thrilled that the kids are feeling so at home in Spain. They're surrounded with wonderful people who care about them. My son has a great plan for the future that includes living in Spain at least 6 months a year, if not all year, and I'm confident that he'll pull it off.

This summer marks the tenth anniversary of our moving to the States after living in Spain for so long. Believe me, I know the "grass is greener" bit about Spain and the U.S. better than most!! There are excellent reasons for being in the U.S. now, and excellent reasons to move back to Spain. It all comes down to priorities and what you need to do at different points in your life. But as far as overall quality of life - the simple enjoyment of people and places - Spain wins with no contest. For my kids, now becoming young adults, Spain is wonderful. For me, since I'm immersed in various career projects, the U.S. is best right now. I think we're extraordinarily lucky to be able to know, appreciate and enjoy both places. I'd love to spend more time in Spain, and I have a feeling that some day, some how, it will happen! In the meantime, I'm thrilled that the kids can do it now!