Not quite spring

but getting there

Madrid is basking in our tempting but false early spring – we are not out of the winter-woods yet, even though most of us are ready for reliably good weather. But for now, enjoying what we’ve got, after a spell of very wet weather about 10 days ago. And very happy to not be in a Texas-situation, sending lots of mental hugs in that direction, a friend there has been posting updates when she has power, and it is Not Pretty. Of course, as an Iowan it is really hard to understand how they could have been so underprepared, but from what I’ve been reading, that is a sad story of many years of politicking and cost-cutting, and even though they have had some scares in the past, decision makers did not make the right decisions, directly causing current issues.

IMHO, we are going to have to get used to the idea that planning based on historic weather data is not sufficient nowadays. That’s going to be tough and it will cost money short-term and probably mid-term, but will most likely save money long-term. I cannot imagine the economic costs of what is happening, especially in Texas, not to mention the human costs because there’s no way to put a price tag on a life. Just hoping it is over soon, my friend says temps will be in the 70’s next week, but I also read that power may not be back everywhere until Tuesday.

But in Madrid, for now, we’re good weather-wise. I’ve been taking full advantage of that, doing as much walking as possible on my “virtual Camino”, a fun app that lets me count kilometers walked in Madrid as if they were on the Camino (Road of St. James). I “started” in France and yesterday kilometer-count passed Leon, more than halfway to Santiago de Compostela. This app (Camino for Good) has really motivated me to get back to my pre-virus walking program, rather neglected between the virus lockdown & restrictions then a bit of COVID-paralysis (more later). Only thing is, my knee is bothering me. It feels like I twisted it, though unaware of that happening, and it actually hurts less when walking than after sitting for a long time. Today better after using an anti-inflammatory cream, even though it doesn’t look swollen – doing less walking today also, a semi-tradition on the Camino as most people take a day off in Leon. (sorry for repeat news for FB friends).

Anyway. Covid-paralysis is not really literal paralysis, as you probably guessed. It does exist and goes by different names, but it is that lack of motivation, a feeling of hard to get moving for anything, physical or mental. This past year – and yes, it is amost exactly a year since first cases appeared in most countries – has been really strange, and really different for different people. For people whose profession is on hold, whether formally out of work or just waiting, it has been The Great Pause, and an enforced pause with no real schedule and no idea of when real world will re-start is a very strange feeling. (That sounds like a vacation until it actually happens, but the feeling is very different.)I had (have) projects that didn’t go as far as I wish – ok, did pretty well with French until I got to a good stopping place - end of useful DuoLingo in my case - stopped to let my brain assimilate, and didn’t start up again. Did some writing, but not as much as I wish, and got discouraged when several posts submitted to a fun online place have not been accepted (yet), supposedly they are still under consideration. Part of this paralysis thing is that it’s helpful to see some quantifiable measure of progress or success in projects and in life itself, especially when cut off from the rest of the world. Yes, ideally, we should be able to give ourselves necessary awards, but in a long period of isolation, other encouragement would be a real plus.

And this is a tiny problem compared to other kinds of pandemic-problems. Like families with distance learning kids and distance working parents. Or even worse, needing distance learning technology and not having it, or not enough of it.

Really hoping government predictions are more or less on target, and we will be nearing or at a solid vaccination percentage by the summer. As a semi-aside, how is vaccination where you live? Have you gotten yours, or know when it will happen? I was thinking March or April, but given delays in vaccine deliveries, I’m guessing it will be more like May.

So to take advantage of the continuing Great Pause, I’m going to continue walking as much as possible – other routes once I (virtually) reach Santiago. Macchu Picchu or maybe the Ring of Kerry? Oh, and start up with French again, still working on grammar but also want to read Harry Potter in French, got the first book. Since I know the story it will be easier to read, learn vocab and grammar-by-example along the way. And new project, a long delayed old project: take a Spanish fluency exam. Finally decided to go for highest level (C2) after looking at one of the exercises in a prep book; it was pretty easy for me so that seems to indicate my level, will need more study than the next lower level (other option) but hey. Plenty of time for study now. Hopefully will have my vaccine late spring and can head up to the Camino soon after – group trips in the fall and would really like to see what is open and what is not before then.

Stay safe and well!

Anne

What is NOT on in Spain. (alas)

Valencia Fallas, usually in mid-March: will be celebrated at a later, still unspecified date.

Easter week (Semana Santa) big Sevilla celebrations cancelled, also in Madrid, Santiago and probably other places.

San Fermin, July running of the bulls in Pamplona. Cancelled for this year.

What’s on in Madrid

Botero exhibit at CentroCentro (City Hall, old post office in Cibeles): last week for this excellent exhibit – ends February 28. More info https://www.centrocentro.org/exposicion/botero-60-anos-de-pintura

M DE EME. DE PASEO POR MADRID Also at Centro Centro – have not seen this one yet but it looks good for anyone who enjoys exploring Madrid. https://www.centrocentro.org/exposicion/m-de-eme-de-paseo-por-madrid

Banksy exhibit at Círculo de Bellas Artes. https://www.circulobellasartes.com/exposiciones/banksy-the-street-is-a-canvas/

International Magic Festival, 9th edition. Until March 9 at Circo Price (near Atocha). If you have a magician-kid in your family, look at the workshops. https://www.teatrocircoprice.es/programacion/ix-festival-internacional-de-magia