Gratitude Is Not Only The Greatest Of Virtues, But The Parent Of all Others

Just like Cicero, Buddhist teachings emphasise gratitude (katannuta) as the "mother of all good qualities". 

We had finally made it to the gate, and I knew Coletta was already on the plane, but little did I know that she was beginning to panic because she wasn’t sure if we would make it on time. She didn’t have cellphone service either! And we couldn't communicate to her that we were right there. Ugh.

When we got to our seats, she was sobbing, but all stress aside, we were relieved to be all together at last. Later, I realised Coletta had stopped doing things on her own since she was 15 (when she got sick), and it hit me that sending her off to meet us on the plane was probably a lot to ask from her. 

Yay! We were on our way to sunny Valencia, and I was able to start shifting from survival mode to gratitude.

WE LANDED!!!!!! After years of waiting, sacrifices, tears, and stressful days, we were in the land of wine, tapas, jamón, and sun!!!!! Tears of joy started running down my face. I turned to my kids, and I could see their worries dissipate. It might seem a bit extreme, but when you modify your life completely, and you become a prisoner in your own home to keep your family safe, you begin to wonder if things could change, and that moment unpacked many emotions that had been building up for so long. 

I guess the main sentiment was hope. 

We arrived at the apartment, and even though everything looked just like the photos, I felt something was off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it (until later).

After settling my daughter in the apartment, we took off to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to exchange dollars, get groceries, and hire internet with mobile services.

Our first walk in Valencia was WOW! We were so impressed by all the architecture! It is truly impressive, and you find it everywhere. I never get tired of it. 

Back in the apartment, we realised we had been up for 36 hours, and after making sure everybody was fine, it was time to rest! My gratitude was immense.

Right after arriving in Valencia, I realized needed something to help me deal with my feelings. They were all over the place because even though we were safe and happy, I hadn’t dealt with my emotions before leaving, since we had so little time to put everything together, my main focus was to get out. 

It was around the third day, and I bought my first olive plant. Having it home reminded me that growing plants had lifted my spirits while struggling heavily once before. Even though I had made it a regular practice in my life since then, this time I was in urgent need of flora-therapy. After all, my happiest childhood memories are connected to nature, so they are like comfort food for the soul for me.

Our purpose.

Talk to us.

During our walks throughout Valencia, we find beautiful Hibiscus flowers. They are everywhere.

The first beach we visited was in Poblados Maritimos and Malvarrosa.

Our three cats, from right to left: Dorito, Purrito, and Eros. They love their sun baths.

My selfie from the balcony of the first apartment we lived in.

Orange trees represent Valencia's beauty and freshness, and that is why you find them everywhere.

When I go into a park I try to find the fountains because they are always so beautiful.

I love all the architecture, and you find it all over. You have to look up!

Since The Plaza of El Ayuntamiento has beautiful flowers I had to stop and take a photo.

I love how many streets in the center area are so clean and organized.