Random Thoughts Friday

When we arrived I was stressed by the lack of internet, until I decided any challenge that pushes me to analyze and change some habits is a good exercise in moving beyond my comfort zone which is where significant change is most possible. As I looked around our new living room my eyes rested on the following wall hanging. This is a direct correlation to one of my parables in life, create the life you want rather than seek it. I have been defining and refining guiding principles for my life and this is one that I view nearly daily.

I have had to rearrange how and when I write, as well as online business activities that never disappear, an opportunity for learning. One comfortable change for me is being able to speak Spanish again, and not struggle with French.

Now we feel as though we are surrounded by a happy city. Oviedo is not overrun by tourists, we feel accepted here and the citizens appear to be unpretentious in attitude and dress. Oviedo has been recognized as the cleanest city in Spain on multiple occasions, and also is in the running for the title of  the cleanest city in Europe. The city also claims to be one of the safest in Europe. Located in the foothills and 19 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Oviedo is acknowledged to have a maritime climate, keeping it much cooler in the summertime than Spain to the south.

In general these are some more reasons I am happy to be here. As noted yesterday life is less expensive here. We have found food in Europe to be cheaper than at home in the states, with better quality produce, fish and meats. The further south we go the cheaper it gets. It is our belief that food quality contributes to what appears to be a significantly fitter population. Obesity is markedly decreased everywhere we have been in Europe.  There are an astonishing number of parks, plazas and playgrounds near us, all impeccably clean and manicured. We feel this contributes to a slower pace of life because there are spaces to slow down and relax – there seems to be a lot of that here.

People appear to live on top of each other, but mostly in buildings of historical grace and beauty. This results in the neighborhoods being littered, beneath the living spaces, with shops and restaurants. In France we often despaired of the lack of shops we would utilize. So much space was housing only, and not much competition among the shops – except for glace/ice cream shops. In Oviedo the glace is replaced by numerous shops with immaculately fresh produce, cured meat, fresh meat, fresh fish and cheese shops. There are also small scale grocery stores. We discovered an incredible bulk shop 6 doors down from us, so we bought all the ingredients we need to make gluten and sugar free cookies, just like at home. Right now as I sit in a coffee shop writing Sheila is at home baking.

Just around the corner from us, about 300-400 feet, is an amazing gorgeous neighborhood, with a moderately steep hill, not too steep or long. It is a perfect warmup to the day. Pictured from above and below, 6 flights of 11 or 12 steps each.

Added bonus, yesterday we bought a 2018 Reserva Spanish red blend and a whit Verdeho wine or under 8 euros. Both are very good, And 2 bonus pictures.