Quick Update.

A few quick things:

1) Spanish people take care of their older population; everyday I walk the streets and see "children" walking their parents around town. They spend time with them. They stay engaged in their lives. I think it is safe to say we could learn from them in this regard.
2) Although I claim I have never smoked a cigarette in my life, I sympathize with smokers in the States. Fact is, we tend to treat them as lepers. Here smokers are accepted, and I accept that idea.
3) I had my first European cold this week, but I am feeling much better at this point.
4) Usually I would not give two hoots about Hollywood gossip, but I am kind of bummed about Heath. I mean, A Knight's Tale (where he hung out with Chaucer) and The Patriot = good flicks.
5) Doing my best to follow US politics while I am over here; is it just me or do we not have a real Republican Party anymore? My theory: the Dems have shifted to a more socialist position; the Elephants are the new Donkeys. Where are the real Adam Smith's these days?...since when did we become a country of people demanding handouts? Instead of following Europe in this regard, we should mirror them in other ways (see comment 1 and 2 above, as well as posts below for how we should follow their lead). All I am saying is what happened to the American pioneering spirit. Where are the Lewis and Clark's anymore? It is probably a good thing I cannot consistently follow politics right now. It would just upset me further.
6) Apologies for the political rant. I am just frustrated. I don't want government assistance or intervention extending further than the very basics. I want to look back in the future and be proud of what I have accomplished. All I know is I want the opportunity to be self-made; self-governing as well.
7) Spain is a great experience. I realized recently what I loved so much about it. Generally, I love the challenge it presents daily. I love (since my Spanish is dismal) how things as simple as getting to a destination or going to a pharmacy becomes somewhat difficult. I guess you could say I am addicted to the daily difficulties of a foreign experience. Every day is original. There is no going through the motions.
8) I am off to Valencia tomorrow...

Until Sunday (at the earliest), ty