On January 18, 2016, I set off in a taxi for Dubai. After four hours (two in a taxi, two in the airport DXB), I set off on a plane for Amsterdam, followed by Madrid.

After twelve hours, I drove a rental car five hours from Madrid to the city of Galera in Andalucia in a snow storm.

Galera was stunning in her winter regalia.

 

I spent the night in a little hotel made up of caves.

 

I made a nice little fire out of Dutch magazines and partially frozen firewood.

 

I went out for a “Galera” pizza. The crust was pretty good, but the sauce was rather ketchup-y, and the main topping was hot dogs…  I still ate it.

 

On that Friday morning, I went with our Spanish lawyer to view the house we’re considering buying.

 

Then, we went to complete a power of attorney at the municipality of Huescar and opened a Spanish bank account.

On Saturday morning, I drove back to Madrid, returned the rental car, and boarded a flight to Amsterdam, followed by Dubai.

I arrived in the UAE at about 6:00 am. I then took a taxi back to Al Ain (7:40 am).

Then, I taught from 10am-2pm. At 3pm, I collected my children from school.

-S