3 Little Things to Appreciate in Valencia
“Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler.” Albert Einstein
When life feels out of control, it helps to reflect on the positives in front of us. I’ve spent several months out of the country this year and returned to Spain with fresh eyes. I noticed little things that I had started to take for granted. Sometimes it’s little things make life easier, lighter, less of a hassle. Who couldn’t use that right now?
3 Little Things to Appreciate in Valencia
1. The Price is the Price
Taxes are included in the price so when purchases are tallied up, no other costs are added. After four years in Spain, I’m accustomed to this so when sales taxes were added at checkout in the U. S. it was jarring. Ugh.
The difference is most obvious when buying just one thing. A couple of weeks ago, I bought this pair of earrings in Valencia’s city center. I was surprised all over again, but happily this time. The receipt matched the price tag exactly. Yea! I practically skipped out of the store.
2. Buy Just One
One can of Coke. One can of Mahou (muy popular Spanish beer). It is perfectly acceptable to open a beverage package to buy just what you want. Leave the rest because someone else will take the remainders in whatever quantity they desire.
Assuming the worst with convenience pricing, I found customers were not being gouged for purchasing partials, and sometimes there was no increase at all. Sweet!
3. Mini Carts
I love having the option of a small cart when buying more than a basketful, but not a grande cart’s worth. Minis make navigating the store simple, and I tend to stick to my list not feeling compelled to buy more or “stock up” to fill the cart. Generally, homes are smaller and grocery stores and produce stands are everywhere making it a short walk. A mini cart is easy to maneuver too with wheels that practically glide. Another bonus, carts don’t cling to each other like long lost friends. Zipping around the store again really does feel, well, lighter. Aaahhhh!
So that’s it. Three simple things I had been taking for granted that make life in Spain more enjoyable. What little things are you appreciating these days? Your comments are welcome!
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Yep, count those little things and break out in a big ole smile, even with the temps in central Texas close to 100 F every day. 1) Otis the Eastern Screech Owl has been hanging out in the opening of our OwlShack most of the late spring and summer whereas usually s/he appears only in the winter months. Hooray! 2) A lone Barn Swallow chick is about to fledge from its mud nest up under our front porch. This is the second brood for these parents, having launched four chicks into the world about six weeks ago. The lone chick is up on the rim of the nest, practice flapping its wings and giving us a jolt of joy every day. Hooray! 3) From my kitchen window this morning, I saw a Giant Swallowtail butterfly nectaring on a pink and yellow Texas Lantana. It’s hard to miss those show-stopper 6-inch wide black wings with big dabs of bright yellow in a triangular pattern. Hooray!
Hi Elaine, I’m smiling because your three things are birds, of course! I’m taking note of the ones I see on my walks, and know I can count on you to help me identify. They are fascinating creatures!
You are back! Welcome home! And yes, there are lots of little things to appreciate. And this year it is so much easier to appreciate things since we are granted much nicer August weather than years past. We should grab a coffee. Or something.
Yes! I’ve been surprised at how nice the weather has been having melted during July and August every year! Def want to do coffee!
Love, love this! Here are my three little things in tiny town:
1. From Post Office to HEB, they know my name!
2. There are free puzzles and books for teachers at the library.
3. I can walk from my tiny home to anywhere in town in less than 20 mins. (Of course, it has to be less than 90 degrees to do that!)
I love all of these! Thanks, Terri!