My 15-minute walk to and from the Academia each day is full of sights, smells, and moments that are unique to life in Villanueva.
My Morning Walk
Save for a handful of people out and about, the town feels quiet, still resting from last night’s festivities. In the mornings before the Spanish sun becomes uncomfortably hot, I see women of all ages getting a head-start on daily chores. Outside their doors, they clean their stoops vigorously, making conversation with each other every so often. I make a right and I see dogs walking themselves. Running aimlessly through the streets, the dogs stop for no one. Monday mornings are the best because I can smell the freshly-delivered bread that is tied to the handles of doors across the town. It makes me smile; only in Villanueva could people trust that their bread wouldn’t get stolen.
My Evening Walk
The walk back to my house is a completely different experience. It seems as though the setting sun sends a signal to the people of Villanueva to leave their houses. Like clockwork, at 9PM every street is bubbling with laughter, music, and excitement. I love seeing people of all ages and generations sitting together at bars strategically placed at every corner. The young people come out a bit later than everyone else. If I leave work late, I’ll see groups of tan, stylish teenagers in impeccable outfits sauntering towards the center of town. The best part about my walk is this one lady who always smiles and waves at me; I don’t know her name but she makes me feel accepted and welcome.
There are a lot of things I will miss about Villanueva. I will miss the food and the quality television programs (shoutout to El Concurso del Año!). Of course, I will miss the people, too. But there’s something about walks that lets you take it all in at once.