I've been asked a few questions several times, and thought I'd put together a quick answer sheet. Eventually I guess I'll create a FAQ page:
Q: Are the boys moving with you?
A: While I think this is an odd question, it's been asked more than once. So, the short answer is yes. Longer answer is, child #1 will be moving to Israel to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces and will not be living in Spain with us. However, before he leaves for Israel in July, and will visit us in August before bootcamp. Children 2 & 3 will be living with us in Valencia.
Q: Do you speak Spanish?
A: No, but I've been taking lessons via Verbling with my teacher, Lucia, and I will be headed to Spain in January for 5 weeks to do an intensive language program.
Q: Do your kids speak Spanish?
Q: What about schools?
A: When I am in Valencia in Jan/Feb, I will take some time to do site visits for a few schools. We are planning on sending the boys to private school though we are not set on any in particular yet.
Q: Are you bringing your dogs?
A: Um, of course. If you know anything about me, you know that this was the first thing I checked before we decided to move. That includes whether our mixed breed would be allowed in the country (yes). There is some paperwork that we will need to complete (the dogs will get their own passports), but they are family and we would not leave them behind.
Q: Are you selling your house? Why?
A: Yes. We decided to sell the house for a few reasons. The most pertinent is that, if we return to the US, it would be after children #1 & #2 are no longer living with us. Our house is a great size for a family of 5 but for 3 of us, it is bigger than I want.
Q: Do you know that pig is served everywhere in Spain?
A: Yes, and have you ever tried being vegan anywhere in the USA? Most non-vegan folks respond with "But BACON!" Quite frankly, I don't see the difference. However, since you're concerned about our access to vegan food, one of the reasons that we selected Valencia is that it has decent access to vegan grocery items and restaurants. I found a map of Valencia that and includes the organic grocers, vegan/vegan-friendly restaurants, and international schools so you can get an idea of what is available.
