September in Valencia: travels, new faces, and a change of pace

After a quiet August, September came with a completely different rhythm. My work routine stayed the same — early-week shifts at La Lonja de la Seda and the last two days at the Paleontological Museum — but everything around me felt much more dynamic.

The month started with a visit from my friends, who came to Valencia for a few days. It was great to show them the city, share my daily life here, and enjoy some good food and laughter together. Seeing familiar faces after several months gave me a nice boost of energy.

Not long after, I travelled to Mollina, near Málaga, for the mid-term evaluation of my European Solidarity Corps project. It was a week full of activities, discussions, and exchanges with other volunteers based all around Spain. I really enjoyed hearing about their experiences and different types of projects — from social work to environmental initiatives. The atmosphere was relaxed and inspiring, and it was nice to reflect on how much I’ve learned since arriving in Valencia.

To close the month, I travelled to Italy for two weeks to visit my family — a trip I had been looking forward to for months. After eight months away, spending time back home felt amazing. I caught up with relatives and friends, enjoyed homemade meals, and simply appreciated being surrounded by familiar faces and places.