The smoke is white! The world has a new pope. Being from California, Catholicism is just one of many religions woven into our cultural fabric. The United States was founded on the principle of separating church and state. But that doesn’t mean we don’t mourn the passing of Pope Francis or celebrate the legacy of his predecessor. Like the rest of the world, I waited, wondering which path the Church would take next: one rooted in classic tradition, or one moving toward inclusion, transparency, and compassion. My first surprise was that the wait wasn’t long. Cardinal Robert Prevost emerged and took the name Pope Leo XIV. My second surprise? He was a fellow American! It’s not that I didn’t think it could happen—it’s that the possibility had simply never crossed my mind. Then came the shock. Reality set in as I tuned into one of his first public appearances. We’re used to popes speaking Latin, Italian, Spanish—languages that feel as much a part of the papal identity as the robes and mitre. But then came the unexpected: Pope Leo addressed the crowd in a native American accent. Of course I knew he was American, but hearing English—spoken with that unmistakably American tone—against the backdrop of Vatican formality was disorienting. Like hearing the Statue of Liberty speak—not in solemn, stony silence, but with the warm, familiar voice of someone ordering coffee at a diner. It was surreal—yet somehow, intriguingly comforting. Then came another surprise: his full homily was later delivered in fluent Spanish. What?! A Chicagoan speaking Spanish? A Californian, sure—that’s expected. But the Midwest? In that moment, I knew—we had a unique and cool pope. A multilingual, multicultural leader from a country not exactly known for either. As I began to adjust to these surprises, his actual pope-ing came into focus. He spoke on behalf of the poor, advocated for unity and peace, and bridging divides within the Church and with world. He supported the use of AI and technology that promotes human dignity and creativity, rather than manipulation and eroding personal freedoms. And then, there was a moment I won’t forget: In a symbolic act, he removed his papal ring for a moment and kissed a child’s worn backpack. It was quiet, unscripted, and deeply moving. For me, it was a message: This pope may speak many tongues and come from unexpected lands—but more importantly, he listens. I understand now that tradition and transformation don’t have to clash. We can all shake hands.

Get ready—Chapter 5 is where Don Quijote comes limping home after his ‘epic’ battle, still convinced he’s a knight… even though he’s riding on a farmer’s donkey instead of his noble steed. It’s basically Cervantes inventing the medieval version of expectation vs. reality memes. So, our “valiant knight” Don Quijote has just been beaten up by some muleteers (big surprise). He’s lying half-dead in a field, when a kind farmer from his village finds him. Instead of proudly declaring his real name, Don Quijote insists (in true delusional fashion) on being called Valdovinos (a hero from an old ballad). Yes, he’s still roleplaying while bleeding. The poor farmer, trying to make sense of this nonsense, loads Don Quijote onto his donkey (not a noble steed, but hey, it works) and drags him home. Along the way, Don Quijote keeps reciting dramatic ballads like he’s auditioning for a medieval talent show, while the farmer just wants to get him patched up. Back at the village, everyone rushes out—his housekeeper, niece, and friends. They’re horrified at his condition but even more horrified when he starts ranting about knights, giants, and his “adventures.” Meanwhile, the priest and barber realize they really need to get rid of his library before these stories literally kill him. So, the chapter ends with Don Quijote bandaged up in bed, still convinced he’s a knight of legend, while the villagers quietly plot a “book-burning intervention.” 🔥📚 The Beginning of the Book Burning! To conclude, Don Quijote may be battered and bandaged, but his imagination is still undefeated. Maybe the real question is: are we laughing at him… or recognizing a little of ourselves in his wild daydreams? ✨ These are some of the comic relief points:  Contrasts Don Quijote’s epic self-image vs. the very un-epic reality (on a donkey, not Rocinante).  Farmer’s exasperation = comic relief.  Sets up the famous book-burning scene in the next chapter. Some questions we can go over in our "Special Book club": 1. The Epic vs. the Reality    Don Quijote imagines himself as a legendary knight… while riding home beat-up on a farmer’s donkey. 😂    👉 What’s the funniest “expectation vs. reality” moment you’ve ever had in your own life? 2. The Farmer’s Patience    The farmer listens to Don Quijote’s dramatic ballads while just trying to get him home in one piece.    👉 If you were the farmer, would you play along with his fantasy—or tell him to snap out of it? 3. The Dangerous Library    The chapter ends with villagers plotting to burn Don Quijote’s books.    👉 If your friends staged a “book-burning intervention” for you, which genre would they confiscate first? (Be honest! 📚🔥)

Dear DarKha Community, We hope your summer has been full of light and joy! 🌞 September brings a fresh start, and at DarKha we want to invite you not only to learn Spanish, but to live it in community. 🌟 Spanish Classes at DarKha Classes begin on Monday, September 15th, with groups available both in the mornings and evenings. Over the next few days, we’ll finalize the schedules to best fit your life — because we know every student’s rhythm is different. 📍 Important details: Price: 57€ for one weekly 1.5-hour class 91€ for two weekly 1.5-hour classes Doing our "flashing" with Whiteboards to check on comprehension Includes access to our bilingual community events on Fridays and Sundays ✨ Start date: Monday, September 15th Levels: From beginners to advanced (up to C1–C2) Location: DarKha Academy, Xàtiva But here’s what makes DarKha different: it’s not just about classes, it’s about community. 👉 In every session you’ll gain confidence to express yourself. 👉 You’ll meet people, like you, who want to open new doors with Spanish. 👉 You’ll laugh, practice, and live the language in a warm, supportive environment. 🌟 Your access to the “Lab” – Complimentary Practice Sessions (Free!) Alongside your regular classes, you’ll enjoy free activities designed to help you use Spanish in real, bilingual settings. At DarKha, you don’t just learn Spanish in the classroom — you practice it in daily life, in ways that help you feel more confident, natural, and connected. Bilingual Book Club: Build vocabulary and confidence by reading aloud and sharing ideas. Explore Spanish stories and culture while improving your pronunciation and comprehension. Bilingual Game Night: Practice Spanish spontaneously and playfully through games and conversation. Laugh, think on your feet, and communicate without pressure. Bilingual Hiking & Biking: Speak Spanish and English in authentic conversations while enjoying the beauty of Valencia. A fresh, active way to put your Spanish into practice. Enjoying a Bilingual Book Club event ✨ Learning Spanish at DarKha means more than grammar and vocabulary. It means feeling more at home in your daily life, building new friendships, and enjoying a space where every word connects you more deeply to your community. Don’t miss this opportunity. Reserve your place today and secure your spot. With warmth, The DarKha Team

Now that the heat is fading, it’s the perfect time to get outside again — and what better way than with our Bilingual Hiking Adventures? 🥾✨ Let's Hike Around the Castle!! On Sunday, September 21, we’ll head out for a refreshing morning of fresh air, conversation, and discovery. These hikes aren’t just about moving your body (though the castle views and hills will definitely give you a workout!). They’re also about moving your language forward. 🌍💬 Whether you’re practicing Spanish or English, you’ll have the chance to: Use real language in real conversations while walking with others. Build confidence speaking naturally, outside the classroom. Connect with new people who share your love for language and nature. Enjoy the beauty of Xàtiva’s trails and the stunning castle backdrop. 🏰🌄 📍 Meeting Point: DarKha Academy 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM 🌄 Destination: Trails behind the Castle of Xàtiva 📏 Distance: 8 km ⛰️ Terrain: Up and down hills 👟 Bring: Hiking boots, layers, water It’s a simple formula: fresh air + exercise + language practice = confidence and fun. 🌿 Don’t miss it — see you on the trail!

♟️Join us September 5 at 7:00  pm at Sant Domènec, 32 for an evening of language, strategy, and fun! This week’s spotlight game is chess ♟️ — whether you’re a seasoned player, a curious learner, or just want to cheer on the matches, there’s a place for you.. Bring a friend, and if you’d like, something to share for the table. No experience needed — just curiosity, conversation, and community. Everyone welcome!

“Mommy, I slipped a note in your pocket. Everything will be okay. I’ll be back this afternoon.” That was from my 5-year-old nephew. He was off to his first day of school and feeling confident. More confident than his mother, who had set out all his clothes the evening before (she posted the picture…) and fretted about lunch and if he would find friends. I know this because it was on Facebook. Cute, I thought. First day of clothes are all ready! And then came more postings of little kids, big kids all going to their first day of primary or high school and even college. “But, wait,” I thought, “it’s the middle of August!” Here in Valencia, the days are hot and long. Businesses are closed. That makes sense! It’s summer! And yes, even though I get frustrated with being sticky and sweaty from the humidity and of hearing that irritating buzz of mosquitos closing in me for a nice snack, at least Spaniards respect the August summer. They don’t steal September’s obligations from it like school beginning! I feel the same as the Spaniards; I enjoy taking a break in the middle of the heat of the day. And I enjoy taking a break in the middle of the hottest time of the year. It gives the mind and body a pause to assimilate and appreciate life. It’s different in the States. There, it’s traditional to power through the heat with an air conditioner. Keep striving; time is money. I have been a teacher in California for years and I continue teaching here in Valencia. When I began, classes started the middle of September. That is normal. It was fun preparing for the change of the season with the change of activities. But then, other things changed. The administration summoned us teachers the first week of August, which was not normal. They expected us teachers to prepare for the school year, which would begin the following week! I acted professional, even cheery on the outside, but on the inside I was raging! To begin classes in the middle of August is sacrilegious! In my years of visiting and now living in Spain, many things have changed: Santa Claus comes, Halloween is popular, there are all kinds of salads to choose from, the cars are bigger. But one hasn’t: summer is still summer. The entire country takes a break in August. And to show my solidarity with Spain and its most sacred traditions, my academy begins September 15! Maybe if the US kept summer sacred, moms would have the appropriate time to prepare for their departing children!

The infamous Don Quijote and Sancho Panza 📚✨ Bilingual Book Club Announcement! ✨📚 Hola, valientes lectores y caballeros andantes! ⚔️ This Friday at 7 PM at the academy, our Special Bilingual Book Club meets again — and we’re riding straight into Chapter 3 of Don Quijote de La Mancha ! 🐴📖 What madness awaits in Chapter 3? Oh, just your average knight demanding to be dubbed in an inn he mistakes for a castle, with innkeepers, prostitutes, and muleteers all unwittingly cast as noble courtiers and holy men. 😅🏰👑 We’ll be reading together in English and Spanish, enjoying the richness (and ridiculousness) of Cervantes’ world. Whether you're here for the language or the laughs — or just to hear someone try to pronounce “Rocinante” with confidence — this night is for YOU! 👉 Bring a friend, a snack, and a drink to share if you like. 🧃🍇🥖(Extra points if you come dressed as a windmill. 😉🌬️)

Summer has always been a season of contrasts, but I’ve never felt it more than when reflecting on life between my hometown in California and my current home here in Spain. Though the landscapes, traditions, and languages are different, there’s an unmistakable rhythm to summer that crosses cultures — one that celebrates community, connection, and the simple joy of staying cool. Baseball game ion a summer evening n the Bishop city park in California! Picture by D. Khanukayev. Growing up in a small Californian town, summers were scorching. Temperatures easily soared above 40°C (over 100°F), but we had our escape: the Owens River. With the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains standing tall above the valley, we would grab our inflatable tubes and float lazily down the river. The irony was always striking — we were sweating under the blazing sun, yet the river water came straight from melting snow just kilometers upstream. After a two-hour float, we would emerge shivering, our lips tinged blue, despite the desert heat. I remember how delicious it felt to stretch out on the riverbank, letting the hot sun slowly thaw us out while we laughed and shared snacks. In the evenings, life in our town would shift gears. We would gather in the local parks for baseball games, families spreading out picnic blankets and children chasing each other across the grass. The oppressive heat would begin to fade as the golden sun set behind the mountains, painting the sky in vibrant hues. It was a time for laughter, play, and community, making the most of those cooler hours before bedtime. Now, living in Valencia, Spain, I see echoes of that same summer spirit — just expressed differently. Here, the tradition isn’t river floats or baseball games, but evening gatherings in the heart of the plazas and old narrow streets of the « Casco antiguo ». I love strolling through town in the evening coolness. People sit in front of their houses in chairs they pulled out onto the sidewalks. They call it «prender la fresca», which is valenciano for «taking in the fresh air». They play cards or chess, chat and laugh; children play tag and soccer. It’s a beautiful ritual: waiting for the fierce afternoon heat to fade before coming together to socialize, to reconnect. In both cultures, there’s a shared understanding: midday in summer is a time to hide from the sun, to rest and recharge. But as the day cools, life spills outdoors. The evenings belong to people — to stories shared over a cold drink, to games played under pastel skies, to simple moments of joy. Summer, whether in California or Valencia, is more than a season; it’s a reminder to slow down, to find joy in the little things, and to savor the moments that bring us together.

🎉 BILINGUAL POOL PARTY 🎉 📍 Benigànim | 🗓️ August 1 | 🕕 6:00 PM Let’s celebrate all our hard work this year with a fun Bilingual Pool Party! 🌞 ✅ Bring: something to share (food or drink), a friend, and your best summer vibes! ✅ RSVP: to confirm attendance and help organize carpooling. 📞 685 166 339 See you at the pool! 🏖️ Inviting Pool in Benigànim!

Yes, I know—it’s quixotic. And we’re doing it anyway. We’re embarking on the bold adventure of reading the classic, the first modern novel ever written: Don Quijote de la Mancha  by Miguel de Cervantes—together, in both archaic Spanish and English. Darcie with a group of students from California with Don Quijote and Sancho in Madrid. At DarKha Academy, our Bilingual Book Club meets twice a month to read aloud, share thoughts, and practice both languages in a warm, welcoming environment. It’s a place where English and Spanish learners alike can ask the questions they’re too shy to ask on the street—and know they’ll be met with kindness and camaraderie. To kick off this incredible feat (yes, the book clocks in at around 1,000 pages!), we watched the 1972 film Man of La Mancha, starring Peter O’Toole and Sophia Loren. The memories it stirred were powerful. I first saw that film as a child, long before I knew Don Quijote was from Spain. My mom, unable to find a babysitter, piled us into the old VW Beetle and off we went to the theater. At first, I was disappointed. It wasn’t a Disney movie. It felt long and confusing to my young mind. But then—something happened. I got drawn in by the music, and by this poor, strange man who just wanted to help people. Why were they laughing at him? Why were they so cruel to Dulcinea? I thought she was beautiful. I remember feeling angry when his family locked him up, and heartbroken to see him lying on his deathbed—a “sane” but broken man. “No, Don Quijote!” I wanted to shout. “Wake up! Tell us again to live life not as it is, but as it should be! To fight for the good and the noble! To keep going, even when your arms are too weary! We can do this!” As a child, I didn’t understand the Spanish Inquisition. I didn’t grasp the weight of injustice or oppression. I just knew I had to do my homework, help with chores, and be kind to my siblings. But somehow, I still understood—deep down—that we must defend goodness, believe in ourselves, and carry on, even when others doubt or mock us. Watching the film again, now as an adult—someone who’s been knocked down, lifted up, ignored, celebrated—I felt it all come full circle. I was reminded that we must never give up on our dreams, our uniqueness, our inner “madness.” It’s that beautiful madness that makes us human, brave, and alive. So no, it doesn’t matter if our book club finishes Don Quijote. What matters is that we start. That we show up for each other. That we dare to laugh, cry, stumble through the language—and have a crazy fun time doing it.

🎉✨Bilingual AI Class! ✨🎉 📅 When: Saturday, June 21st at 10 am 📍 Where: DarKha Annex – Corretgeria 35, Xàtiva 👨‍🏫 Who: George, one of our own community members, will teach us! 💻 What: Get hands-on and comfortable using ChatGPT! We’ll cover the very basics to help everyone feel confident with this powerful  tool. 👉 Bring your laptop and make sure you have a free ChatGPT (OpenAI) account set up before the class! (If you need help, let us know!) ⏳ The class will run about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on questions.

Game Night at DarKha playing Charades! 🇪🇸🇺🇸 Join us for a fun and engaging evening at our bimonthly bilingual Adult Immersion class! We’ll challenge ourselves and bond through the universal language by playing Charades 🎉🗣️📍 Sant Doménec, 32, Xàtiva, Valencia 🕖 Friday,  June 7 at 7:00 PM Let’s create unforgettable memories and share plenty of laughter 🤩🤣 See you there! 🙌