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“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! 🙌

☀️🌈 DarKha Summer Club 2025! 🌈☀️June 23 – September 12 🕘 Monday to Friday | ⏰ 9:00–13:00 👧 Ages 3 to 12 | Get ready for a summer full of fun and learning in English! 🇬🇧🎉 Every day at DarKha Summer Club is packed with exciting activities like: 🎨 Crafts & creativity 💦 Water experiments & games 🍳 Cooking fun 🧪 Science discoveries ⚽ Sports & movement 🎲 Grammar games in English! 🌟 Choose what works best for your family: 💶 Prices per day, week, or month 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 5% family discounts available! Your child will play, learn, and grow in a joyful bilingual environment all summer long!📍Limited spots — reserve yours now! At DarKha summer Club, we learn about the world!

Join us on Sunday, May 25,  for a fun and adventurous bilingual bike ride! 🌿🚲📍 Meeting point: DarKha Academy, Sant Domènec, 32 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM 🧢 What to bring: Water, helmet, and your adventurous spirit!  We'll be exploring the scenic area around Mount Puig between Genovés and Xàtiva, enjoying the fresh air, great company, and bilingual conversation along the way.  All levels welcome! Let’s ride, chat, and immerse ourselves in language and nature. 🌍🌞 👉 RSVP now and join the ride! 🚴‍♀️

DarKha Bilingual Hiking🥾: On Sunday, May 11, for our monthly bilingual hiking excursion we will explore the Roman Aqueduct along the Alboi river in Xàtiva! Meet at the academy (Sant Doménec, 32, Xàtiva, Valencia) at 10; wear good walking shoes, water and a desire to explore and practice your Spanish/English. You have to climb a little but it is not difficult. 🥾⛰️🤩 Les Arcadetes d'Alboi, Xàtiva, valencia, Spain

Summer is almost here — and it’s the perfect time to give your child a fun and enriching learning experience! 🎉 We're excited to invite children ages 3 to 12 to join our English Language Summer School at DarKha! Scientific Experiment with Colors: How do you make more colors? 📍 Location: Carrer Sant Domenec, 32, Xàtiva 🕘 Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM At DarKha, your child will dive into the English language through play, creativity, and hands-on adventures! 🌈✂️🍪 Here's what we’ve got planned: 🗣️ English Conversation: Fun group chats and one-on-one time to build confidence and fluency in a relaxed, supportive space. 🎶 Vocabulary Games & Songs: From silly songs to fast-paced games, your child will learn new words while having a blast! 🎨 Creative Projects & Crafts: Think stories, art, and imagination — all in English! Perfect for little minds that love to express themselves. 👩‍🍳 Cooking Adventures: Mixing, measuring, tasting, and chatting — your child will cook up tasty treats while practicing English in real-life situations! 🧪 Science Experiments: Spark curiosity with hands-on experiments that inspire wonder — and teach English at the same time! Our mornings are packed with learning and fun, while leaving afternoons free for family time and summer fun. 🌴☀️ 📞 Reserve your child’s spot today — spaces are limited! Call or WhatsApp us: 📱 685 166 339 / 722 126 299 💻 [ www.DarKha.com ]( http://www.darkha.com ) Let’s make this summer unforgettable — full of laughter, learning, and new friendships! We can’t wait to welcome your child! 💛

It's like fish swimming in water — they don't even notice it. Take them out, plop them into new waters, and it’s traumatic. That's exactly what happens when you’re transplanted into the rhythms of a new culture. After six years in Spain, I still don’t think I’ll ever fully get used to Spain’s daily tempo. Darcie and Carly loving every minute of the Spanish traditions! Schedules are invisible — until they aren't. In California, our days are stitched together by unconscious patterns: coffee, work, lunch, dinner. You don't question it — until you live somewhere else. Let me give you some examples, broken down for your reading (and my emotional) convenience. Meal Times: A Tale of Two Worlds In California, breakfast is sacred: a sit-down meal before work at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. — eggs, toast, bacon, pancakes, cereal, fruit, maybe a ham and cheese omelet if we’re feeling fancy. We love breakfast so much that some restaurants serve it all day, just in case an urgent pancake craving strikes at 3 p.m. In Spain, breakfast is...coffee. Maybe toast with tomato if you’re feeling extravagant because they gulp it down on the way to work. Because Americans had a real meal, we work steadily until noon, when it’s time for a quick lunch: sandwich, fruit, chips, a drink (never alcohol — that's for weekends or existential crises). Thirty minutes to an hour, and it’s back to business. Meanwhile, Spaniards enjoy almuerzo around 10 or 11 a.m. — a leisurely, often hearty meal, frequently accompanied by a beer or a glass of wine.  After lunch, Americans power through until 5:00 p.m., clock out, and settle down for dinner around 6:00 or 6:30. Comfort food, pajamas, Netflix — the usual evening ritual. Spain plays a different game. After almuerzo, Spaniards work until about 2:00 p.m., when — and I mean everything — shuts down. Shops, offices, bureaucratic buildings: all closed. Everyone heads home for la comida, a sit-down, multi-course meal that makes a brown-bag lunch look tragic. Depending on the job, people won’t return until 4:00 or even 5:00 p.m. So, while Americans are winding down and wondering if it’s too late for a erran run at 5:30, Spain is just getting started on Round Two. Shops reopen in the late afternoon and stay open until 9:00 p.m. — right about the time Californians are in bed. Since Spaniards have had their main meal mid-afternoon (plus a rest), they can work late. Naturally, dinner is pushed well into the night. Sitting down at 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. is normal. My American mind set still is somewhat shocked when I’m invited to dinner at 10:30 p.m. In Spain, that’s normal. And, the grand mystery: Why is Everything Closed? Need to run an errand at 2:00 p.m.? Sorry — shutters are down. Hungry for dinner at 6:00? Restaurants are still recovering from lunch. Need groceries on a Sunday? Good luck. At first, this drove me crazy. But slowly, Spain has taught me something different: with another culture comes another rhythm. I'm learning to enjoy the stillness in the middle of the day, to accept the gaps. And for that — even if I still can't find an open store when I need milk — I’ll forgive them.