A lifetime of encounters with Spain.
Posted in Amigos, Reflections on Spain on Mar 15th, 2010
I have been writing reflections about Spain and her culture over the past several years. The prevailing theme has been that the bedrock of the traditional Spanish culture is the importance they place on being together as a family, including the extraordinary way they cherish their children. A few years ago, this was the normal [...]
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on May 14th, 2008
Children, with all of their exuberance, are to be enjoyed and treasured within the family and all whom they touch; and a Spaniard’s home is thought of as an extension of his greater family. Perhaps the Jamón Serrano resting on its stand is a symbol of the hospitality that is the essence of the home.
Posted in Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Jan 15th, 2007
Other mothers (and grandmothers, of course), whom we would view as strangers, will joyfully come up to a little baby and admire her profusely. Then they will reach into their purse for an omni-present caramelo to present to the child. ¡Que guapa! – How beautiful! – She will exclaim. Those women are not strangers but part of a broader community that supports the child all her (or his) life.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Jan 6th, 2006
Ruth and I find that this time right after Christmas is a nice time to visit Spain. Leaving the throbbing marketplace of America and walking the cobblestone streets of Spain?s delightful traditional towns is balm for the soul. Christmas festivities in Spain span almost two weeks: Christmas Day is but the beginning of twelve days of family celebrations that climax with the arrival in Bethlehem of the Three Kings on January 6th.
Posted in Reflections on Spain on Jul 15th, 2005
Over the subsequent years of traveling and living in Spain with my wife Ruth and our family, I have sometimes wondered whether I have over-romanticized traditional Spaniards and the values by which they order their lives, but when I read about Rafael and his family the other day, I knew my assessment was true. The traditional Spanish values produce a remarkable people.
Posted in Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Dec 12th, 2004
During this time of the year there is a natural human tendency to want to be closer together — to share each other’s warmth and hopes. That is why from antiquity, this is the season for children. In their joyful play and tender interactions they are oblivious to the long shadows. Children are pure life – as any grandparent understands most fully.
