A lifetime of encounters with Spain.
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Aug 15th, 2011
Mi esposa Ruth y yo hemos explorado prácticamente hasta los más recónditos lugares de la geografía española en los últimos cuarenta y cinco años, y muchas veces mis amigos me preguntan cuál de ellos es mi rincón favorito. La soleada Andalucía, el noble Toledo o la Galicia de valerosos pescadores que desafían el turbulento Océano [...]
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Jul 12th, 2010
There is a magical city nestled close to the coastline of Galicia, which is often overlooked by visitors to Spain. It is Santiago de Compostela, far away from the usual Toledo – Sevilla – Córdoba – Granada – Barcelona tourist circuit, both in distance and temperament. It has both a holy and a cosmopolitan air. [...]
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Jul 12th, 2010
Existe un lugar mágico situado en las cercanías de la costa de Galicia que a menudo se les pasa por alto a los viajeros. Se trata de Santiago de Compostela – alejada del circuito turístico de las populares Toledo, Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada y Barcelona tanto en distancia como en carácter. Goza de un aire a [...]
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Apr 12th, 2010
Por unos breves momentos en la historia, España al completo estuvo pendiente de un valle en los Picos de Europa rodeado de escarpados precipicios. Como una estrella fugaz, los sucesos en el bucólico valle de Covadonga y el pueblo de Cangas de Onís alumbraron el firmamento, y tras unos pocos pero dramáticos años volvió a [...]
Posted in Corners of Spain on Mar 1st, 2010
Over the years we have formed bonds with pilgrims from all over the USA. Especially since the College of William & Mary and others in Williamsburg were some of the early movers to establish a gathering and format for fellow pilgrims whose hearts were draw to Santiago and the Camino for reasons best know to themselves.
This kind of bonding has grown with regular gatherings. The next one is 16-23 March at Winter Park Florida. You might find it a remarkably renewing experience. Check out www.americanpilgrims.com.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Migas on Jan 11th, 2010
Three dates you might keep in mind if you are planning a trip to Spain in 2010
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Apr 15th, 2008
The bond of the people of Galicia to their ocean is complete. The coast is punctuated by rias or fjords – fingers of the ocean reaching deep into the land, delivering the riches of the sea virtually to their doorsteps of Galician homes.
Many people first think of the exotic parts of Spain: gypsies, flamenco, forts, fountains and colorful tiled patios. This legacy of 700 years of a Moorish presence is fascinating and significant. But the tapestry of Spain contains many more threads. Ruth and I find it absorbing to explore the variety of cultures still represented in this ancient land. For example, some of you may not even know of Celtic Spain – complete with bagpipes and the misty hills of the Northwest
The next time you are planning a trip to Spain, I urge you to consider spending some time in green and gorgeous Galicia – especially in the early spring before the tourists come. The scenery is dramatic, the people are the salt of the earth, their crusty bread is astonishingly good, and the seafood is incomparable.
Posted in Reflections on Spain on Mar 12th, 2008
For over a thousand years, life was conceived as part of a cycle of seasons, rather than something that progressed to an end. First Advent, then Navidad, Tres Reyes, Carnaval, Lent, Semana Santa, Pascua, Pentecost, then Advent again. That tradition encouraged people to celebrate their birthdays on the day of the saint whose name they were given in baptism, rather than the day on which they were born. In addition everyone in the local community would stop work to celebrate the day of the patron saint of their town. You can see remnants of this tradition in the many national and local holidays that the modern Spanish calendar retains.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Aug 11th, 2007
Are these stories true? Could a stone ship sail across the Mediterranean? Was the body the shepherds found really that of St James or just another first century Roman? How could the soldiers have seen James riding out of heaven on a white horse? These are questions that we as benighted children of the scientific age ask. Certainly they would not have occurred to a medieval pilgrim. For him, life was a mystery.
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.
