A lifetime of encounters with Spain.
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Jan 6th, 2006
Feliz año nuevo, amigos míos, Pasado Enero, miles de niños entusiasmados y sus padres se reunen en las calles de España para recibir a los Reyes Magos. ¡Por la tarde, los reyes se pasean por los pueblos y ciudades a caballo, camello o incluso en bases de camión tiradas por tractores! Los tres Reyes Magos [...]
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Aug 13th, 2005
I am an admirer of Spain’s legacy of art, faith and a traditional culture that strongly reinforces their commitment to the family, Yet, I have to rub my eyes as I see some of my favorite images replaced – whether it be a modernized Ciudad Rodrigo, cyclists in their expensive regalia zipping across the ancient pilgrimage bridge in Puente, or international tourists sweeping into gorgeous flower-filled Sevilla. But I have confidence that Spain will digest these cultural innovations and integrate the best of them. The Spanish culture remained unique, even though immersed in the Moorish culture for 700 years. I have few worries about today’s Spain.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Apr 15th, 2005
Where can you capture the essence of Spain? I suggest traveling the pilgrimage route that leads to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela. The Camino is a pathway that people of all sorts have trod for well over a thousand years. It spans northern Spain from the snow-capped Pyrenees to the windswept shores of Celtic Galicia. There in the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela lie the bones of St James, the patron saint of Spain. For Spaniards Santiago is the focus of the seven hundred year Reconquista of their land from the Moors.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Jul 15th, 2004
As distinct as these two patriotic celebrations may first appear, the essence of each is the same: the affirmation of a common bond. Americans, of a nation of immigrants, experience the unity of a common dream — out of many we are one: e pluribus unum. Spaniards revisit the spiritual roots they hold in common on the feast day of Santiago who led them into battle.
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Jul 15th, 2004
Este año mi familia participó en la celebracion del Día de la Independencia en el vecino pueblo de Yorktown, Virginia. El punto álgido de las actividades de este pueblecito rural fue un desfile encantadoramente local. Entre los grupos representados había boy scouts, líderes de la ciudad y el condado, miembros del club local de coches [...]
