You want me to translate?

Yesterday on my walk to the scuba shop for my morning dive, I was stopped by a car with a family asking me if I spoke Spanish.  I was proud to say yes.  I then proceeded to give them the information they were seeking as they asked what there was to do in La Herradura as they were passing through and were considering stopping.  I was able to tell them in Spanish that they could go kayaking, wind surfing, paddle boarding, horse back riding, etc.  They could visit the castle and swim. And of course I told them they could arrange to take Spanish lessons as a family at the Spanish school of La Herradura.  As yesterday also happened to be the "Festival of the Sea",  I also advised that they could go to the Civic Center and obtain a schedule of events as there were many activities for children planned along the beach for this weekend such as a turtle release, the creation of mandalas with rocks in the sand, etc.  I feel like I really got to know this town during my brief stay here.  It will be difficult to leave.

Then later in the evening,at a guitar concert that I was attending, I was asked to translate from English to Spanish as a woman wished to communicate her appreciation of the Flamenco guitar player's music.  I relayed her message in Spanish to the musician.  In summary she told him that she was reminded of the sea and footprints making marks in the sand whilst walking by listening to him play.  I was delighted to be utilized in the capacity of a translator.  This to me symbolizes that I am progressing in my goal to improve my Spanish speaking abilities for practical use through this immersion experience.  I hope to come back again - if not annually- to take lessons at the Spanish School of La Herradura as learning Spanish continues to be an ongoing goal for both my personal and professional development. 

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Transported to Spain by Classical Guitar - Already There!

Classical Guitar Concert at the Civic Center

 "Lean your body forward slightly to support the guitar against your chest for the poetry of the music should resound in your heart." Quote from Andres Segovia

On Saturday evening I attended a concert for Classical Guitar at the Civic Center here in La Herradura.  The evening featured two classical guitarists from England, Gary Ryan and Manus Noble.  It was thrilling to watch these exceptionally talented musicians playing on the same stage where Andre Segovia had played.  I learned that Andre Segovia was a resident of La Herradura in the summer and had a house in the mountains here.  My teacher, Jose at the Spanish School of La Herradura told us in class that the first guitar was made in Spain.

When I closed my eyes and listened to the compositions I was transported to other places as the musician had intended.  Each piece was preceded by a description of the title and intent of the song.  For example, the last composition was about a alien that comes to life and then dies thereby ending the concert, another was set in a "magical forest", there were other compositions that communicated Irish folk songs and some used African rythyms similar to the ones Paul Simon used in "Graceland".  One had a Morrocan sound and of course many of the songs were Spanish.  Thus, I was transported in my imagination to Ireland, Morroco and Spain.  When I opened my eyes I remembered that I didn't need to be transported to Spain because I am already here.  Really and truly I am here and I am so enriched as a result.

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