That’s right. In January 1991 I stepped on Spanish soil not for the first time but for the second, which on face value doesn’t say a whole heck of a lot. I mean your first time is your first time. But the difference was, three years before I stayed for just a little over five months, was somewhat rattled by what I had gone through trying to learn Spanish, but I did get enough of a taste and liking for this country to want to return some day. I just didn’t know when.
There is no doubt I picked an unusual time: The Gulf War. Just a few days before, the first bombs had begun to drop on the Iraqi troops and the whole world was a little uneasy about what would happen next. All it took was a SCUD missle to drop on Israel, or so we thought, and “boom!” the next World War. So, I thought it would be a great time for me to a flight over to Europe. My parents got word that there were tanks outside of the U.S. Embassy and nearly passed out. I jave to admit I was a little unsure about whether or nor I was doing the right thing. In fact, I was very unsure about whether or not I was doing the right thing. I recall at the airport telling my parents I smoke, then putting my Camels in my pocket and listening to cool voice of Stephen Stills singing “For What It’s Worth” over the airport speakers and thinking maybe things would be all right after all.
I got to Spain the next morning, went to see my wonderful Spanish family on the Calle Felix Boix and planned on staying with themuntil I got settled in. I spent the first saying hi to a lot of people and making the initial plans for my future. My new future. Six months was my first goal. Six months and we would see. I remember my wides wide open that wondering what the hell I was doing here. Brian, I said to myself, you don’t have to do this. And that was twenty years ago.
For better or for worse, for better or for worse depending on who you are in my life right now, I stayed on. And now with two wonderful daughters and a new life, I am practically starting from square one again. Brian, you don’t have to do this.
Yes, I do. Yes, I do. Brian, you don’t have to do this. Yes, I do.
Spain, don’t let me down yet! I promise I’ll do what I can for you!
