Catalonians - a breed of their own

Life is Beautiful: Coming Full Circle Back to Catalunya 

During my university days, I spent time in Rotterdam dancing flamenco. My teacher at SKVR was a short, lanky woman with a fiery spirit and stockings full of holes. She taught me more than just dance steps; she taught me to “never mind the holes,” emphasizing self-respect and focussing on why she was there. I was fairly good at flamenco, but my enthusiasm waned when a more skilled dancer joined our class in the second year. Gradually, other aspects of life took precedence, and my interest in flamenco faded.

Now, here I am in Catalunya, surprised and delighted to be back. The flamenco, sevillanas, and Spanish guitar are deeply embedded in the culture here. 

If I can clear my mind long enough of worries, being in this environment brings back memories and reignites my love for Spanish music. Just like a single 1 Lira coin once brought me back to Turkey, my appreciation for Spanish culture has created a strong, consistent bond with this region. 

My travels have taken me from Australia to Curaçao and beyond, covering a lot of ground. Throughout these journeys, nature and esepcially birds has been a constant companion. In Curaçao, I encountered the wildest of caracaras, and just yesterday, a crested hoopoe greeted me with its magnificent display as I left my second Helpx address. Even a green-headed woodpecker made an appearance, adding to the sense of being connected to the natural world.

At my second Helpx location, I’m helping out a yoga teacher who owns a 28-hectare eco-retreat. The land is cultivated with lavender for herbal and medicinal purposes and is home to wild boars and various medicinal plants. Upon arriving, Carlos, the former jefe, gave me a tour of the vegetable gardens and shared insights about the local wildlife and plant life. It’s a place where I can engage my curious mind and find purpose as I approach 54.

Driving from the Girona area toward Barcelona, the Pyrenean mountain ranges came into view. Their impressive peaks are adorned with ancient citadels and castles, creating a striking landscape that sparks my curiosity about the history and stories they hold. This scenery not only inspires me but also deepens my sense of belonging in Catalunya.

What stands out most in Catalunya are the people. The men here are warm and reserved—not needy, but quietly strong and heartfelt. There’s something genuine and comforting about them that makes me want to take a closer look. Building these connections feels right and adds to the overall sense of fulfillment I’m experiencing.

At 53, being in Catalunya feels like coming home. It’s a place where my past passions intersect with my present experiences, creating a meaningful and rewarding journey. The music, the landscapes, and the people all contribute to a sense of gratitude and appreciation for how far I’ve come and the opportunities that lie ahead.

As I settle into Catalunya, I’m reminded that life truly is beautiful when we embrace the things that resonate with us. Here’s to coming full circle, with a renewed sense of purpose and a little flamenco in my step.