Out Among Humans

Just Your Average 69-Year-Old College Freshman Studying Abroad.

We immediately became friends because of what sets us apart from the others in our class. Ricardo and I are not blondes, beautiful or from Northern Europe.

We talk about work, families, cars and food, always food — “Man V Food” is on TV here with Spanish voice-overs. The finer points of our conversations are lost somewhere between Portuguese and English. My Spanish still isn’t much help.

He bought lunch the last time, I owe him one. So, Ricardo, how about Chicago right after the holidays, when December’s heat finally lets up? That’s a Chicago joke, Ricardo.

Just Your Average 69-Year-Old College Freshman Studying Abroad.

You can see the strobes move on the face of the basilica from blocks away. The percussion drags you in even before the music does.

It’s another Friday night, unemployment is still high and the concert is free. What’s with the economy, you ask your professors. “Some kind of crisis.” they explain.

The music is wonderful and it’s still early in the evening for these kids.

Just Your Average 69-Year-Old College Freshman Studying Abroad.

The Spanish Inquisition of the Sixteenth Century aside, few things have visited more pain upon the good people of this peninsula than my use of their language.

Just Your Average 69-Year-Old College Freshman Studying Abroad.

SATURDAY — Neighbors went downstairs and watched at the bars on their streets, tiny places usually deserted came to life. There must be ten thousand of them. It’s mostly beer with soccer.

There’s a grudging rivalry between these two cities. “In my opinion Madrid has some good qualities,” people in Barcelona like to say. “But then what do I know?”