In an effort to produce a profound blog entry about my
experiences in Spain thus far, I had a plethora of options to choose from. I
could have spent a whole page on the Great Mosque of Cordoba, a spectacle which
people flock from all over the world to see. I could have chosen to write about
the Alhambra and the powerful way it controls water throughout its expansive
complex. I could have even discussed all of the Picassos and Dalis I’ve seen in
museums around Madrid. Yes, all of these would have been valid, albeit cliché,
potential blog entries.
You may be disappointed to hear, however, that I’ve selected
none of these.
Rather, I’ve chosen Vicente, the charismatic
barkeep and co-owner of our class’ home-away-from-home, the Pension Jaen. Now,
it may come as no surprise to anyone who has traveled—especially those in this
Berkeley Abroad program—that tourists are not necessarily welcome with open
arms in many parts of Europe, especially when you don’t even speak the language
of the nation. In fact, my initial impression of Spain was tarnished by a few
rude cab drivers, waiters, and residents I’ve encountered during my first two days
here.
Luckily for Spain, Vicente turned
my negative impression of the country around immediately.
But what
is it about Vicente that makes him such a lovable character? Is it his distinct,
fast-paced walk? His contagious smile? His tendency to spike our 9 a.m. coffees
with cognac? The fact that the portrait in the restaurant of him as a child
oddly resembles Manny from Modern Family?
Perhaps
it’s all of the above. Even though there is a language barrier between us, Vicente
still greets me with a kind “Buenos días!” every morning as I’m walking by the
bar and an occasional pat on the head before we sit down for lunch. And whether
you’re craving some sangria or Fanta at lunchtime, Vicente will hook it up. When
one is feeling homesick, it’s nice to know there is a happy and hospitable
person who will treat you like familia (that’s “family” in Spanish). And although
I believe he still hasn’t gotten my name down yet (hence his tendency to call
me “Japón”, accompanied with pressed hands and a bow of his head), Vicente sure
knows how to provide a warm welcome to both locals and tourists alike.
Muchos gracias, Vicente.
Or, rather: domo arigato, Vicente-san.
-Trenton “Japón” Inoue
