Travelers to Iberia (Viajeros a Iberia)

By Barry Friswold, Boston Massachusetts

Once upon a time, there was a group of world travelers on an adventure to IBERIA. They were in search of knowledge and adventure in the mountains, valleys, and oceans of this far-away land. The journey began as they arrived on large ships that flew through the sky.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by their fearless leader, Sir Thomas Doyle. Now, Tom is not a shy soul. Rather he stands tall like a Nordic warrior, and his voice rings strong as he mobilizes the troops.

The journey in Iberia started in Lisboa – a land recognized for its maritime marvels. Lisboa is also known as a place where the Moors and Christians co-existed and collaborated in ways to trade and bring wealth to the kingdom. To our travelers, Lisbon is now also known for its fine “gelato!”

Leaving Lisbon’s tile buildings and cobblestone streets behind, the group of adventurers headed to Sevilla in a giant coach under the direction of LICO. Sevilla (Seville) is of significance for many reasons, but the Jewish Quarter and cathedral were especially amazing! It is also known for the Plaza de Espana, built to recognize the travelers’ homelands in America. The bell towers rang loudly to welcome the visitors. Columbus, of America fame, is buried in its cathedral. Two gentle noblemen traveling were Brent and Jay. They hail from Oregon and will never forget Columbus and the phrase “1492! 1492! 1492!”

Onward the travelers went to Cordoba. The coach passed rolling hills with acres and acres of beautiful land. It reminded travelers, Joe and Brent, of their huge properties at home. Brent is currently building a castle for his lovely Wanda on his property. At Joe’s estate, he built a special room for his lifelong wife, Linda. It measures at least 15x35 feet and is the perfect place for her crafts, quilting, and international tapestries!

In Cordoba, there is a magnificent mosque. En route to the mosque, fellow travelers Carlos and Barry almost got lost in the winding labyrinth of streets. But thanks to leader, Tom, they rejoined the group safely. The mosque, now a church, was SPECTACULAR! Over the years and part of its transition to Christendom, its pillars had been expanded east and west, north and south. Pierre is a civil engineer, and he marveled at its construction and lasting infrastructure.

En route to Ronda, the next stop for the travelers, there were sunflowers as far as the eye could see. Pastor Paulette was taken by the imagery and reflected on the symbolism of the flowers” following the sun and turning toward the light.” In Ronda, the travelers enjoyed the oldest bullring, the Andalucian horses, and the magical views of the valley below. It made a great place for pro-photographer, Joe, to take a group shot. Attention was also drawn to the five lovely maidens from Toronto. Sisters, Joy and Joanne, were joined by Syd, Dee, and Karleen (with a ‘K’). The five Torontonians traveled with 6 horses. Given their HR background, they had much empathy for their fellow voyagers – including Pierre (AKA “Bill) who traveled solo. So, they offered the extra horse to Bill. From thence forward, the group was now known as “Table for 6!”

Costa Del Sol was next on the trail. Beaches and mountains made a great stopping point, and nearby, Malaga, stands as the birthplace of Picasso. Inside the lodging, local musicians played the sounds of Motown for the travelers. Jay – a retired Fire Chief – was pleased not to see any lit candles on the tables. The only flame visible was the flame in his eyes for his wife, Donna, as he whisked her to the dance floor.

Gibraltar was a day trip for the cast of characters. The rock of Gibraltar rises from the sea and almost connect the continents. Known for its caves and apes, it also made a great stop for British Fish & Chips. Carlos rested at home this particular day, but it didn’t stop the rest of the travelers from celebrating the birthday of Jose in the streets of Gibraltar. Jose traveled with a group Tom calls the “3 Musketeers.” Minerva, a beautiful ad sales agent, traveled with her dad, Jose, and her mom, Inez. It was always a pleasure to see the three of them walking arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand, as they navigated the streets together.

OFF to GRANADA! The travelers headed there next! The land where the Sultans built the Alhambra well before the Americas were even an idea. Water features and Moorish architecture were of jaw-dropping beauty. The gardens and vistas even more so! Carlos – a retired floral designer – had visions of royal weddings filled with amazing arrangements. His imagination in this beautiful space was unbridled!

Speaking of weddings, Granada seemed the perfect place for an anniversary. Annie, known for her youthful face and beautiful blond locks of hair, had left her marketing job behind to spend her 1-year wedding anniversary with her husband, Zane. The travelers brought out live music and opened bottles of local cava in celebration of the newlyweds.

Toledo – land of Don Quixote – was next on the journeyman’s path. En route, the caravan passed fields of farm product, but also solar panels, windmills, modern wind turbines, and even a mirrored light beam that transforms sun into energy. Bucolic history meets modern climate friendly technologies – Once again, Iberia forging the future! In Toledo, similar to other cities on the trail, the travelers saw historical evidence of Muslims, Jews, and Christians living together in harmony. In this city, however, the travelers were fore-warned that in this medieval paradise one might encounter pick-pocketers or other unsavory persons. But the travelers felt safer with Miriam in their midst. She works in a police department. And don’t let that quiet, smiling demeaner fool you, because we know Miriam’s inner strengths is like that of a mother Barbary ape in Gibraltar, protecting her young. With Miriam at watch, all was good!

The road next led on to Madrid, and the travelers arrived in time for a magical sunset. Madrid is lined with trees, parks, and boulevards that are a welcome sight to the weary travelers. Just near Madrid, Escorial rises from the fields. It took 21 years to build. Philip II built it in tribute to his father and it became the burial place for dozens of kings and queens. That leads us to think about travelers Leanne and Feryal. Tom calls them “the princesses” – probably because of their dark eyes and stunning beauty! Feryal pronounces her name like the Disney princess “Ariel.” Her daughter, Leanne, surprised the travelers with happy news of being with child. So rather than two amongst the group, really they were three!

Madrid to Barcelona on a high-speed train was next. The station itself is a maze of light and technology with a pulse all of its own. Several of the fellow travelers are technology professional – PK, Margarita, Jefim, Feryal, and Barry spent years in the field, and they all marveled at how so much technology was behind the smooth and efficient operations of  the train system. Not only was it impressive in Madrid, but the whole country – where trains departed and arrived precisely on the minute day after day. Zane, also in technology – and specializing in AI – had no problem converting train speed in his head into US miles per hour. Often over 170 miles per hour indeed – even 190 – how amazing!

Barcelona was the final stop for the journeypersons. It was home of the World Expo in 1992. Jay and Brent to change the chant ringing in their heads to “1992! 1992! 1992!” Away from the chants, Margarita and Jefim were the first to explore Gaudi architecture on their own, wandering about the city and discovering his artistic creations.

Gaudi worked on Sagrada Familia for 43 years, and it is still not finished. The guide, Victor, said that part of the delays had been due lack of funding. As a finance guru, Mangala finds it hard to image they could not finance more of the project more quickly. Mangala is joined by bankers Donna, Wanda, and Brent who think someone should have gone to the Bank of America to fund construction. Had they done so, it would be funded once and for all and been done by now!

Gaudi had a tragic death, and almost died an unknown victim. Physician Assistants, Thomas, Cecilia, and Leanne wish they all could have been on the scene at the time of his accident. With today’s medicine and their expertise, they are sure they could have saved him. And if he needed surgery, surely Amal – who is an Emergency Room surgeon – could have brought him back to life. Amal traveled with George (who is a schoolteacher). Unfortunately, he missed Sagrada Familia because his students and family needed him at home. A truly committed man he is!

And that leads us to the end of the travelers’ journey to Iberia.

The journey started out in search of knowledge and adventure. The travelers also sought understanding of other cultures, and they found it all! Amidst the adventure, they also found new friends. Perhaps temporary – perhaps lasting, but friends, nonetheless. And just like the Iberian cultures in the past, this group of travelers came from different backgrounds and different lands, living in unity and harmony throughout their time in Iberia.

So - to the end of the story, let us fellow travelers lift a glass to adventures and friendships –

CHEERS!

Barry Friswold, Boston Massachusetts