One on Ones and Free Time

We went on a long hike the morning this photo was taken. There was little protection from the harsh sun and we were all weary when we returned. After showers and a change of clothes, we regrouped in the bar to relax and look at photos taken during the excursion.

(Below) Jose Luis (Pepe) and I are having one of our many talks on the lawn. Pepe an unassuming business executive that turned out to be one of the funniest people I know. Conversations were fluid from day one and a rather peculiar friendship developed.

After the third day of continuous talking, I think we all dreaded the one on ones. Mainly due to exhaustion more than anything else. Looking back, I am glad our schedule was so intense. It was the talkathons that catapulted our relationships years ahead in some cases. It’s felt as if, from the time you enter the village, and when you return to Madrid, you had been living in warp speed.



Ancy and Rafael are enjoying afternoon beverages. The sun can be brutal and unforgiving at times. You forget that you can reach for a beer to quench your thirst in anytime of the day. Spaniards are very liberal about alcohol. When in town it wasn't unusual to see someone drinking a beer at 7:00AM. Wine is served with every meal, and most Spaniards partake. Many have an extra glass at lunch to help them sleep well during siesta. Interestingly, they have a low rate of alcoholism. It took me a while to get use to that notion; it always felt sinful to enjoy a beer on a weekday, at 10AM. It was certainly a way of life I could have gotten accustomed to nonetheless.