Nov-2013
Coming home to Calella
Aurora from Seville, my old colleague, is awaiting my arrival at Girona airport when I walk through customs. We give each other a big hug followed by two kisses on the cheeks and walk towards the car, which she somehow always seems to park at the entrance of whatever comfortable place without getting a “multa” from la policia.
Un Cortado por favor
A lot of feelings are confusing me. I am getting enthusiastic about coming home again and on the other side anxious for the possibility of bumping into my old lifestyle, while all I really want right now is a cortado (Spanish espresso with lots of milk). As we drive through the somehow still not finished highway of the Maresme with our windows open I feel the fresh air and see the beautiful sunset touching the mountains. It feels romantic to be here because the Catalan nature always gives me a little crush on this place. I cannot wait to be able to take my shoes of and touch the sand of the beach.
Renata con nata
Upon arrival in Calella I see that nothing has changed. Good, everything is right where I left it. Aurora shows me my apartment for the week and gives me the keys. ‘Now we can go see the boss’ she says. Alrighty then. We drive to the Fabrica Llobet where the ExpoNuvis wedding fair will take place and look for THE boss. A yellow T-shirt turns around and smiles. ‘Renata con nata’ my boss shouts as we see each other for the first time again after more than a year. From 2008 – 2010 I was working for him as the local entertainment coordinator, but now I am writing travel stories and he is organizing fairs. Well, some things do change. He shows me the catwalk and the decoration of the fair. Within 2 days everything has to be done and the wedding fair will begin.
That brings me to the reason of my visit to Calella. I was asked to walk the catwalk with the bridal clothing for the wedding fair. It was the perfect excuse for a visit to Calella.
Say yes to the dress
Aurora and I leave for Mataro, so that I can try the dresses for the runway show. The lady of the boutique tries to dress me in a beautiful wedding dress that is perfect for tiny Spanish ladies, but not for a Dutch girl with wide shoulders. Let’s try something where I don’t have to squeeze my shoulders in, shall we? She brings another dress, which I think is way prettier. Say yes to the dress, cause this one fits!
tapas, tapas and more tapas
It is 9 o’clock in the evening and I have had bought my last sandwich before my flight in the morning. Now I am hungry, thirsty, getting annoying and luckily Aurora notices that. Together with two other colleagues we decide to meet at a bar in Calella.
It has been my first party evening in Calella since a year in and we start of at a local bar, which they call “Maria”, where the owner’s dog is calling for attention on the terrace and where every round of drink comes with tapas. I am happy with the tapas. I love tapas! You can never find better tapas than in Spain. Even if you try a Spanish restaurant in your country with Spanish owners and a Spanish chef, it will still be better in Spain. Maybe the same goes for eating pizza in Italy?
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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[…] to memory lane as I walk through the aisles of the Spanish supermarket and flashed of my life in Calella pass my mind. I get a warm feeling when I see products I used to buy every week but haven’t […]