EthicalDative

Nuria is centered and thoughtful at 21. She studies psychology at university and has widely ranging interests. In the gloom of Santes Creus cathedral she and I contemplated skeptically the riotously decorated altarpiece. I asked her if she was familiar with the Plateresque style. She asked where it had flourished. We agreed that the relative simplicity of the Romanesque style was more to our taste. She used the quarter hour or so to make a small sketch in her pad. Later, she took advantage of another brief pause to sketch in the cloister’s courtyard. At supper she said she wanted to share a reflection with her brother Lluis (18) and me. She proceeded to talk about the uneven distribution of wealth and resources among the world’s peoples. She wants to find some good reading on the topic. Lluis made a comment. Nuria nodded pensively, looking impressed, and said, “There’s much truth in what you say.” Then she recapped and refined his remark about the Earth’s not being able to support the demands being made upon it.

(c) 2018 JMN.

Yesteryear’s recreation. JMN.

The “mas” dates from 1901. It’s a walled compound high in the northern reaches of Reus (Catalonia, Spain). In former times it would have been rural or semi-rural; now it’s an island of serenity in a bustling urban setting: “Mas Querol.” The house with its tower presides over a botanical effusion: plane trees, firs, Holm oaks (encinas), other-kind-of oaks (robles), palms, lemons, oranges, figs, plums, quince, strawberries, and plants yet to be identified.

(Cc) 2018 JMN.

Eduard bosses the well-traveled, 4-wheel drive Audi Quattro over the switchback roads of the Montsant mountains with the commanding zeal of a seasoned rallye enthusiast. One feels G-force as he accelerates into the curves. It’s an experience to be had and to remember as the peaks loom and the valleys plunge. Eduard insists he has never indulged in rallyeing, but his retired Bertone-built, BMW-powered SUV bespeaks a taste for spirited motor cars. My daughter says he picked her up in it for their wedding.

(c) 2018 JMN.

My son-in-law is a medical doctor and practices dentistry. He said the other day that, as a father of three, he has been especially diligent in allowing his children to experience childhood abundantly, letting maturity arrive gradually and in due time, but not under pressure. I had never heard this sentiment expressed in so many words, and it impressed me. The playfulness and affection that flow between him and his kids are apparent. I told him yesterday that I love him like the son I might have had at age 11 (that’s the spread between us).

A joyous tumult reigns frequently in the house. Routine conversations are conducted at high volume, and even small decisions can get much discussion before a negotiated settlement leaves everyone in happy compliance. Bacalao (cod) or rape (monkfish) for dinner? I had heard years ago when arriving in Barcelona for study that the Catalans seemed to argue a lot, but not to worry about it, it was just how they talk. It’s true, and I don’t worry. On the contrary, it’s one of the many things I find delightful here.

(c) 2018 JMN.