We received an invitation to a meetup from an old friend of my husband’s who bought a small townhouse with his wife in Almuñecar. It’s just a 10-minute bus ride from our area in La Herradura. After over a decade of not seeing each other, I was excited for my husband to meet old buddies. Their friendship dates back to when they were in their early 20s, but they have not been in touch in the last twenty-five years.
His friend awaited us near the bus station, and my husband immediately recognized him. After exchanging hugs and handshakes, we went to a bar and met his wife. We talked about family matters and the challenge of learning Spanish. We continued to another bar and met acquaintances from England, an old funny transvestite, and more Norwegians. There is a Norwegian community in Almuñecar, and my husband learned that other old friends also live in the area.
Everyone was friendly and welcoming. They talked about anything, especially from the good old days, and in the process, I learned more about my husband. His friends allowed me to see my husband from a different perspective. He was once the leader of the pack and lived a real rock and roll life.
We hopped from one bar to another, and I had a battery of tour guides telling me about the place and its history.
Almuñecar is a vibrant old town with more restaurants, bars, hotels, and places of interest than our more peaceful La Herradura. But it’s only 10 minutes away, so we have the best of both worlds.
It took us until the evening to enjoy the town and bid goodbye to my new friends. I went home thinking that despite the distance and the years gone by, true friendships remain as if nothing changed. I hope to say the same with my friends in the Philippines someday.
