Under the solen of Spania

In the last year, my mind has been struggling to find a suitable definition or even a synonym that can capture the feelings my country generates from the distance. Far from going into the best and worst things that Spain can offer, I needed a word that was superior to everything and with which anyone could identify experiences, feed memories and, hopefully, alleviate differences.

Perhaps is pintoresco/a the best combination of characters that achieves to reflect my idea. I have not found a similar word, translation or approximation in another language (at least from the sense I see it). Possibly, because few places in this world deserve to receive such an adjective. And don´t get me wrong, this doesn’t make the land of the Spaniards the best place on earth but it refers to the compendium of contrasts making this such a curious and unique territory.

It is during my motorcycle trips into the country, the rural areas of Navarra and Huesca, where the view of something defined as pintoresco recovers more strength for me. Narrow foces and abrupt sierras of bare limestone; the trot of the engine sounds between the walls of the canyon, the flow of the river accelerates when gaining height and the villages are lost after each curve. In the distance, the bell towers guide the view as they did in the past to inspire the novels of Ernest Hemingway or Benito Pérez Galdós.

Air conditions change constantly along the journey. Faced with the heat of the road and the midday sun, even a shirt becomes too much clothing to withstand the high temperatures of summer. It is necessary to stop at one of the numerous riverbeds that still keep rain from the last storms, finding shelter in the shade under tall elms and poplars.

Gravel roads intersect with the national highways leaving many of them in a reviewable state. In the most secluded spots, Romanesque bridges support the pass wrapped by the same skin of the environment, remaining today as a mere memory of what once was a passage for travelers and locals.

This forces downshifting to a tempo that suits my little bike whose age takes its toll on power. Thus, one acquires the most contemplative vision, observing the change from rocky to open cereal fields and pleasing the spirit with the warm tones of these.

Hidden culture, deep history, weather timeline, landscape sensations… pintoresco. All facts gathered within the definition of a single word that will keep developing in my mind and which will serve as a reminder until the next ride.

Thanks for reading.