Chapter One: Kindness

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
~Mark Twain


3, 2, 1... Here we go. Each step I took in getting to Spain, I made sure to look at it individually instead of overwhelming myself with the whole trip. As in just getting myself to my plane, going through customs, finding my luggage, taking a taxi to the bus station, figuring out where my hostal was. This list could easily go on and on and on. Having been in Spain now since Monday, my list has grown considerably. But this is not the highlight of my trip.

My highlight far surpasses what I have done. It is who I have met. The people here have guided me. They have helped me. Supported me. Welcomed me. With complete open arms. And with no questions asked.

It has been the patient retired couple in Santander, Spain who first helped me get my bearings straight. Recognizing them from the plane, I ran into them again at the bus station. The husband knew I was on the same flight and when he found out I was going to the same city as he and his wife, they insisted on having coffee with me before catching the bus. Talking over coffee before our bus ride, I immediately felt as if I had known them forever. And when we caught our bus and arrived to our destination, they left me with their number to call them again for coffee.

The next day after getting a cell phone, visiting the foreign office, talking to different banks, buying a few supplies, I was truly exhausted. I could have slept hours on-end after the first day. But did I? No. The phone number that the couple left me kept nagging at me. Call them. Call them. Call them. I gave into the pressure and a good thing too. The anxiety I had been feeling was lifted once I heard José’s voice on the other end. Calling to his wife in the background, he was quickly explaining that they were already on their way to pick me up from my hostal (which turned out to be only five blocks away). The rest of the week was spent having coffee in the afternoon with them and even lunch on my last day in the city.

Without their help or warm welcome, it would have been a lonely time this week. Their constant presence has kept me calm after many glitches with the foreign office. So I have to ask myself. Did this couple have to give my advice about the foreign office? Or about tax refunds in Spain? Or about which tapas to try? Or about transportation? Or about online television shows? Or which stores to avoid? Or? Or? Or? Or? Absolutely not. They did not have to do any of that. But they did. They were kind. Not only because they wanted to be kind but because that is who they are as individuals. With no funny stuff on the side either.

Leaving this morning from that city to my town proved to be more difficult than what I had thought it would be. Leaving them and all of their kindness. But finding myself in Castro urdiales has taught me that kindness never ceases here in Spain. A fellow teacher from my school met me at the bus station, brought me and my luggage to my hostal, swung me by the school to meet some of the staff for a short while, then drove me around town, ate lunch, went to the beach and ended the evening with other friends to have dinner. After today, I now even have a permanent place to stay. A friend of a fellow teacher has offered me to stay with her for the year. After discussing the specifics, we decided on a lower price so long as I teach her English throughout the year. I must say that negotiating is a very good characteristic to have when coming to Spain.

So nearing the end year of this week, I cannot even begin to describe the deep and utter thankfulness that I have. Sure I have seen several beautiful sights. But the most beautiful thing to be shown to me so far on this trip is the kindness that has been bestowed upon me.