SCHOOLS OF EMIGRATION

During the first decades of the twentieth century, hundreds of schools were built in Galicia with money sent from Latin America for emigrants. It was a consequence of the commitment and love that they felt por Galicia. Thousands of Galicians that saved and then sent money for the improvement of what they thought the most important need of Galicia: Teaching. Selflessly.

Nowadays most of them keep being used. Many, like this one, are used by Neighborhood Associations, for meetings, cultural or festive activities.

One of the problems that these associations face is the recruitment of young people. It looks like the evolution was from blind solidarity and generosity a century ago towards individualism of young generations.

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

In the song by the Beatles, it is the way “that leads to your door”, but this is a hiking trail. If you begin your hike in Boiro, it is a fifteen-kilometre round trip and mid-way you can reach the summit of a peak called “Castelo de Vitres”. From there you can enjoy the amazing landscapes of ‘Ría de Arousa’.

Perhaps the most beautiful parts of this route are the two last kilometres. The path was built with enormous stones or even rocks over the ground. Its origin can be Roman or medieval, but more important is its stunning, natural beauty.

My favourite time of the day to go up is in the afternoon and descending just before sunset when the villages of the estuary begin to turn on their lights.

Do not delay it any longer. Choose a day and just do it.

THE WAY WE WERE

Up there is the very spot where we first met,

and I do not really think I could be able -nor prepared-

to face my fate.

If I started to climb, my soul would start to descend.

One step upper would mean one step closer to the end.

In these stairs I saw

a woman I cared for.

Now I only watch the rain

sweeping away the best of both.

If you forgave me, I would try:

to be a better person, to be a better man.

Even though, my friends insist on saying:

“Man, you are mad.

You bumped into this girl,

but it was by accident,

it was a mistake.

She doesn’t remember it,

it was no big deal.

Now, stop reading your novels,

your madness is clear”.