Shake That Pig

I seem to be the most liked and least understood person in Avilés, perhaps in all of España. (Unlike that faggy sort of thing in America where I am "misunderstood"....right?)

I ordered a coffee and slipped in some English- and some nearby youth seized upon this. They all knew a bit of English and asked if I was American. When I said "yes" they started asking me all kinds of questions in broken English. It was sweet. There were four or five of them, mostly skater-types. They would point to buttons on my bag and shirt and ask what they meant. It was sorta' funny as I explained The Stooges because I said all of the wrong things for way too long: Detroit, punk rock, 1960's...and, of course, the obvious thing was when I said the singer was Iggy Pop. They all started saying "Iggy Pop! Iggy Pop!" very enthusiastically.
I was asked if I wanted to go somewhere else so I joked that I would like to go to McDonalds. They, of course, WANTED to go to McDonalds so I was left trying to explain that I was trying to be a typical American and that, actually, I hate McDonalds. They all laughed but I guess I am still a little concerned that I seemed like a jerk with that one.
Anyways, I told them I was on my way. I think. The seemed to understand my attempt at a diplomatic suspension of this international meeting.
Sweet kids.


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Currently, I am sitting at Mackay's, the place where I was rescued by MaryLiz.......
I am hungry but everything I am being offered has mysterious meats in it, likely pork. I can't get into it. Maybe when I am really starving.....

I spent a lot of time today just sitting on a park bench, watching people. I was hung-over and feeling bad but I was taken by the people here- just watching them go about their business.
It is amazing to watch so many people, 90% of them or so, walk so slowly and just look around...smile, laugh...so many greetings to so many people. Not a single angry face. I know they're out there..........

It was a beautiful day.
I visited with Joey, briefly. He pretty much stays busy so I feel bad if I stay too long.
It made me think about how he is the kind of guy I might actually avoid visiting with in the States as he is a bigger, older guy...with this almost Brooklyn accent. I think I even visit with him cautiously, figuring that he will be judgmental towards such a weirdo as myself. That is never the case. I watch this guy operate and I am completely charmed by his hard work that absolutely looks and feels fulfilling. It's a beautifully simple existence- working and owning a place like that, but one that just looks and feels good to see in action.
I feel a bit of envy.

I guess I am bored by a lot of people. Myself, even. I think of a lot in my life and home as dull and without proper ambitions...or something. Then, I come here and see such simple lives operating on such a beautifully dignified level...and it strikes me. I guess I know quite well that I need to do more than that to get by so perhaps it's a jealousy. Or something.
I find myself wanting to ask everybody in my life "well, what do you REALLY want to do?" as far as their dreams and such. I couldn't go on without dreams. I can't handle only having a job to occupy 75% of my life and spending the rest of my time trying to stay mentally healthy enough to make sure that I won't lose it.
ANYWAYS..........it's different here. I think. Maybe I am just completely hypnotized by such sweet people that I am overlooking the obvious. They seem to balance professional lives and everything else quite well.

I would probably be bored by most of them if I actually could talk to them.

Dinnertime is wrapping up and I have missed the window AGAIN. I just can't adjust. That's OK. I had a beer that has left me satisfied for the moment. I want to go out some more. It is likely that I missed my MaryLiz nightly connection online but that's OK as I know she needs rest and probably needs to NOT worry about me or feel obligated in any way. She's been so incredibly kind and helpful.

OK. Off into the Spanish night..................