Liberty and Lace

To lunch in Arenys de Mar with our friends Rosa and Juan Bibolas. Arenys de Mar lies about 40 km north of Barcelona.

Joan is an engineer, a teacher, a poet, a writer, an historian and an ardent Catalan nationalist. He is now 80 but despite physically weakening, his mind is as sharp and incisive as ever. He is a source of information on everything from silk weaving to Catalan castles and cathedrals and one of the most captivating and intelligent conversationalists I know.

He speaks English, which he taught himself by listening to the radio, he even now teaches it to children and adults. He has Parkinsons but laughs it off and views it as a benefit because it slows him down, the only annoyance he says is that he keeps falling over.

Joan was instrumental in organising my wedding in the church in Arenys De Mar, and spoke movingly and affectionately at the service.

We had a lovely afternoon, comparing Scotland and Catalonia and placing small wagers on who will gain independence first. We have arranged to meet on whatever day comes first to crack a bottle of cava and celebrate.

On the way back to collect our car, I noticed that six of the ladies of the town had set up outside the town hall and were making lace. Arenys de Mar is famous for it's hand made lace and actually has a museum dedicated to lace. It is fascinating to watch the bobbins being thrown back and forward in a pattern marked out by pins. So intricate and so skilful. If I lived closer I would be tempted to ask if I could join a class. What an unusual skill to have under your belt!