Hello Meltingpot Community,
*sigh* Summertime always makes me think of Spain. Ever since I met el esposo, I’ve associated summer with being in Spain. Our plan as a married couple was to live in the United States, but spend our summers in Spain. We managed to do that until we started having children and our salaries could no longer afford our transatlantic lifestyle as a family of four, then five.
The thing is, even though almost a decade passed before we could make that trip again, I still cannot help but feel that summer is meant to be spent in Spain. The south of Spain in particular. Near the beach. Eating fresh, delicious seafood. Shopping at open-air markets. Taking naps. Wearing sundresses and flip flops. Feeling free.
Covid Canceled Spain
Starting in 2014, we managed to get ourselves back to Europe for the summer. We went again in 2017 and again last summer. Every single time, it was divine. We were supposed to go again this summer as the kick-off for my full-year sabbatical from work, but COVID cancelled those plans.
I am still sad and disappointed that I’m not in Spain, nor am I planning to go to Spain anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean I can’t share with you my past memories and stories of my life and experiences of what it’s like to be a Black woman in Spain. As well as the experiences and stories of others from the past and present.
What is it Like to Be Black in Spain, A Virtual Tour
Enjoy these former posts on the Black experience in Spain.
What is it like to be Black in Spain the audio memoir version. Listen to Parts 1 and 2 from the MAMP podcast for a past and present exploration of what it’s like to be Black in Spain.
What is it like to be Black in Spain according to Sienna Brown, the founder of the organization, Las Morenas De España?
What was it like to be Black in Spain in the 16th Century? Check out this post on the documentary, Gurumbe: Afro-Andalusian Memories.
How about a memoir about being Black in Spain written by me? Yes, Kinky Gazpacho is the story of how my love affair with Spain began.
What is it like to be a Black Flamenco dancer in Spain? A short profile on dancer Yinka Esi Graves.
I hope these posts inspire and inform anyone with the desire to travel and/or move to Spain. Happy Travels!
Peace!
