Author Archives: roxanne

Guernica

Guernica is a town located in the Basque area of Spain. This town represents the cruelty of man and yet stands for peace.
On April 26th, 1937 it was Monday market day. The streets were filled with artisans, men, women and children. Then destruction happened. Planes flew overhead dropping bombs and more were coming in low gunning down as many civilians that they could. Everyone dispersed, running for shelter, as they had been practicing during this the Spanish Civil War. Little did they know this was an combined effort approved by Spanish Nationalist leader Francisco Franco and carried out by Hitler and Italian forces. Most of the town was demolished. Numbers of fatalities range from over 1,600 to 300, depending on who you talk to.

Franco’s army would eventually win the civil war in 1939 and he went on to rule over Spain till his death in 1975.
The remaining civilians in Guernica were encouraged to say that they were bombed by “the planes”.
This atrocity was depicted shortly after in the painting by Picasso entitled
“Guernica”. Picasso painted this as his response to this event for the World Expo 1937 in Paris. It would take him alittle over a month to complete it. This black and white painting portrays the anguish of war and the brutality of man and is known as one of his best works. As per Picasso’s request, this painting did not return to Spain until after Franco’s death in 1975. It now can be found on display at the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid. The town Guernica has a replica displayed in their museum which is dedicated to the remembrance of this tragedy and to peace as their response.

Not destroyed were the Assembly Hall and Tree of Life, which to the Basque, represents freedom.

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree” -Martin Luther

It took 60 years, but an apology finally came from Germany. The Franco regime never admitted any wrong doing on their part.

The people of Guernica hope that their tragedy will never be forgotten and the lessons of peace and reconciliation will remain.

A beautiful day in San Sebastian

The sun came up this morning. What I notice is that people are less inhibited here than in America. Ladies of all ages sunbath and swim without tops. Nice that no one here makes a big deal of it. They know how to enjoy life without the many hangups we Americans have. I feel safe. Many people of all ages are out late and there is no feeling of a pick up or dangerous scene late at night. All seem to enjoy eating, socializing and relaxing. The night begins at midnight.

This town has seen much devastation in the past. It has been taken over by many, including Castillian, Napoleanic, and Spanish Nationalist forces. The city has been burned and torn apart numerous times, but still it rises and rebuilds. Now it is known as a resort town and they have festivals throughout the year. We happen to be here during the Semana Grande, a fireworks festival, where every night a different country competes to put on the best show. The 20 minute shows are nothing but amazing.

San Sebastian

In the Basque country of Spain. Reminds me of Hawaii and Petersburg, Alaska. A fishing town with beautiful beaches.

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An area known for their pintxos (tapas).

Jamon, mushroom, pork, pimento, fish, egg, blood sausage and bread. Not much for the vegetarian or vegan.

Their coffee is exquisite… their deserts amazing.

Madrid

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Madrid – first stop. Crowded streets but full of history. Learned more about the atrocities of the human race, but also of the bravery of individuals that never make it into the hitstory books. During the Spanish Civil War, many civilians were killed and many fled to escape death. There were individuals coming from different countries to assist with the children and refugees. Most never to survive. That revives my hope in the human race. Interesting that human beings can be so evil and yet so compassionate and brave at the same time. What causes the wide spectrum?

    First experience with tapas. They love olives and bread… seafood and meat. I will go for the olives, bread and some seafood.