The end of a night in Salamanca. Must be one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Ciudad Dorada (the golden city) because of the gold hue of the stone used in the construction of its buildings.

I should have left that little bar much earlier though.

Thank you, companero, for staying while I talked and discovered and wondered. And then thought I was discovering. And then thought I was a special discoverer. With my limited Spanish which, after a few Hierbas and a toast to Espana and Australia, was as off kilter as my moving is this morning.

But it was wonderful while it lasted; talk of Salamanca and it’s history and of Spain and her many wars. Then – toreadors, and this barman is a famous Toreador.

We spoke for a while and he showed me the book written about him; the barman. We spoke of lots of things while I was quite sober: Family. Spain. Toreador. Franco ( as usual not a great topic to introduce ).

He poured us another of the white liquor. I’m really conversing now, getting into Spanish life with a local Ex Toreador/barman. I’m not just a tourist.

Probably time to leave.

But then his friends come in, and the man who helped the Toreador write about his life. The tall happy guys gather around the small bar, they obviously admire him. And lots of talk. By then I was so pleased to be in this circle of friends

A red champagne looking drink appeared in front of us. Salud! Hey you’ve got to raise your glasses. So I raised my glass to our mutual countries.

Ignored the signalling from outside this cheery circle. I like being here, I’m having fun, and I am fun. I thought.

Ducked beneath the bar counter for a photo op with the poor guy who was stuck talking to me.

Maybe time to go ? But it’s just getting so interesting . …..I’m fine, really.

Well ………. Hasta proximo ano. Hasta luego.

I’ve had a great night with such lovely people, and I’m back next year . With even better Spanish. But no Hierbas. Certainly not the white one !