If this had taken place in the U.S., rather than Spain, I imagine the group of 30 would probably have had an "organizer" who'd have arranged a catered buffet. They would have hired a band, or at least a DJ, because what's a party without dancing? And to make sure we all remember each others' names, we'd have name-tags set out in alphabetical order on a table with a white tablecloth in the entrance room, and one of the 30 would have volunteered to greet the guests and help them find their name tag.
The more low-key Spanish don't do this kind of thing. They can't compete with us in the world of production and marketing. They decide on a restaurant, and make sure everyone has the address. At the end of the night, there's no one to congratulate on the fine party. They've simply shared a dinner with friends from the past.
I'm sure that somewhere in Spain someone has catered a get-together of school buddies, and made a big production out of it. But in general, it's not their type of thing. It's our type of thing.
This post made me laugh Jon...and that's always welcome. Evidently we old classmates in Texas are about as laid back as they are in Spain.
ReplyDeleteMy last class reunion was our 55th. We have one every five years.It used to be in our high school gymnasium but when that got to be too much trouble to set up and clean up we started having it at a local landmark Barbecue Cafe that's been there since before we graduated.
We all chip in $10.00 a person and spouses and partners are welcome. That covers the catered meal, sweet tea, and the "party" room that is furnished with old wooden picnic tables garnished with red and white checkered plastic table covers.
We have a blast catching up and reminiscing about "the good ole days." It's not about anything but old friendships renewed and why it's always so much fun for those of us left, some who travel from out of state just to be there ...:)
It sounds nice Anna. :)
ReplyDeleteYes Jon that's why the ad says "Texas its a whole 'nuther country" like Spain? :)
ReplyDeleteTrue, Persepolisse. Anna, maybe you can see if there's any interest out there for adding "....like Spain" to the end of that phrase.
ReplyDeleteWell Jon and Perse...seeing as how there is a whole lot of Spanish spoken in Tejas, that might not be a problem...HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D
ReplyDelete:)!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everybody!
ReplyDeleteSounds like they just keep it casual. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteha! I missed the Spanish connection I'm so slow :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Jon!
ReplyDeleteThis post is a great reminder that very little is required for old friends and aligned folk to get together. Sometimes traditions keep us so bound to doing things a certain way, that we postpone the natural and organic flow of fellowship and interaction among friends.
It's perfectly okay to put some planning into events, etc, but it's even more important to just make the time for the interaction, even without the name tags and DJ. :)
Be Well!
Nicely said, SomerEmpress.
ReplyDeleteYes Perse...I live on the outskirts of San Antonio, named after a saint, founded by Spanish missionary's, who came to convert the native Apache's. They built five missions a mile or less apart on our famous little river that winds through town, also named after that saint. They remain our city's most famous and visited historical monuments.
ReplyDeleteI live on a street that has a Spanish name that means, "Ride Texas"...and I certainly have.
The Spaniards also had a huge influence on Mexico and we had to fight a bloody war with them that began in one of those missions to gain our independence. So don't blame us for our "laid back" attitude. We darn sure earned it! ;)
This post brings to mind American middle and upper class neighborhoods.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when all the kids played outside. Sand lot games. Hopscotch in the neighbors driveway or on a quiet street. Homemade cookies or popsicles at a neighbor's home.
Sadly, now...it seems...that all activities are 'organized.'
Except in 'lower' class neighborhoods. There I still observe kids outside imagineering play.
I wonder how this will affect our culture, or how much it already has....
It's interesting OnePerson. When I hear friends who grew up in small towns (not the suburbs) talk about the informal way the kids would interact on the street, it sounds really nice. I grew up in the suburbs with organized activities, and houses too far apart for kids to stroll outside and see another kid sitting on a door step.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Jon!
ReplyDelete