Letsgoloolala with Lily Anne
Invite to Cullera
On another occasion I travelled beyond Sueca to Cullera by car- this time with Paqui and Vicente. It was a very welcome invitation to their summer home. I was blown away by the idyllic setting. We arrived on a Friday evening and the next day the cooking ritual began early. Vicente Senior was host and chef of the day. The way that Spanish people use their outdoor space is to be seen to be believed. The garage door was open and every utensil that was required seemed close at hand. Meantime Paqui (also known as”‘Spanish Eyes ♪’” ) lay in her lounger with the little beach nearby all to herself. I thought that is marital harmony if ever I saw it. It has taken me a while to realise that Valentian paella is not fish based but made with rabbit and pork. The cooking was done slowly and methodically.
The friends who have holidayed in this complex were included in this spectacular event and I realised what a honour it was to be have been invited on this weekend. One lady in the company had been a student in Dublin and Paqui’s command of English was getting better by the day. In any event I had no problem communicating with this good humoured community of friends. I thought about Vicente and his brother on hearing that the children of these couples had holidayed together since Vicente was a baby. I thought also about young Mila and Oscar and how blissful this environment must be for small children.
As happens, the wine and conversation started to crescendo. After mouth watering anticipation and satisfied palates we began the party pieces. The three men were like a comedy team all of their own making. I had to choose one of them for my party piece and of course it had to be Vicente, with a nod to Paqui that I could borrow her husband as I needed a male focus for my performance.
I Wish
I say ‘Are you the quiet man from Cong?
You say I wish
I say ‘One day I’ll write for you a poem’
You say ‘One day I’ll be a millionaire or more’
I say You wish
You say that you’ve been down that road before
And you don’t wish to go there any more
I love that bridge between the mountain and the stream
And so do I
This is no dream
We’ve both been here before
I say I wish. © Lily Anne
Well after a great evening’s entertainment I got a big hug and kiss and compliment from Vicente Senior – it was a moment of mutual admiration – I, in awe of his gift for hospitality and he in awe of my recital.