My Introduction to Spain

I first arrived in Rota, Spain in February 1989. I was a Marine who had been given orders to serve in the Marine Corps Security Forces in Rota, Spain. I was asleep on our overnight flight when we began our descent into Rota. I woke up and looked outside. I was surprised to see that it was morning and the sun was up. When we landed and stepped out of the airplane, I couldn't believe what I saw. I had imagined that Spain was a dusty prairie, kind of like the old west. I expected to see villagers in plain clothes and cattle walking around. Instead what I saw was Palm trees, blue skies and green grass. It was absolutely beautiful!

Fast forward to a week later, when I was allowed to leave the base for the first time. It was evening, and as I left the base, I was keenly aware of the differences from my Northwest upbringing. The air was relatively warm and humid. There were people all around speaking Spanish, which to me sounded like a bunch of jibberish. It was really strange to me, but I was so curious to see what Spain was really like, that I pressed on and continued my walk into town. I wanted to find the Hard Rock Cafe, because some of the other Marines had told me that they hung out there, but I had no idea how to get there. I walked blindly through the twisting and turning small cobblestone streets, with no idea where I was, but I didn't care. I was enjoying just watching people and comparing the similarities and differences between them and what I was used to. I eventually did find the Hard Rock Cafe, but what I remember most about that day, was my walk through the streets.

I soon met a Spanish girl and we began to date. She taught me some Spanish and she spoke English, so we were able to communicate. She introduced me to her family and friends, which gave me an even greater insight into the culture of the Spanish people. What I found out was that there were far more similarities between us than differences. I was married to that girl 18 months later in a beautiful Spanish Wedding with friends and family. I still look back at pictures of that day and marvel at the beauty of Rota, as well as my wife.

When I go back to Spain to visit our family, I love to go for walks on the tile boardwalk along the white sandy beach. I love to eat Tapas at my Father-in-law's restaurant, Bar Pepe Bayllo, with family and friends. My brother-in-law is more of a night person, and he loves to hit the clubs for a night of dancing and listening to music. There are several of these in town, many along the beach area. From March to October, the water is warm and the swimming wonderful. You can go anytime of year, but the water is a little colder in January. I like to work out with weights, so I go to Gymnasio Natura Sport and ask for Fali.

I have been around other areas of Spain, and they are all great, but for me, Rota is my second home. I love the small community, the friendly people, the food and the weather. I can't wait to go back next year!

Aaron Anderton
Southern Spain Trips
www.southernspaintrips.com

Aaron was stationed in Spain for 2 and a half years with the Marine Corps. Later he lived there and worked in a restaurant for 6 months. Aaron still goes back to visit family every other year. He speaks fluent Spanish and thinks of Rota as his second home.