ARTURO

When I was a little boy I used to play with a very good friend, whose name was Arturo. Then we grew up, and we both emigrated. We spent 15 years together around South America, sometimes in the same country, sometimes in different ones. But we always used to keep in touch. Then I had a family, and so did he. I finally decided to come back to Galicia, and he did the same. We shared many happy moments, and some sad ones. I even worked with him in Uruguay. Now we have known many countries, we've met so many people, we've lived so many experiences... but are still the same good friends from childhood. I really think we will mis each other when the first of us decides to leave.

SWEDEN

I've always liked travelling. In fact, I have gone to many countries, and now I can say I now a lot of cultures and people. I remember my trip to Sweden, twenty two years ago. I had to go there because the firm I worked for sent me there. I was the only one who spoke some English (because I had emigrated before) and my boss told me, 'Xenaro, I may get good business in Stockholm, and I need a reliable worker there, to start the relations, make friends, and make a good deal'. AND THAT WAS ME!! I am very open, talkative and sociable. I like speaking to people, having a drink with friends, and learning from new cultures. So there I went. I made a good deal for my boss, and my firm imported some techniques for the woodcraft processes. How did I get it? Well,... one day I went out for dinner with one important businessman; then, another day I invited the manager of one of the factories to have luch in my flat; and the third day I went skiing with the managing staff of another firm. We spoke a lot about business, and work. But we also spoke about food, music, our own countries, ... and life in general. They used to tell me, 'Xenaro, are all Galician people like you?' And I always replied 'Some of the are even better, he he'.

I remember one day I was invited by one of the businessmen to attend the Nobel prize Ceremony. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!! And of course I went. It took place in Stockholm, and I spent one of the most magical days of my life. if you want to know something about the Nobel prizes, click here and visit them. You can also play some games about some of the prizes clicking here.

Now I keep some friends there, in the capital city, Stockholm, and also in some little towns, like Sundsvall or Solleftea.

And, believe it or not, I sometimes miss their friendly cold!!

LEAVING HOME

I was a young man when I had to leave my home, my country, and my family. The war made our lives very difficult, and then I decided to go to America. I remember families crying on the harbour, kids saying goodbye to their fathers and mothers. And then I met a young photographer from Vilano Cape, Manuel Ferrol, who later became very famous, precisely because of his photographs of emigration. You can visit his web page clicking HERE. You will read the texts in Galician, Spanish and even in English, but the most surprising material is on the black and white pictures. Amazing!!

My first love

Her name was Emilia. She was the most beautiful creature in my village. Her smile was the most tender, the nicest, and she had the most beautiful teeth. I discovered I was in love with her when one day I preferred to be with her, better than play football!! I thought that I was mad, or in love, ... or both! They were very, very dificult times, the days of the Spanish Civil War. People killing their neighbours, their friends,... if you want to see some real pictures, click here. It was really horrible, believe me.

My first picture

When my parents took this picture, I was four months old.

There were no cars, no trains, no boats, nothing at all... he he,

I'm kidding!! It was a long time ago, that's true, but not two

centuries ago!

I was a very special baby. They said I was always laughing

and doing funny things. Did you know that I started speaking

at the age of eight months? It's true. And I haven't stopped

up to now.