I wish you spoke English more like a Spaniard!

February 8, 2012 by Karen

I wish you spoke English more like a Spaniard!

Today we wandered down to Palermo and ventured into a park.  We spotted a gorgeous old man reading his newspaper and Nick approached him asking if he could take his photo.  When Nick told him he was from Australia the man told him to sit down and relax, and then launched into a long story about a friend he had helped to get a visa to Australia about 20 years ago in a mixture of English and Spanish. Two hours later we left knowing practically his life story.  Time very well spent!

Roberts is 87 years old and lives across the road from the park.  He comes to the park every day to get some fresh air and has never been a drinker or a smoker.  His wife Anita from Spain died three years ago of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 86. They met in Argentina in 1943 and were married two years later.  He has two children, a daughter who is a doctor and a son who is always bringing him shirts to wear. Roberto has two grandchildren, 24 and 26.  He spent his working life at the bank of Canada.  This afternoon he was going to go home and do his ironing in front of the television and spend some time playing his piano, which is how he likes to relax. He loves playing Motzart and Chopin as the music reminds him of his wife and connects him to the earth.

Life lessons from Roberto

Illnesses start in your head.  If you suffer a trauma try not to put too much thought into it. Leave it in the past and try to forget about it.

Never miss an opportunity to hug and kiss your partner.  If she offers you water ( like I did to Nick) make sure you offer it to her first and when you hand it back say “Thank you sweetheart!” Otherwise it is a missed opportunity!

Whatever you do, do it with love!

Always turn up to work ten minutes early and leave ten minutes later.  This will help you to make a good impression and let people know you care about your job.

Pay a lot of attention to your relationship as it is the most important thing. Don’t let your eyes wander outside of it.

It is better to be married to an older woman who has more experience than you!

 

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