People We Met.. Mickheal @ Miki

My hubby, Miki and far right is Prisca


Once, we walked and explored Barcelona. We met people, many. Smile exchanged, head nodded sometimes with words, sometimes none. I am the 'shy' one, seldom talk. Not because I hate socializing, yet lack of ability to converse in Castellano (Spanish language). On the other hand, my hubby who looooves to talk and already able to master the language, talked much. And, he also acts as informal translator to me, explaining conversation especially when people are complementing and wishing me all the best for the baby. Why? We seldom met people who can speak English. And my Castellano is still zero.

Then, we met Micheal, a Danish who has been in Barcelona for 28 years. We were at a square and having our picnic. The day was hot. Sitting under a tree while the the wind breezing is heaven. Beside us was an old man, teaching a girl named Prisca to smoothen her guitar chords. Smiles exchanged. And conversation started. He is Micheal.

He told us about life he went through, experienced along the way. Brought by faith to Spain 28 years ago. And for the last 8 years he spent his time in Barcelona. Once a while he returns to his home land, Denmark. In fact, he just came home few months ago to spent 8 months there. Married to a Spanish girl and has a daughter, now he is nourishing the expected remaining 2 years of his life. He is suffering from an illness which only 20 percent of his lungs is functioning. Nothing can be done on that and he is ready. Now what he does is enjoying life, motivating and encouraging people to achieve dreams and fulfilling good deeds. We knew that his life is being documented by a local tv station. We thought it is awesome but for him it is nothing. His life is bigger and livelier than the 2 hour documentary, they should produce a 2-year series. Not a tint of regret detected.

I like the way he talked to us, it was something. Like a father, yet like a friend. He told my husband that he is lucky cause I have the most beautiful smile. (Okay dude, I am not exaggerating here but yes, those are his words. Just let me feel good with myself.) And then his good friend arrived.

Introduced as Toni, he dressed as a rocker from GNR era. An old timer, but young at heart. He did not speak English, and later both my love and Miki (that's how the Spanish version of Micheal) were translating for me. (Poor me, I should learn quicker, I tried to but I am not lucky with language). Another life experience. Toni also agreed that to know Miki, it would take more than 2 years of story telling. So much experience. But there was this remark that I could not forget. And my husband too. Extension of Miki's wise words.

Toni : Es tu mujer? (This is your wife?)
My Hubby: Si, mi mujer ( Yes my wife)
Toni: Es tu bebe? (Your baby?)
My hubby: Si (Yes)
Toni: Este cosa, por eso, no hay palabras para explicarlo. Nada. Nada palabra.Es maravilloso. Es un diamante. (If that so, no words able to explain the thing. It is marvelous. A diamond)

If we look on the surface it is just a complement. But the rest of the conversation is advising us to appreciate each other. There is nothing can replace relationship between husband and wife, parents and children. Valuable!

Miki and his wife were separated long time ago, but one of the reason he still in Spain is his daughter. Plus, loving the place made him feels better.

It has been 2 weeks from the day we met Miki. I don't know what his present condition. But one thing for sure, when we are going to have a good time in Barcelona, I will ask my hubby to visit him as he is a regular at the square. Again.