24 Comments
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Lisa Rizzo's avatar

That sounds like a great place for a personal writing retreat!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

It does doesn't it? After our conversation the other day, it seems like a fine idea.

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Evelyn Landry's avatar

I love reading these snippets every week. Always something interesting to learn !

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Thank you so much, Evie. That's the nicest thing you could ever say! Just what I want to hear.

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Martha Osowski's avatar

Fascinating as always! I love the Garcia Lorca quotation, and agree that a writing retreat there would be just the ticket. With the possibility of an occasional glass of Albariño to spur additional inspiration?

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Yes, a glass of Albariño would surely loosen me up to write more fluidly. Might need a few more revisions than usual though.

Thanks for reading and commenting! :)

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Joseph Dwyer's avatar

Sounds like a good day trip from Madrid!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

It was! And so easy to get there now that I know from which platform the bus leaves and how many Euros in coins to pay the bus driver. I'd definitely go back to wander around and try to be inspired.

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Margo Warren's avatar

God how I loved Don Quixote, only read it a few years ago. Thank you so much for exploring his history.

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Well, Margo, I now need to read it since I've gone on about Cervantes. I'll read it in English though. Glad you enjoyed the post.

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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

Wonderful description of trying to find Cervantes and other inspiration in a new town. I agree with the idea for a writing retreat there, loosened up with Albariño. At least the wine would help with that pesky first draft! :)

And a lovely author page too!!! Congrats on getting that launched!

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BIBIANA's avatar

Que bueno aprovechar los viajes cortos para sumirse en el mundo literario ademas de q tus aventuras y leerlas resulta ser fascinante

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Jayne Marshall's avatar

What a coincidence, Andrea! I have done three writing retreats at that very same Parador! Self-directed, but always very fruitful. I even spoke to the manager about them offering a formal package for writers, given the city's pedigree. But he wasn't as keen as you and I. Either on writing, or organising retreats!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Proof!! Your are proof that staying in the parador and tracking the literary greats around town turn one into a fine writer with a wonderful and true voice. Now I'm going to have to do it. The manager isn't going to organize retreats there but we can :) Socia!!

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Jayne Marshall's avatar

Ohhh, thank you Andrea! You made my day with those lovely comments about my writing ❤️ I’m 100% into this retreat idea! Let’s put it on the agenda for our next meeting! And in the meantime, I fully recommend taking yourself off there for a weekend. I used to take advantage of their 3 nights for the price of 2 offer, which includes a huge and delicious breakfast!

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Tim Little's avatar

I have never read Don Quixote, and you motivate me to address this. If you can recommend a particular English translation, please let me know!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Frankly, Tim, I've never read it either but now I feel I must. How can I not? Don't wait for me to make any suggestions about a translation though :)

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Jolene Handy's avatar

Beautiful piece and I love the quote at the end!

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Thank you, Jolene. It is a good one to remember in case I ever try to trick myself into thinking that inspiration will just come. Looking forward to discussing inspiration and so much more with you on Friday in person! Can't wait.

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Jolene Handy's avatar

Yes!

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Marjie Alonso's avatar

Your website looks great! Check out my grandfather Amado’s reading of Don Quixote some time.

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Thanks, Marjie! Where can I find Grandfather Amado's reading of it? When was that? What's the story?

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Karin Thomas's avatar

Looking forward to more of your informative and well-written journeys and discoveries

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Andrea Eschen's avatar

Thank you kindly, Karin. Much appreciated. I hope there are more to write about :)

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