I brought three books with me: El Hobbit, a Spanish to English dictionary, and The Long Earth. The theory being that I could practice my Spanish on something that should be relatively easy (since it was written for children), but I also know very well – the familiarity helps a great deal.

The Long Earth was recommended by a work friend on the grounds that I love Terry Pratchett, and this is he (plus a chappie called Stephen Baxter) – albeit very different from The Discworld. So far, the only thing that The Long Earth has done is added weight to my luggage.

I’ve been visiting charity shops in the UK looking for children’s books in Spanish, thinking that anything written for children must be easier to comprehend than any adult topic. I’ve not had much success.

I had bought Short Stories in Spanish, written by a language teacher for intermediate ability. I was most of the way through the second book when I came on holiday, but I didn’t bring it with me: El Hobbit is to be my holiday read!

It did occur to me that Spain might actually be the best place to buy books written in Spanish! – and Barcelona had quite a number of proper bookshops. Several comic bookstores. And a gay bookstore. I visited a few normal and comic bookshops, and the gay shop.

And I’ve bought books!

And made my bags even heavier!

The first was a John Williams Anthology: I think I will go back to the piano when I get home. I feel ready for it. The piano has been waiting patiently in its special place in the front window waiting for me to find making music again after the loss of my musical urges following my husband leaving.

There were a number of his pieces in there that I love, several Star Wars (of course), a couple of Harry Potter, and the theme from Schindler’s List – an immensely powerful theme.

Sodamitas, Vagas y Maleantes is a history of homosexually and queerness in Spain and the Spanish speaking world. I thought it might be a fun one to “review” for my blog!

Amore is a contemporary LGBTQ+ romantic tragicomedy by Catalan author Pablo Wessling. The story, set in Barcelona, follows a fellow nicknamed “Amore” as he navigates a messy breakup, fresh friendships, and unexpected feelings for one of his newfound best mates. I really hope that I’ve not made a mistake and bought a book in Catalan Spanish!

Orlando is a novel by Virginia Woolf. This one is a DVD. I am not clear whether this is Spanish dubbed, but the lead in the film is Tilda Swinton (who’s Scottish). I don’t mind either way really which language it’s in really, although the box has Spanish labelling.

Finally El Imperio Contra Ataca. If you can’t guess what that’s about, well, we can no longer be friends!

Yo soy tu padre!

Noooo!