Goodbye to Guitar-Man
I finally worked up the courage to talk to my Wednesday morning train guitar-man today. We've worked up a growing rapport in that about a year ago he noticed me watching him on the train and nodding to me as I got on. In the last six months it's gotten to the point of him peeking at me while I'm watching him play. This is followed by a nod when either he or I get off the train.
This morning I waited until it was the stop before his typical one and scooted over to attempt some Spanish (this is quite difficult that early in the morning). We didn't have much of a conversation, but I told him next week was my last week in Spain, I was returning to the States, that I have enjoyed his music, and thanked him. He wished me well, thanked me for the praise, and then got off at his usual stop with a wave and a smile. It was surprisingly emotional, actually. It's very bittersweet to be leaving and knowing I will probably never see him again seems very final. Time to close this chapter. In reality, I am incredibly excited to move on, but there are definitely some parts of this adventure that I will really miss. I'll definitely miss having my own classical Spanish guitar-man to brighten my commute on Wednesday mornings.
Incidentally, his name is José María. That made me grin - couldn't have picked a better old Spanish guitar-man name than that.
This morning I waited until it was the stop before his typical one and scooted over to attempt some Spanish (this is quite difficult that early in the morning). We didn't have much of a conversation, but I told him next week was my last week in Spain, I was returning to the States, that I have enjoyed his music, and thanked him. He wished me well, thanked me for the praise, and then got off at his usual stop with a wave and a smile. It was surprisingly emotional, actually. It's very bittersweet to be leaving and knowing I will probably never see him again seems very final. Time to close this chapter. In reality, I am incredibly excited to move on, but there are definitely some parts of this adventure that I will really miss. I'll definitely miss having my own classical Spanish guitar-man to brighten my commute on Wednesday mornings.
Incidentally, his name is José María. That made me grin - couldn't have picked a better old Spanish guitar-man name than that.