Greetings Golfers,

I’m writing to you from Barcelona. I’m not much of a world traveler – if I was, my portfolio would be pretty slim. But, I find different cultures really interesting.

We haven’t played golf. This is a family vacation with a tight schedule … golf is not on the agenda.

Yesterday, we were in San Sebastian, and our tour guide told me that the locals love golf. That is Basque country and she was very proud of her Basque heritage. (Look up Basque and RH Negative blood when you need something to liven up your imagination). Our tour was of restaurants. This is the land of tapas … you can go from place to place grabbing a delicious little bite with a glass of beer or wine and make a meal into quite an adventure.

The Spanish are adventurous people. A picture of a 16th century military sea captain is looking at me while I write this. But, they’re not stuck in the past. Madrid is very modern and huge – I think it’s the second largest city in the EU. And my first impressions of Barcelona is that it is even more modern than Madrid. I’m not sure that’s a good thing. I worry that the modern world is becoming too much the same. I hate seeing typical American fast food restaurants and stores over here.

The people are very friendly. There is an innate kindness mixed with naturally good manners. I hope to meet some locals and talk about politics. Certain regions in Spain want to break off and become their own country. Not sure that my family wants to be associated with me if I find such conversations. I don’t get crazy during such talk, but some people get really wound-up and the political becomes personal. I just want to hear their views and learn about what’s going on.

At least I’ve stopped singing songs from “Man of La Mancha” – the play about Don Quixote. I’m not much of a theatre guy, but I love “Man of La Mancha”. How can you not love cornball songs like “To Dream the Impossible Dream”?

Maybe not if you’re traveling with a guy who doesn’t stop singing.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com