Arriving in Aranda de Deuro

The conference was scheduled to take place in a town called Aranda de Duero, about two hours from Madrid. I was arriving in Aranda at 10:00 at night, almost 24 hours after leaving India. I assumed that everyone else would be asleep and that I would simply go to my room, freshen up, grab a light dinner, and have a good night’s sleep. Imagine my surprise when I walked in and found everyone still at dinner. 

There was a rousing welcome in various languages, but the intent was clear—they were happy to see us. Again, I expected a quick dinner, but no one seemed in a hurry to go to bed. Conversation flowed, ideas were tossed around, and discussions took place. Although I was too tired to translate everything being said, I caught bits of it from friendly efforts to include us. The meaning was clear—it was a discussion filled with excitement about the upcoming conference, what it would entail, and the ideas we would share. It was going to be an exciting three days. 

Somehow, my fatigue melted away as I met the friendly, laughing faces. They welcomed me, stumbled over my name, and finally managed to get it right, with some shortening it to Vini. Aranda was wine country, and wine flowed freely across the table. Efforts had been made to ensure vegetarian food was available, and I felt welcomed and happy to be there. 

I didn’t see much of the town when I arrived—just the hotel and a couple of roads with a few modern buildings. I was a little disappointed at first glance because I had mentally assumed it would be a lovely old town rich with history. Everyone was quick to assure me, however, that it was exactly that—the museum hosting the event was in the city centre, and the old town of Aranda, just beyond the little river, was quite beautiful. 

Since I had arrived a day early, I was told I would have enough time to explore the town and rest up before the conference. The conversation was animated, the laughter was genuine, the smiles were welcoming, and the food was abundant. I quickly learned in my few days in Spain that portions were huge and courses were many. If it weren’t for all the walking we did, I was sure I’d return many kilos heavier. 

At last, replete with food, conversation, and the excitement of anticipation, I went to bed, ready to begin my adventure in Aranda de Deuro.