Such a beautifully written piece! I can tell you were inspired when you wrote it. For me, especially significant because I spent about six weeks in Cadiz when I was 19. One side trip to Algeciras. That was all the way back in 1967 (or was it 68?). Six weeks in Andalucia, doing nothing. For someone who was in love with the Spanish language and who chose to study history as an undergraduate...it was a gift that had a profound influence.

As for The Alchemist--I can't believe I haven't read this. It sounds wonderful. I just found the PDF on the Internet Archive. I know what I'm reading tonight.