in Spain
Part 1.

My home was located on the slope of Monte de los Almendros , 243 meters above sea level, where the salty scent of the air and the sea breeze mingled with the scent of almond trees. People from 20 different countries lived in my neighborhood, including the then king of Cameroon, whose majestic 63-room palace was located on the hillside below my house, like a throne that ruled over the entire valley.

My neighbors were famous people in their own countries, such as England, USA, Argentina, Canada, Africa, Germany, France. I joined the Monte de los Almendros International Club at the time, where I got to know many retired people. Club members gathered on weekends for cocktail parties, which were always organized in the large houses of different members and were only accessible by invitation. I was always invited, and when I joined the club at that time I was only 31 years old, the youngest member of the club.

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This time was like straight out of a movie, as I got to know many interesting people, such as actors, famous artists and goldsmiths. Unfortunately all the members of this club are now deceased as they were already over 70 years old 29 years ago when I joined the club. But their memories and stories still live on in me and are part of who I am today.

In 1995, my life took an unexpected turn when I attended a Monte de los Almendros club charity event held at the picturesque Hotel Salobrena . This wasn't just any occasion, it was a moment that would change my life. -

My artwork, full of passion and life, was auctioned off. The excitement was palpable as the bids rose and finally, the English couple won the auction. There was a look on their faces that combined admiration and awe - it was a moment I will never forget. -

But what made this moment really meaningful was that the entire amount of the piece was donated to an orphanage. I knew I was part of something that felt good. -

The occasion was memorable, because I had to be the center of the entire international audience. It was scary, but fascinating at the same time. -

After this, I was accepted as a member of the Monte de los Almendros club. It was a moment that cemented my place in this new country I had entered.