Fruit Flies in the Pyrenees: Terry Cassel, Traveling Boy

Terry Cassel: The Pyrenees

Pyrenees mountains tower over the San Mauricio Lake in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, Catalonia, Spain

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Fruit Flies in the Pyrenees
Story by Terry Cassel

t was my turn to drive. The road over the Pyrenees was dangerous, and even though my buddy told me I drove like I had a death wish, we agreed I could handle the little car better than he could. On narrow, unlined, two lane asphalt roads, careening trucks and reckless sedans flew at us around every sharp curve, and I loved every second of it, gripping the wheel of our little rented Spanish Seat like I was taking the checkered flag at Le Mans.

the Valley of Ordessa in the Monte Perdido National Park, Spain
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The Pyrenees are a range of mountains that forms the natural border between Spain and France. It extends for about 305 miles from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea. The tiny country of Andorra is sandwiched in between the main crest of this massive divide. We were on the road that would ascend through a high mountain pass and become Valera d’Oriente. We were headed for Andorra.

The treacherous road rose up to meet us as we climbed ever higher, the Seat groaning and slowing, even with my foot pushing the pedal to the floor. Minutes passed with no oncoming traffic. We relaxed, enjoying the view of scrub pine and hawks, distant snow-covered peaks, and the rocky thousand foot drop-off to our right, just inches from our screeching tires.

Pic du Midi d'Ossau reflected in the lac Gentau, Pyrenees
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Suddenly a small sporty convertible appeared behind us. Two fellows with sunglasses, berets, and scarves waving in the wind, whipped out into the adjacent lane and scooted past us. They tucked back in ahead of us and then brake lights flashed. I hit the brakes and squealed to a crawl as the road flattened out. We rounded a curve. And there it was.

A big flatbed truck, straddling the center of the road, was carrying a load of watermelons. The bright green melons were piled high, and a swarthy young man with long dark hair sat amidst them against a wooden rail behind the truck cab. The sports car tooled to the side of the road, throwing up dust and sand. It crept alongside the truck, scattering rocks down into the steep chasm on the right.

My friend yelled, “Is that idiot trying to pass that truck? The truck driver doesn’t even SEE him!” I was thinking the same thing, but I was now concentrating on keeping my sputtering little car from slipping off the road and down into the great canyon. The dust was swirling and my eyes were beginning to sting.

snow-covered Monte Perdido in the Pyrenees

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

This Eastern part of the Pyrenees is especially wild and barren, with sparse vegetation and giant granite outcroppings. The massive and unworn character of the chain comes from this abundance of granite, which is particularly resistant to erosion, as well as weak glacial development. Remarkably, the Pyrenees are older than the Alps.

We were drifting downhill now, with switchbacks every hundred yards. The dust gave way to tiny bits of gravel. As slow as I was trying to go, my cruising speed still increased. When I looked ahead, I saw the passenger in the sports car was now, inexplicably, standing straight up in his seat facing the truck, waving his arms, and the car and the truck were nearly bumping each other.

The swarthy man in the flat bed was standing knee deep in watermelons, holding a particularly large specimen in his hands. The truck was still in the center of the narrow road, and the little convertible still clung to the edge of the cliff. All at once, the man on the truck tossed the melon into the air.

I recall being told by a friend in Barcelona that mineral springs are abundant in the Pyrenees, especially hot springs. I now wished I could be relaxing in one of those remarkable springs instead of watching a tragedy of mythical proportions unfold before my very eyes. My friend was silent now, eyes wide, his knuckles white as he gripped the dashboard.

It all ended in a split second. The man in the truck tossed the watermelon down to the passenger standing in the convertible as the two vehicles jostled side by side on the narrow mountain road. The driver of the sports car paced the throw perfectly and the large green melon flew in a high arc then landed neatly in the outstretched arms of his companion, who in one swift move sat back down, melon in his lap. In a flash, the convertible disappeared ahead of the watermelon truck and was gone.

I slowed down and let the truck gain ground ahead of us. The dust and gravel settled. We were once again on safe ground, the curves becoming less severe and the road less steep. Signs finally appeared directing us to outposts in Andorra. We had no idea our adventure was only just beginning.

Terry's Feedback

Great article, Terry Cassel. Balanced and articulate. We have until Nov 4 to sift through the glitz and image-making and make a serious choice baaed on the candidates' intelligence, character, experience, and stances on major issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and energy independence. The election will soon be upon us. Let's hope that, between now and then, the debate turns serious.

- Norman, Madison, WI

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Thank you, Norman, and well said.

Let's also hope the campaigns will show some respect to the voters and stop
the incessant dishonest attacks. This time around, let's not allow the hate
speech and fear-mongering dominate the agenda. Americans are growing weary
of being treated like fools.

- Terry

Terry,

Thanks bro, for another illuminating piece. You never cease to surprise me. Especially appreciated the link to Sarah Palin addressing the Wasalia Assembly of God. May everyone I forward it to watch it beginning to end and draw the same conclusions!

Your Boitano Sister, Citizen of the World

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Hello Sister,

Thanks for your "worldly" support. I, too, believe there are definite conclusions most folks will draw upon viewing that video.

- Terry

Hi Terry,

Nice article and refreshing to read such an unbiased view of what could be a visit back to happier and less complicated times of the 1940's and 50's. Back to the cold war period and back alley abortions. At least I'll have less difficulty shooting wolves and moose from a helicopter. My only concern is that when she's making important decisions that will effect the planet, will she know if the little voice inside her head telling her to go to war with Russia, will be God's or just another voice in her head.

Steve, Topanga, CA

Nice article, gives the appearance of impartiality. The fact of the matter is that those who don't think a governor is ready to be vice president, would prefer to elect a community organizer for the higher office of president, whom few can articulate what his accomplishments, if any, really are. I am biased, since Gov Palin and I share a similar alma mater and Christian faith. And I was born in Anchorage, too. What most aren't saying who are opposed to her, is they just don't want a Christian or gun-rights advocate, or pro-life person in office, so they say things like "she has no international foreign
policy experience" when I don't recall the same group complaining about that lack of experience when governor Clinton ran for president. Or governor Reagan for that matter.But we shall see what we shall see. There are obviously different world views animating each party, and I respect that they are sincerely held by both. (I just hope my side wins) :)

Chris, Boise, Idaho

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Thanks, Chris.

You make a good point about the issue of experience, especially in a vice presidential nominee. Voters will define experience in different ways.

I recall the foreign policy inexperience of Govs Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush, Jr. all being debated prior to their elections. But the issue is arguably less relevant for a vice presidential nominee.

Al Gore and Dick Cheney, each with extensive government and foreign policy experience, became powerful and influential vice presidents, ready to step in as president at a moment's notice. There's no reason Gov. Palin must follow that mold. Spiro Agnew and Dan Quayle were nominated, by Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush respectively, simply to shore up a political base. This is a legitimate role. That's all some presidents expect their vice president to do.

Terry

Thank you for wonderfully thoughtful words on Gov Palin, beginning with that quote from T.S. Eliot.You are much more generous toward the lady in question than I am; in fact, generosity is not what I feel I need to muster up to make a decision about her worthiness as a candidate. I think she is a cruel joke played first on women; second, on the Democrats; and third,on this too to gullible country. I wish Karl Rove had remained at home in Texas, retired, but the Republicans could never let a mother lode like that go dormant.Bitter am I? --- guess so --- and will be so disappointed if this country doesn't give obama a chance to shine in its own eyes again as well as the eyes of the rest of the world.

P.S. re my comment on your earlier article, realize it wasn't friendly to wish you a trip to Beirut --- guess I was wishing you could visit the "old" Beirut for me!

Brenda, Richland, WA

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Brenda,

Many folks are unsure about Gov. Palin's readiness for the international stage. This includes quite a few Republicans I speak with as well. It is to be expected, inasmuch as she is virtually unknown outside Alaska and has only begun to be vetted by American voters and the press.

Over the next several weeks, as her handlers allow her to appear more often before the media, we may discover more about her. Meanwhile, the contest between McCain and Obama continues to heat up. Let's hope voters will cut through the lies and personal attacks and concentrate on the serious issues we face.

And, yes, I've never been to Beirut, but I know that at one time it was a safe, vibrant and beautiful cultural center.

Terry

Terry,

Good article. I see what you're saying about the majority of the nation not knowing who she is. Be that as it may, many are turned off by the current candidates whom we DO know. Several of my friends including myself have been disinterested with the campaign. Blame it on the mud slinging and that dirt thrown by the candidates and the media. Palin's surprise entry in the ring has actually revitalized many of us.

So far, depending on who you decide to listen to, her accomplishments in the short term she has been in office is better than that of Obama whose records are good in paper but has lacked substance. She has an approval rating of 80% among her Alaskan constituents which is better than most gevernors. Obama seems to be riding on promises more than accomplishments. Even his colleagues like Sen. Kirk Watson, are at a loss as to what he has really done.

If you are impartial to evangelical Christians, then she is definitely NOT your (wo)man. Here is a clip of her giving glory to God after giving birth to her baby.

At least you know where she stands. Some candidates are more conscious of what people want to hear than what they really believe in.

Here's a link to a blogger with aprehensions similar to yours. Click here.

Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

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Peter,

Thanks for your insights.

The Constitution guides my own biases about the vice presidency. Ultimately, the only stated duty of the vice president, besides being the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, is to step in as president should the president be unable to complete his or her duties as Commander-in-Chief. Any other tasks are assigned by the president as deemed fitting.

It's an issue of governance, yet many presidents choose running mates whom they believe will help them get elected, not help them govern. Of course there are no rules. It's a personal choice.

Selecting a running mate is the first real presidential decision a candidate will make. With Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin as the choices, I believe we have the first clear window into the thought processes, wisdom and judgment of our two candidates for president.

Terry

I liked the article on Palin. It tries to be impartial. Actually, there is much to recommend Palin. For one thing, she has revitalized the Republican party.

My main concern is "CAN SHE BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.? " Common sense tells me, (God Forbid!) that there is a big possibility that McCain may not be able to last his full term if elected. (Age, health) I do not believe Palin is qualified to be president.

Personally, I like McCain, and wouldn't mind if he gets elected. Between Obama and McCain, the citizens of U.S. have a good choice. Let the people speak. Here's the thing. I admire Biden too, and I believe he can easily step into the shoes of the presidency should something happen to Obama. I can't say the same for Palin. And after all, the main role of the VP is to be a stand-in for the presidency.

Henrietta, a US citizen residing in the Philippines

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Henrietta,

I appreciate your remarks. And I agree with you. I believe the country has a clear choice, and a good one, between Sens. McCain and Obama. At this point I also believe we have an even clearer choice between Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden.

Terry

Thanks, Terry, for letting me hop on your shoulders (in my imaginary travel, I'm light as a feather) and wander the streets of Istanbul with you. This mode of travel allows me to smell the smells, see the sites, as you describe, but avoid the crushing heat and humidity!

Most of all I enjoyed the wisdom of Mahir - his wonderfully simple declaration of being a Turk first and then a Muslim; his observation that Americans are children in this world. Only children could elect the biggest bully to its highest office and give him the keys to a closet full of horribly dangerous toys. One can only hope we'll grow up before we blow up.

Please travel to Beirut - another city I've always wanted to 'walk.'

Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Hughes
Richland, WA

I'm struck by how kind and civil the people were to you considering how much hostility (justified) that they have toward our government. It's refreshing to know that if Obama or Clinton becomes President he/she may be able to begin to heal these wounds and hopefully undo the Bush/Cheney damage and that because people of all faiths are good people, the damages don't have to be permanent.

p.s.

You make Istanbul sound like a great destination.

Roger Fallihee
Puyallup, WA

I so had to laugh at your conversation with Ali. Trying to be an open minded American abroad and having a political discussion can be a very frustrating experience. Now matter how open minded we can be, or how many points about our own country we willingly admit, it can be so tough getting others to do the same. They do seem to take any topic (such as the Armenian genocide) and just turn it back to us. "But what about all the bad things the US has done?" Yes, but...I already conceeded that. Can we talk about your country now? As I'm heading for uber-anti American Serbia in 3 weeks I'm going to keep your Istanbul experience in mind.

Ben Liu
Seattle, WA

Stay tuned.