In Honor Of Halloween

I will never forget October 1984, in grade school music class we were singing the Name Game. I think the teacher wanted a change from the Hokey Pokey. When it came to me, I said ,"In honor of Halloween, let's try Witch." Witch, witch, bo.... The class started naively singing, not realizing the linguistic cliff I was leading them over until the B word came flying fortissimo from the mouths of thirty 12 year olds. The class was immediately silent with the exception of some derisive "ooooh!"s. The class stared at me scornfully. I lied and said I had no idea that would happen, and got sent out into the hall where I practiced the backspin until Music was over. At least I didn't suggest the word "duck."

Basque Country

The word Basque was not in my vocabulary until one day in Bruxelles I walked by a parade of Basques who were handing out tickets. A woman handed me a ticket:

I didn't even know what the ticket meant at the time, I was just being my normal self, and collecting about anything and everything that could be a reminiscent souvenir of my trip. I was intrigued by the language that I could not identify, and the cool looking flag. I had no choice but to ask questions, and seek answers. I would later find out the ticket means "Freedom for the Basque Country." I am still not sure of the pronunciation.

I researched the issue, and found out the Basques are located mainly in eastern Spain, also western France. Their language is Basque. The town made famous by Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises, San Sebastian, is Basque. The famous game of Pelota is Basque.

A cycling team of my beloved Tour de France, Euskaltel-Euskadi is Basque with its star courer, Iban Mayo.
Its funny how once you learn of something you start to see it everywhere. I started to hear many stories on the news about the Basques. The news often labeled them as terrorists. It seems there have been many bombs planted by Basque separatists. The "terrorists"usually called in the bombs to make sure no one was in the area of the explosion.

I can see how the Spanish government would be quick to label the Basques as terrorists. I can see how the Basques in despair might erroneously think violence is the only way to get what they want. I am not passing judgment on any group, I am just thankful for the Basque woman that handed me the piece of paper, and opened my eyes to a new culture.