photo courtesy of Jonik, own work CC BY-SA3.0
Pegman takes us to the Basque Region, in Navarre this week. Are you inspired to write a 150 word story ? Here’s mine.
IDENTIDAD: INDENTITY
‘Marco – what are we doing ?! This is crazy, posing for the tourist board : come to exotic Goizueta in the Basque Country huh ? What would your Marxist grandfather say, Paulo, if he saw us ?’
‘I think those 1950’s Separatists were misguided to use violence to achieve an Independent Socialist Basque Country’.
‘Marco, what about the police atrocities the regime tried to hide ? Torturing separatists ? It was a barbaric provocation.’
‘Then those dark years of Franco’s dictatorship…..’
‘And finally, Gracias a Dios, we won Basque autonomy, a role in politics, recognition at long last.’
‘Isn’t that worth fighting for Marco ?
‘Yes, on that we agree, we are Basques – a place where we belong, to believe in, our own language and way of life. So the end justifies the means , no ?’
‘Enough of talk and toadstools, Paulo ! Time for a beer.’
September 25, 2018 at 11:18 am
What a troubled history that region has had – and they still argue for an independence that seems far away. Lovely weave of present and past, chat and history
September 25, 2018 at 3:35 pm
Thank you Lynn, I appreciate your feedback. You’re right, they have had a troubled history. I sometimes wonder why that it is so. Don’t know enough about their history to understand.
October 1, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Difficult to be part of a whole and want your own sovereignty when your ‘mother nation’ is unwilling to let you go. I can see both sides, but it inevitably leads to conflict
September 25, 2018 at 12:08 am
Clever and entertaining and funny. You effortlessly wove history, opinions, and humor and served it up in a conversational way!
September 25, 2018 at 11:03 am
I really appreciate you kind feedback Karen, praise indeed. I wasn’t sure if the story worked or not. The toadstool photography was a gift !
September 24, 2018 at 11:13 am
How different things are for today’s young men! It’s good that democratic recognition allows them to live pleasant, peaceful lives. You put that message across very well, Francine, in the way you show them laughing and joking – still serious about Basque identity but free to express it, and free to be politically active. I love your last line, too!
September 24, 2018 at 1:41 pm
I appreciate you feedback Penny – thanks. I was hooked by the amused toadstool photo-shot ! As you say, a bit of a balance against the bleaker political events.
September 24, 2018 at 9:54 am
Separate identity is an emotive issue, world over. Glad they could bury differences and go for a bear.
September 24, 2018 at 1:42 pm
Thank you Abhijit, pleased you liked the story.
September 23, 2018 at 5:26 pm
I agree with Dale. I read about all the wars in that area and decided not to pinpoint one in my story. Too much turmoil in that area for sure. Well done.
September 23, 2018 at 6:36 pm
I appreciate your feedback Alicia. Indeed a challenge to focus on turmoil, I felt it would be good for me to have a go.
September 23, 2018 at 9:07 pm
You did a great job. I love the last line. Perfect happy balance.
September 23, 2018 at 4:47 pm
A wonderfully quirky way to give us a small history lesson of this most interesting area! I enjoyed it, Francine.
September 23, 2018 at 6:37 pm
Thanks so much Dale – pleased you found it enjoyable.