I play guitar, banjo (bluegrass) and a little fiddle. I asked in the
local music shop in Sagunto if there were any classical guitar
teachers around or jamming sessions etc.... I wanted to expand my
finger picking to some flamenco styles, when in Spain........

He told me I needed to go to the Casa de Andalucia where I could get
lessons. So I looked it up on the web

http://www.aytosagunto.es/aplicacion/co ... ALUCIA.HTM

Found the address and went down there last night at 8:00pm. I found a
bar with a large hairy heavily tattooed barkeep (Iron Maiden 'T'
shirt) and about 15 loud Spaniards that immediately fell silent when I
started to speak (ok, yes I am going to the official language school
four hours a week in Sagunto, but hey, I'm not fluent yet!!).

I turned to the small gathering, after introducing myself, and asked
if anyone could speak English. The way they looked at me as I walked
in was enough to say that a foreigner had never been inside this house
of culture, so I didn't hold up much hope. Miracles do happen
occasionally in Spain and lo and behold a sweet young woman (well,
most women are sweet and young to me now!) named Charo piped up and
asked what I wanted.

I explained and she told me that I had to be a member to get lessons
and to come back at 9:30, when the membership secretary would be
there. I walked outside and I heard a loud mumbling behind the door
then Charo came out and invited me back in. I said that I had to find
a cash point because I only had a couple of euros on me, she said that
would be enough. I politely refused saying that I needed to get money
for the membership fees and I told her that I would be back at 9:00.

When I arrived back I was immediately ushered by Charo into a small
back room where I met the Membership Secretary. Charo filled out the
membership for me and I asked about payments and lessons. It was 12
euros to join the society and 3 euros per month membership. The guitar
lessons (2 hours every Tuesday) were to be another 6 euros per month
(yes, per month!). I was told that I should meet the tutor first and I
am doing that tonight at 8:30pm.

I then asked barbear for a beer and a coke (for Charo's help) and also
asked whether he liked Iron Maiden, he replied that he loved Black
Sabbath and Metalica too. As I had seen Black Sabbath (in the 70s) and
have all the Ozzy period LPs and also saw Metalica a couple of years
ago, he said jokingly that I was going to be his best friend. I also
play electric (Gibson SG same as Tony Iomi) and bass, he plays bass
also.

I discovered they also teach flamenco dancing to juniors and adults
and on a Saturday, members take their dinner and sit down at tables
and eat together. After that, there is flamenco guitar and dancing
that anyone can join in.

During the week it's a social club, the two drinks cost 1.35 euros by
the way

So, to round up this little story, venture out ye of little Spanish
language and find the house of culture near you, it may open up all
sorts of doors.

Crystal

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