“It All Started in America.” For me, that’s true. And like all of us living in a foreign country, occasionally I gravitate toward things reminiscent of home. Amazingly, I found just a little bit of that when I arrived here in Salobreña (more on that later).

Another thing that’s true: you can take the girl out of America, but… In SuperSol I was horrified at what was on offer in the California wine section (the word, plonk, comes to mind). But I did smile seeing some familiar brand names, especially Hunt’s All Natural Barbecue Sauce – I was part of the advertising team that launched that brand almost 25 years ago!

And I had already made somewhat of a language adjustment, living in England for five years before coming to Spain (not to mention being married to a Brit – see Salobreña section!). Differences in words, spellings and pronunciation: green fingers vs. green thumb, to-mah-toes, favourites vs. favorites, etc. And I defy anyone to tell me what Fairy Liquid is for, based solely on the packaging! (Check it out.)

While we’re on observations…ever notice how – no matter what country you’re in – the number of hot dogs in the package doesn’t match up with the number of buns on offer? Come on Oscar Mayer…figure it out!

Sadly, one attribute that seems lacking here in Spain is the American ‘can do’ attitude, as evidenced by the myriad of projects ‘approved’ but as yet, not a shovel lifted: La Caleta marina, Las Palmeras golf courses, La Caleta/beach hotels, the Kasbah Shopping Center, the Río Guadalfeo bicycle path, to name a few. Makes you wonder if all the years of political in-fighting has been worth it when you think of the number of people who could have been gainfully employed in these projects’ construction/supporting industries. Not to mention the tourists who might take advantage of this needed infrastructure.

First Lady Michelle Obama’s visit will do wonders for tourism from the USA. Many Americans will not have heard of Granada (the city), let alone Andalucía or (embarrassingly, I add) even Spain. Well done, Michelle for focusing millions of dollars of media attention on this area.

Another upcoming American event of note: golf’s Ryder Cup (USA vs. Europe); this year at Celtic Manor in Wales the first weekend in October. It’s not likely the team will include (still) World # 1 Tiger. Terribly out of form, this event has never been one of Tiger’s favorites: we watched him throughout the 2002 Ryder Cup at The Belfry and his demeanor showed clear displeasure for ‘team’ sports. I, for one, won’t miss the shouts of ‘you da man!’ at every hole.

That ‘little bit of home’ I discovered in Salobreña? Let me preface this by saying my Dad collected antiques – including a working printing press. Apparently, Imprenta Salobrena is one of a handful of Spanish printing establishments authorized to repair old documents, books and manuscripts. Therefore, the need for an ‘old’ printing press along with the requisite lead type fonts used before computers changed everything. Surprisingly to me, Imprenta’s printing press is a mechanized version of the one in our basement! Welcome home!