I've been feeling wonderfully lonely the last few days. The mechanics of it make complete sense: spend time with old friends, make new ones, then say goodbye to all. Always too soon. Never enough time. By instinct one grabs at what has gone, tries to set it back as it was. But it can't be done. I like the way this feels. Knowing what it means, I enjoy watching myself struggle with it.

Becoming acquainted with a new place is a deeply personal experience. Becoming acquainted with a new place in the company of special people is special, too. Unfortunately, for each place only one or the other kind of introduction is possible. Fortunately, this is a big planet.

I leave for Barcelona — alone — tonight.