Sunday, November 06, 2005

It's amazing how music can transport you to another time. Is there anything else that can resurrect the senses so poignantly?

As I was comparing prices of something mundane in the grocery store the other day, I suddenly became still. I tilted my ear towards the words barely audible above the bustle of the store, "dancing in the moonlight, everybody feeling warm and bright, it's such a fine and natural sight..."

I could instantly remember the feel of those days. I was struck with how clearly I could see that narrow cobblestone street, hear the sounds of the Flamenco teacher yelling in Spanish and the feverish taps of the dancers in the studio next to my apartment.

The regret, excitement and seduction of that time in Spain was flowing into my ears. Flashes of my friends and I dancing next to the river that runs through Seville. The air-warm and moist. Shimmering, gold light reflecting off the water. The open-air dirt dance floor wide open as 1am was still too early to dance. This song playing as I dance alone with a drink in my hand, my friends laughing.

Then I'm walking down that narrow alley thinking about him. I'm confused. I'm distracted... And this song whiffs through an open window serving as a short soundtrack as I walk anxious, giddy and then turn the corner.

It's remarkable how a song can instantly bring you back. But then you shake off the moment and walk to the check out.