Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A Little Spanish Girl and Grand Theft Auto !

Back in October I wrote a post about my childhood A Little Spanish Girl and a Tall Tree. It's about being born in a small village in Spain, living in an orphanage and being adopted and brought to the US.
Well, it was a small village...I haven't been back in 30 years or so...
Imagine my shock when I was surfing Youtube and found this video, of my little town, Ayamonte. It's in Andalucia, the southern part of Spain on the border of Portugal.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs32Dy5Yeqk

I couldn't believe that it had been chosen for a Playstation game called Grand Theft Auto!
Well, anyway...it gave me a quick peek in to what it looks like today.


I still recall going to that palm tree lined park with the mosaic benches when I was 5 to look at the processions during Semana Santa, which is Holy Week during Easter. It reallly took me back to my roots!

This is one of the many processions of Holy Week.

I had been searching the 'net for a picture of the orphanage that I lived in from the age of 4 to 6 and this picture below claims to be the door to the Casa Cuna, as it was called. Below is a picture of the little chapel that we were taken to every morning to pray by the nuns.This is what it looks like on the inside.
Ayamonte is on the border of Portugal and when I lived there you had to take a ferry to cross the Guadiana River to get to the other side. About 8 years ago, a bridge was built to make that commute easier.

So, there you have it.... who would have believed it?!? I found a bit of my heritage in a Playstation video?!?


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19 comments:

  1. AliceJanuary 22, 2009 at 9:58 PM

    This is amazing, the first time I actually heard someone saying they found their heritage from a video game! thanks for the lovely story and photos!

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  2. The MuseJanuary 22, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    Well how about that? Tis true this world we live in today grows smaller!

    Beautiful imagery, thank you :)

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  3. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJanuary 22, 2009 at 10:47 PM

    Oh Rose, it looks like a beautiful place. And what an amazing way to come across this. I had a similar experience when I went with my daughter-in-law to take my granddaughter to a hospital in Little Rock recently. As we were walking down the hallway, I saw some very old, framed photos on the wall, and I stopped in my tracks because of the familiarity of the children sitting on steps outside the building. The next picture was a large room with baby beds, and it also looked familiar. I began reading the captions under the pictures and learned that the hospital had originally been an orphanage! I knew I was adopted from an orphanage in L.R., but I had no idea that the Children's Hospital had begun as an orphanage. It was a very srange feeling, but I felt so glad that I had actually recognized something! I'm always amazed at how my path and yours seem to sometimes be so similar. laurie

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  4. tamJanuary 22, 2009 at 10:51 PM

    WoW! Thats pretty darn cool! How fun for you! I am glad you got to have that experience! ~Smiles~Tam!

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  5. UnknownJanuary 23, 2009 at 3:55 AM

    What a beautiful place. And the church. How great for you for finding a part of your past . Even if it was on a video game. mishelle

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  6. JustineJanuary 23, 2009 at 10:12 AM

    Wow Rose, this is just amazing! First, your home village being picked for a Playstation game (and I've heard it's quite the doozy), but then to be brought back to all your memories because of it... Well, that's just too cool! The village looks absolutely beautiful, and I say it's time you take a trip back there.
    Can we see a picture of you? I hate making friends and not seeing what they look like... one of my little "things". You could even just email me a pic if you're not hip on blogging your face. :o )

    Justine :o )

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 at 11:46 AM

    That is amazing.And you know Rose,It looks like to advertise it they would've showed stealing cars instead of such beauty,huh?...Ann

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  8. Chari at Happy To DesignJanuary 23, 2009 at 11:47 AM

    Good Mornin' Rose...

    Just stopping by with a big ol' hug and a smooch, Girlfriend!!!

    Wow...what a lovely town...your hometown!!! It's so funny that they used it for the Grand Theft video game...that's awesome! My honey and I have been to a few countries in Europe and we've often talked about our next trip would be to Spain and Portugal...it looks fabulous...so peaceful and quaint!!! Do you ever plan on going back for a visit?

    Well my friend, have a wonderful weekend...it was so good to see you post!
    Love ya,
    Chari

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  9. HelenJanuary 23, 2009 at 11:53 AM

    What a thoroughly charming bit of history - yours - which makes it so special!

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  10. TardevilJanuary 23, 2009 at 3:28 PM

    Isn't that wild? The scenery is beautiful. I can imagine why you wouldn't want to leave. To the collecting thing...I think when we don't have much to start with, we take care of what we do have/value things more, and are sentimental about it. Just my opinion, but I think you're probably right. Glad you're BACK! Are you planning a trip over there to see it again in person? P.S. Would love to see your angel collection!

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  11. BoJanuary 23, 2009 at 5:00 PM

    Oh Rose...reading this story made chills on my arms! I do remember the story of you climbing the tree to try & see your homeland...This is such a remarkable way to reconnect with your past as a child. Big hugs, ;-) Bo

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  12. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)January 23, 2009 at 11:16 PM

    Rose, this is incredibly beautiful. Proves again how wonderful the internet can be. I'll have to look on the game when the little man comes tomorrow.. He plays it often.. I hope you're have a super evening. hugs ~lynne~

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  13. imjacobsmomJanuary 24, 2009 at 11:42 AM

    Now that was an interesting way to have a blast from the past. What a juxtaposition to have your beautiful little town as a backdrop to that game. I'll have to have Jacob (yes, I hate to admit I let my kid play it - I caved) dig that out and drive me around that scene. ~ Robyn

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  14. PicketJanuary 24, 2009 at 7:38 PM

    Hey girl...what an amazing story..how unique is that! I couldn't imagine your emotions looking back like that my friend...it is a beautiful place though...hope you are having a great weekend!

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  15. SalmagundiJanuary 24, 2009 at 7:57 PM

    How thrilling for you!! Thanks for sharing it with us. It is a beautiful town. Have a great weekend. Sally

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  16. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)January 24, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    Rose my friend, Just showed my grandson the video and your pictures.. he thought that was just the coolest. I told him he could tell his Mommy he officially had a history lesson this w/k.. hope you're having a good one.
    hugs ~lynne~

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  17. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaJanuary 25, 2009 at 11:44 AM

    GM Rose...girl what our the odds of this?? lets do Vegas now...WOW!! how cool looking this this town..This is just another one of your amazing life stories Rose..Do you think you'll ever go back?? This was wonderful girl..thanks so much for sharing..and for coming by...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  18. CharleneJanuary 26, 2009 at 12:31 PM

    What a wonderful post! Imagine finding it in a game. Shows how the world really is a small place. What a beautiful story you have to tell about another country & your life there. Hope they were good memories. The chapel is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. And also, thank you for stopping by to see me & fill me in on the mechanics of getting the fairygod mother into your post. I have sooooooooooooo much to learn. I appreciate such kind, sharing teachers as yourself. Have a blessed day.

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  19. Personalized Sketches and SentimentsSeptember 4, 2009 at 2:37 PM

    Oh! The photos of this place is truly gorgeous!

    I really need to stop reading your past posts and get back to catch up on things around the house...but...

    first I'll be reading your story you mentioned in your comment on my post!

    Blessings & Aloha!

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