Durango Fair, first day of this year. I've put on the most beautiful clothes, I've flushed the colony and put my hands in my pocket just in case. On the left, the list of the previous day that says: one, the list of books I want to buy; two, the list of salmon that must be avoided to avoid buying too many books (Katakrak, Igela… you know). On the right, the wallet, boil, willing to spend the money saved for months. I breathe deeply and participate in Durango.
I've come outside the fair and I've seen a long line of amateurs. Some singer, of course, I thought about it. We would be saved if our writers created these lines. Maybe they're not as beautiful as our singers, it's occurred to me. Well, if you think about it, Cano, Jaio, Kirmen, Alberdi -- it won't be because we don't have candidates. We have Sarrionandia, a rock star in Basque literature, with a row of fans. However, Basque literature may lack some cursed writer, all are so correct, so clear. Where is our reactionary Houellebecq? Where is our Zizek curious? And our corrupted J.K. Rowling? Oh, Mirande, if at least you will be!
I've come outside the fair and I've seen a long line of amateurs. Some singer, of course, I thought about it. We would be saved if our writers created these lines.
Once inside, I have walked through this valley, walking side by side, trying to accommodate lovers of Basque culture. Although it costs me, I think I have managed to enjoy. As a first step, I've gone to the Igela editorial counter to make sure it's still alive. Lasai, Basque Country, remains the same. Then I went to the post of the Association of Basque Writers and I met the magazine Hegats (the next day I will try to buy the magazine Elkar, but I cannot, because one person has booked the last four issues for themselves. Dirty selfish! ). I kept walking and found my childhood friend, what and across the table: He's a singer and a musician! After I say goodbye with joy and pride, I have approached the stand of ARGIA magazine. They don't have the t-shirt I want to buy and I haven't been given back the pen I've left them "just for a moment." Shit! Not so happy this time, but I kept walking and I approached Jon Maia to thank him that my dear Silvio could sing in Basque. That is fantasy! Finally, I went to the customer’s point and complained that there is no Basque columnist counter. Imagining Galarraga, Enbeita, Aristi, Apaolaza, Etxarte…?
On the train back home I have a sudden fall in love. I've seen a pretty girl reading in the middle of a whirlwind full of loud interviews and mobiles. Don't believe, it's broken my heart right away, because I was reading in Spanish. It's taken me the vibration of the train. I decided to close my eyes to Bilbao.
Danel Abando Olabarri, Professor