Presenting the Book at the Castle

The Welcome to Rota book is gaining local recognition and attention! During the editing process, I received assistance from Marijo Resinas Verano from the Welcome to Rota Office (pictured on the right). She helped me edit the Spanish culture and food sections of the book, and provided tons of insight into local recipes, store locations, and Spanish laws.
I had always planned to call my book "Welcome to Rota," but while I was writing my draft, a tourism office opened outside the base gate with that same name. Before publishing, I contacted them to make sure there was no copyright infringement if I used that title. Approval went all the way up to the office of the Mayor. Not only did she approve the title, but she invited me to come to the Castle (Rota's Town Hall is a 15th Century castle) and present the book to her staff.

A few weeks ago, I had a private meeting with several of the Mayor's Delegates:
Senora Auxiliadora Izquierdo, delegate to Office of Education and Institutional Relations,
Senora Marijo Resinas Verano from the Welcome to Rota Office, and
Senor Jose Luis Luna, official delegate to the Office of Tourism. They met to ask me about the book and determine my purpose for writing and publishing. Once they realized the book helps Americans get involved in local activities by explaining the culture, naming stores and restaurants, and providing travel info, they were excited for me to share it with as many people as possible.


So today, February 10, I was invited back to the Castle for a public presentation of the book. This was open to the public, so both Americans and Spanish attended the event. I did a brief introduction in Spanish (not perfect, but they literally applauded my efforts!) and then read some selections from the book. Marijo (her real name is Marie José) sat next to me and translated.






From the cultural section, I read a description of Carnaval, which is the week-long celebration equivalent to Mardi Gras. It begins this weekend, so I thought it was fitting. From the food section, I read a description of local fish-- how to buy them, cook them, and serve them. And from the travel section, I read my description of a walking tour of Rota, recommended to every newcomer. As you can see, it was a very animated and fun reading!


 


The Town Hall Staff was so excited that an American undertook the project of sharing the Spanish culture and local knowledge with other Americans. The purpose of the book is to help Americans make the most of their time here, and to smooth the way for local interactions, so that moving and getting settled will be a lot easier. The Tourism Office wants as many people as possible to get a copy of the book, so the book will now be sold at the Tourism Office in the Castle, and at the Welcome to Rota Center just outside the gate! I provided them with copies to sell, and was also able to sign and sell a few books after the presentation. So I guess this was my first book-signing event!

I received these gifts from the Welcome to Rota office!

I was very grateful to have my family's support and presence. We took the kids out of school so they could be involved in this awesome cultural opportunity. They were a little nervous and not sure what to think, but I was happy they could be involved. They are really very proud of me, and will bring me into their classes next week so we can show-and-tell about the process of writing and publishing a book to the class. A special thanks to my husband for wrangling the kids during a formal public event!