|
Every morning, he enters the home of many Catalans with his program “Els Matins de TV3”. This is something he has done throughout his professional life, both on radio and television. His professional dedication still allows him to find refuge in the Empordà; he cannot miss it for more than two weeks. Josep Cuní has seen many changes in the Empordà and has learnt many things here, above all to contemplate. At first he was in Sa Tuna, where he watched his children grow up, later he found a new refuge in a village behind the coast. We spoke with him about some of the things he learnt in and about this land.
What is the Empordà?
It is the essence of Catalonia’s countryside, as well as a postcard-picture of the Mediterranean. It is the ideal landscape to which I feel myself intimately bound. Here, I see how landscape can become part of your very essence and how you can be the child of a certain culture.
What have you learnt in the Empordà?
I have learnt to recognize the different winds and can predict the weather from the movement of the sea and the clouds on the horizon. I can relate to things in a wider context; I’m suspicious of quietude and can anticipate a storm. I have learnt about the history, sociology and anthropology of the Empordanese, especially of fishermen on the Costa Brava. I have acquired a skill in cooking in a certain way, and how to maintain traditions. I have also mastered respect for my own Catalan culture.
Landscape on a human scale
This country is welcoming, a landscape on a human scale that offers the best of the Mediterranean. The cypress, olive tree, the small vineyard, a grove of almond trees, a fig tree, a cove, a pine wood…
The Empordanese sun
Sundown vibrates here; it’s not just a show. It enters your life directly, through all your senses. There is nothing artificial here.
The authentic Empordanese
Some years must pass until you achieve an easy relationship. He has to study, inspect, and classify you. But once you establish a relationship, you become part of the family.
The Empordà for everyone
When I started going to Sa Tuna and heard somebody complain about the stones on the beach, someone else would always comment: “Good, another one who won’t be back.” In time, I started saying that myself. But one cannot be so egoistical as to aspire that others should not enjoy what you have taken pleasure in.
I know things…
Sa Tuna has a curious structure with an echo. From my bed, I could hear any conversation on the terraces of the bars. Some people would die of shame for the things I know about them.
Time passes
When I had to ask people on the beach to let me through on my way to the water, I realized that my time as a regular inhabitant of a paradise-like cove had ended.
Building out of control
Everything has become crowded, and building developments are out of control. They have speculated and made it ugly.
Inevitable
The new infrastructure that is being built or has been built recently will destroy this land even more. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to do things better. You can’t stop development, but to build great works and to use them for two months each year is absurd.
What remains?
We must take stock of all the changes, remember the landscape as it once was, compare it to today, and explain development. And then we must adapt. This is a journalistic view, but it’s also logical.
HIS EMPORDÀ
1. A walk
The seafront path from Sa Tuna to Aiguafreda and Cap Sa Sal. This is an idyllic place that reconciles me with the Empordà, the Costa Brava, and myself.
2. A cultural space
Any of the galleries of the Vila Casas Foundation: Can Mario in Palafrugell or the Palau Solterra in Torroella.
3. A village
Any village on the plain between Torroella and Pals, meaning any village of the Empordanet.
4. Favourite restaurant
La Xicra, Pere Bahí and Montse’s place in Palafrugell. It’s splendid and gets better every year.
5. A dish
Any freshly caught fish, grilled or braised, with some olive oil.
6. What does the Empordà lack?
Peace. That’s the consequence of what it has too much of.
7. What is there too much of?
Crowds and changes in the landscape.
8.What do you recommend politicians?
To fight for the preservation of this landscape.
9. A place to find inspiration
I find inspiration at work, but I can also think well here.
10. Your favourite Empordanese
Gervasi Sais, fishermen at Sa Tuna.
TONI ULLED. FOTOS ANDREA FERRÉS
|
