August, 2012 – Reinhard from Austria walked in on us a couple of years ago, tripping sweat from his long walk at high noon down the beach, and wanted to stay a couple of months at “Cafe del Sol”. ” I need to think about my life”, he said putting down his two suitcases, one with clothes and the other a drugstore. “That’s for my heart” he said, and added ” I should have done that, 10 years ago!”

He became as familiar to us and to our staff as only few of our guests. We felt comfortable and enjoyed hearing his stories about his carreer and family. He was divorced with two kids, and spent a good part of his last years giving in to the frequent demands on their part. He had to quit his job some 8 years ago, because of heartproblems. He was still struggling about finding peace and emotional stability in his personal life.

Three months later – after many a walk and talk – and hours of silent refleccion beside the pool, he waved us close and with a faint smile told us he would soon be gone. ” I came to a conclusion” he said, “about what really matters to me: only three, my new partner and my old parents, that’s it. All the others can look after themselves”. Content he paid his bill and flew back home to Austria.

Much later we recieved a postcard from Venezuela where he and his lady friend spent a holiday: ” Thank you, I am fine!”