Maiol's School

Maiol was studying at the University of Barcelona (where he now works as a professor and translator). I was completely amazed at the University – large, ancient stone buildings, narrow hallways, poorly lit and ventilated. There was an incredible sense of history in the buildings. I really felt this in the classroom that we went to. It was a narrow lecture hall, with the seats being stone benches, without backs, that dramatically rose up from the floor. From the top rows I had a sense of vertigo. But sitting there, on the stone bench that had areas smoothed in it from years of others sitting in the same spot, I was transported to a different time. It was beyond description.