In this episode of “Travel Notebooks”, José María Gallardo del Rey shares fascinating anecdotes from his career as a guitarist. He begins by recalling a course he took in 1980 with his beloved teacher José Tomás in a small Swiss town called Bülach. Despite strict customs regulations regarding guitars, he manages to convince the customs officer that he’s a real musician by playing Bach’s Chaconne.

He then recounts his encounter with young prodigy Irina Kulikova at an international competition in Russia, where he was so inspired by her talent that he decided to gift her a high-quality guitar to support her career. A touching story of generosity follows when a Russian businessman, moved by José María’s tale, donates a thousand dollars to help buy the instrument.

José María also tells of a surreal experience during a trip to Russia, where he and a companion were stranded in an old car for more than 36 hours, facing extreme conditions. Additionally, he shares his memories of being in Moscow during the “Black October” of 1993, when he witnessed a coup d’état.

These stories are a testament to his passion for music and the unique experiences he has lived throughout his career. A journey full of emotion and unforgettable memories you won’t want to miss.