We are in La Coruña (pop. 250,000) located in the northwest corner of Spain. La Coruña, a city with a temperate climate and beautiful Atlantic beaches, is located just minutes from the center of town. It’s not overrun with tourists like the east and southeast Mediterranean coast.

Because of its geographic location, La Coruña was a strategic Roman enclave. There are Roman ruins around town, but the most important landmark is the 2,000-year-old Torre de Hercules tower. It’s the oldest Roman light house still in operation, as well as the city’s symbol.

The Romans were not the oldest culture to live in the area. There’s also evidence of Celtic towns, some of them still in good shape. Most settled in the northwestern region of Galicia. The folk songs, dances, and costumes are similar to those of Ireland, and to this day, Galicia has more people with red hair and green eyes than any other region in Spain.

Despite its rich history and beauty, the city is in the midst of a financial crisis. Spain’s been hit hard by this recession, more so than other European countries. When you contrast the fact that local businesses have suffered several closures, yet the nightlife is still bustling, it’s a confusing sight.

Reservations are necessary at any of the several restaurants in La Coruña. You might even have to settle for tapas standing up at some packed bar. Mercedes Benzes, BMWs, and Audis have become middle-class cars. With unleaded regular gas running at $6.20 a gallon, you would think they would drive less, but they don’t. The locals are well dressed in brand name clothing. At weddings, baptisms, or first communions, the dress code is formal, and be prepared for a big production with a first-class banquet. How do they manage this in the middle of la crisis? This is a paradox that so far nobody has been able to explain it to me. They just shrug and say: No lo comprendo!

Oct. 15 CWURA Visioning: 3:30 p.m., Lombard Room, refreshments served after the reception

Oct. 17 Battle in Seattle: CWU hosts Western Oregon University at 6:00 p.m. at Qwest Field, Seattle. It’s a whole new era for the BIS!

Oct. 23 Wendell Hill Hall Grand Opening: 1:00 p.m., Concert Hall, Music Building Homecoming Banquet: 5:30 p.m., Sue Dining Room ($35 per ticket)

Oct. 24 Dorothy Purser Building Dedication: 10:30 a.m., Physical Education Buildling CWU Homecoming: The CWU Wildcats take on Humboldt State University at 1:00 p.m., Tomlinson FieldBill Cosby: 8:00 p.m., Nicholson Pavilion, Tickets available at www.cwu.edu/~wildcattickets

Nov. 5 Pre-inaugural Celebration Concert. 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Music Building Concert Hall

Nov. 6 Inauguration Events List Symposium: 9:15 a.m. - 11:55 a.m., SURC Room 137; Luncheon, noon, SURC Ballroom; Ceremony, 2:00 p.m., McConnell Auditorium. For additional information contact the Office of Special Events at 509-963-2762, 877-649-8707, or events@cwu.edu.

Nov. 12 PAPSS: Rhoda Hassmann, activist and speaker, time and location TBD

Dec. 4-9 PAPSS: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, 2:00 p.m and 7:00 p.m., McConnell Auditorium