El Barril - The Barrel

I walked through the front door of my house not too long ago, after an especially energy-sucking day at work, and was met with a quirky tune from my past. Brass horns and bouncing notes reminiscent of a carnival carousel ride. Except this one actually took me somewhere. It took me back to five years of age...

Walking home with Grandpa Salvador after school - sopa de fideo on the stove - Grandma Elena in her apron - and Chavo del Ocho on the television.

The little orphan boy who lived in a barrel and played with the kids from the nearby apartment complex was my daily afternoon entertainment. Never did I wonder how a boy could live in a barrel. Never did I notice that each kid was played by an adult in their 30s or 40s. All I cared about was in what way Chavo would stick it to that bratty Quico with the blow fish cheeks, or what would make that cry-baby Chilindrina wail this time, or if someday Dona Florinda would actually get Don Ramon to notice her, (but before you think I was an oblivious little girl, let me point out that I did notice the same actor who portrayed Chavo also portrayed that red-leotard insect, Chespirito).

In those early years, days spent at my grandparents house were the only opportunities I had to watch the show. We never watched television en espanol at my parents house. And it wouldn't be on my television now if it wasn't for my husband's parents who live with us. The sudden memory triggered by that theme song left a warmth in my heart made even warmer when I saw my 2-year old dancing to the tune. There's a good chance we'll be sharing a happy memory one day - that of our grandparents and the boy in a barrel.

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Stories of Lotería

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