My Run-In with a Spanish Gypsy*

In my visit to La Alhambra in Granada, Spain, a kind woman warmly greeted me with a genuine gift with the best intentions of ensuring that my time at La Alhambra to be great.  No, that's not what happened at all.

1. A woman is giving out Rosemary branches (I didn't know she was a gypsy at the time.)

2. No one was taking them and I felt bad (again, I had no idea who she was or what she was doing.)

3. I put my hand out just to take the branch, but instead of simply placing it in my hand, she grabs my hand with a firm grip, not letting me go.

4. I was pretty freaked by now.

5. She places the branch in my hand (mind, she is still grasping it) and starts using her other hand to trace something on my palm.

6.  At the time I assumed she was saying the Rosemary gives you good luck or something with fortitude and palm reading.

7. I explained that I didn't speak or understand Spanish and that I needed to leave, trying to tug my way out of her grip.

8. She starts motioning for me to eat it (I think.)

9. In attempts to get away from her, I put a leaf on my tongue (of course I'm going to eat it.)

10. I finally break free and spit the leaf out on the ground along with throwing the branch under a tree.

11. My throat start itching and honestly, it felt like it was slowly closing.  I started to freak out, wondering if the Rosemary had been coated with something.

I eventually found out that there are several gypsies in Spain and that they are trained pickpockets and I wouldn't be surprised if the lady had dipped the herb into something.  Days later I saw several more in different countries and I would give them a firm no or just run away.  That was my first adventure of Spain.  Such a fun, memorable one, right?!

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*The title is set to the rhythm of "My Date with the President's Daughter," so please read/sing accordingly.