California is like a continent

ANA RANERA GIJÓN.

Marcos González (Avilés, 1983) was always clear that he wanted to travel the world. At eighteen, he began to build that dream and enrolled in Tourism, the race that kicked off a journey in which he still has many leaps to go on the map. «I have always worked in hotels. My first destination was Gran Canaria and then came Andorra, London, Malaga, Mallorca, Tenerife, Puerto Rico and, finally, California, where I am in a luxury hotel", lists this Asturian who speaks English, French, German, Spanish and Catalan.

In the United States, he lives in Orange County, an area that is "like Marbella to the beast", he defines it. "It's a beach place between Los Angeles and San Diego, with a lot of tourism and a lot of money," she continues to explain. "We receive visitors from all over the world, especially Americans," he says. And that transfer did not stop even during the confinement. “We do not close even in the harshest moments of the pandemic. We were the only luxury hotel that remained open," he says.

Yes, luxury, because, over there, the prices of everything are exorbitant. It is what it is to be in a place "where everyone wants to live," says Marcos. “The standard of living is very high: rents are through the roof and food is also very expensive. For example, a bag of spinach is five dollars,” he laughs, now that he's used to the inconvenience of this place. "When my parents came to see me, they were impressed," he says.

Despite the drawbacks, this American state also has many benefits that make you want to stay. "California is like a continent," he praises. "It has everything: desert, ski slopes, beach and incredible weather," he promises. "When it comes to being at sea and, after two hours, being able to be in the snow reminds me of Asturias," he says.

His roots come to mind so much that all his friends already know well about the virtues of the Principality. "They would have to pay me, because I have Asturias all day in my mouth," he jokes. «I am delighted to promote because I am in love with our region. Wherever I live, I talk about it, I show photos and I even put videos on how to pour the cider ».

His homesickness is on the rise because it has been two years since he was last here and time passes and weighs heavily. "I could have gone, but I was afraid of catching the covid and spreading it to my family, so I preferred to stay," she says. Of course: he will soon remedy this situation and he will do so, in addition, in style. "I'm going to my sister's wedding in June, so we'll finally meet again."

She already feels like it, because, as much as technology helps to kill the distance, we still don't feel the distant hugs. "We can see each other's faces and talk, but it feels like being there," she says. Not only for his own, but also for "the landscapes, the food and the cider", and for being, once again, "in that wild Asturias" that he always carries in his soul. In addition, the locals, on both sides of the pond, have no comparison. «In the Principality, people are much more sociable and I love our lifestyle of walking to places. I don't even know my neighbors here. We go everywhere by car." In June it's time to stop and breathe.