Monocando: the full story

A combination of Spanish mono and tocando, 'Monocando' is a word I invented as a child to refer to a human-size male monkey doll that sang while playing a music keyboard. I actually wanted to say "El mono está tocando" but at that early age this sentence was too complicated for me. But wait, 'a singing monkey doll'? Sounds crazy, I know. Although I was very imaginative, I cannot take credit. He really existed. This mono was the star of this fabulous place my parents used to take my siblings and me when we were kids. My cousins and friends also came along.

The place was a huge restaurant with indoor playgrounds and different play equipment. Or maybe it was an indoor amusement park. Whatever it was, what made it really special was the show. The singing monkey doll that impressed me, scared me, and fascinated me at the same time. And he never performed alone: he shared the stage with a band of other cool puppets. Among them, I remember a fashionable hen and a dog that looked like Disney's Goofy. It was a time of pure bliss for all of us. A place to eat, play, dream, make friends, and sing along. My favorite place in the world!

I am blessed to say that my childhood memories are joyous ones. I had everything every child in the world should have: food, clothes, shoes, education, diversion, a family that loved me and that mono. Growing up in Guatemala, I was more than blessed. There, thousands and thousands of children grow up on their own, in the streets, alone. A dysfunctional family is not uncommon at all. Neither is teenage pregnancy, child abuse, physical and psychological violence, rape and murder.

Needless to say all this happens everywhere in the world. Tragedy knows no boundaries. 

But "Monocando" isn't about despair, sorrow or loss.

Today, "Monocando" is that child within us. That child who has the courage and the will to smile and wonder, even through hard times. Because, I don't know about you, but sometimes the adult I am gives up on me, and I find myself in need of my monocando, to take me back on stage to that place I cherished so much.  

Through this blog I wish to relive that precious time of development, discovery, diversion, awe, and carefreeness that we call childhood, but through the eyes and experience of an adult.

So to fully express all that crosses my mind and is worth sharing, I invented six sections where your inner boy or girl can discuss the subtleness of languages in (traba) Lenguas, make a statement in Dire la propria, travel with the mind and heart Juimonos, wear and see awesome shoes in Tiene punto, read excerpts, short stories and poetry in trado me litteris, and cook and eat with all five senses in U Mangiari.

All sections are written in three languages. My languages. Spanish, which represents my childhood years and my family; English that takes me back to school and college and dear friendships; and, Italian, because I currently live in Italy, my second home, my sweet husband. 

Curiosity is a must. Compartir es opcional. Monocando sei tu.

Monocando è un viaggio. Vieni con me.