「Every time I think of you, a grain of sand falls from the sky, forming the Sahara 」

My journey with Spanish commenced during my college days, triggered by the need to deliver a literature speech about my favorite author. As I delved into Sanmao's ("Echo" is her English name) novel <The Stories of the Sahara>, I found myself irresistibly drawn in. Preparing that speech provided me with the chance to truly comprehend the enigmatic life of this legendary woman.

Now, let's delve into the background of Sanmao:

Often dubbed a "woman of the wind," Sanmao's life is a mesmerizing tale. Despite its brevity, she embraced a nomadic existence, treating people with genuine kindness and embracing life to the fullest. Despite enduring hardships from a young age and grappling with the pain of losing her lover, Sanmao's fate always propelled her toward more intriguing horizons.

So why did she choose to make the Sahara Desert her home, thousands of miles away? A simple photograph of the Sahara stirred deep nostalgic feelings in her, prompting her to move, with her devoted partner Jose right by her side.

Among Sanmao's numerous published works, <The Stories of the Sahara> stands out as a pinnacle. Comprising over a dozen essays, the book introduces readers to this extraordinary woman and her journey. [ The book has an English translation titled <Stories of the Sahara>.]

In the captivating book <Stories of the Sahara>, Sanmao delves into the daily lives of the Saharan people, sharing their nomadic existence. The first time I cracked open this book, I was enchanted by the title of the initial essay --- [Restaurant in the Desert], and the opening line: "My husband, it's a pity he's a foreigner..." Her witty and carefree tone immediately transported me into her desert realm. In [Marriage Notes], she vividly portrays her journey with her husband Jose as they step by step settle into life in the Sahara, even recounting the story of walking 40 minutes through the desert to register their marriage. It's hard not to be impressed by the simple and romantic life she led in that era.

Then there's [Doll Bride] a tale I've revisited multiple times, not because I'm enamored with the narrative itself, but because of the line, "I never know how old I am, but I'll get married at 10 and not before I find out who the groom is..." This cultural shock made me realize for the first time that "embracing one's true self" can be an elusive privilege in certain parts of today's society—it's not something everyone gets to experience.

This book unveils an array of stories from Sanmao's desert experiences, both significant and small. The world she paints is distant and unfamiliar to me, yet through her words, my eyes were opened, revealing a curiosity about the broader world outside.

But life has a way of weaving its twists. Just as joy and beauty seemed boundless, 1979 --- One day after moving to the desert for five years, a tragic accident claimed Jose's life during a diving expedition. Overwhelmed by grief, Sanmao came close to surrendering her own life.

She once said, "Every time I think of you, a grain of sand falls from the sky, forming the Sahara. Every time I think of you, a drop of water falls from the sky, thus forming the Pacific Ocean."

I struggle to comprehend the strength she exhibited in the face of such loss. Sanmao left behind a voice recording of her love story with Jose—a recording I've listened to just three times over the years. Each time, tears welled in my eyes. I can't tell whether I'm touched by their genuine love story or feeling a hint of envy that such pure love still exists in the world.

If your curiosity is piqued, anticipate more updates on works and reflections connected to Sanmao. Together, let's embark on a journey into the enchanting world of this remarkable woman.

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