The night in Olot was impregnated with that special magic that surrounds the moments that remain engraved in the memory. It was the gala of the G! awards of Girona, a celebration that every year pays tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to promoting tourism and the values of the province. But this year, there was something different, something that made the air vibrate with a special emotion: the recognition of Miquel, a man whose love for his land was almost tangible.
When his name was announced, an excited murmur went through the room. Miquel, with his eternal humility, stood up amidst applause and sincere smiles. It was not just an award, it was a recognition of a lifetime dedicated to promote rural tourism, to value small local producers, to tell the story of every corner of the Empordà with a passion that escaped in his eyes.
From Mas del Joncar, that haven of peace that he made his home and his mission, Miquel had woven an invisible web of stories, people and projects. There was no winery he did not know, no trail he had not walked, no cheese, honey or wine he had not tasted and recommended with enthusiasm. He not only promoted tourism, but he lived it, he felt it, he transmitted it with every word, with every anecdote he shared in his endless talks about Girona and its wonders.
The recognition to Miquel was even more special because it was the first time that such an award was given to a rural house and not to a big association or tourist company. But Miquel was very much Miquel… a true ambassador of the land, a lover of the Empordà who, although born in Girona, had found his destiny in Sant Pere Pescador, in that Mas that he restored with effort and love, and from where he undertook his mission to spread the values of the territory.
The gala continued with more tributes: German and French journalists who had promoted the province, a family hotel that had been offering hospitality for four generations, and the incredible story of the Divinium restaurant, which decided to reopen its doors on March 9, 2020, only to face the pandemic five days later. And, despite everything, they resisted, reinventing themselves, fighting every obstacle with determination.
But the night belonged to Miquel. When he took the microphone, emotion filled the room. He spoke of his love for the land, of the coastal paths, of the bicycle routes he had promoted so much, of the beauty of Cap de Creus at sunrise, of the importance of valuing small producers and of his eternal commitment to quality rural tourism. With every word, his eyes sparkled, reflecting the passion that had always characterized him.
It was impossible not to be moved. Because that award not only recognized his effort, but also celebrated his essence, his way of seeing and living the world. And although he was now “retired”, everyone knew that Miquel would not stop. Because for him, life was a constant journey, a never-ending route where there would always be something new to discover, a corner to recommend, a story to tell.
But if Miquel was able to dedicate his life to this passion, it was thanks to someone who was always there, supporting him every step of the way: Anna, his partner, his friend, his wife. Anna was the one who kept Mas del Joncar going when Miquel was meeting with others, when he was attending ATRG meetings or exploring new routes to improve tourism in the region. It was she who kept the home running, who made up for his absence on so many occasions, who with her patience and dedication made it possible for Miquel to fulfill his mission.
That award, undoubtedly, was also hers. Because behind every great person who drives a dream, there is someone who sustains it with love and commitment. And on that night of emotions, Anna shone with the same light as Miquel, because her work, although silent, had been just as fundamental in the construction of that indelible legacy.
The applause that resounded in the hall was not only a recognition, it was a tribute to a man who had made his love for Girona an indelible legacy.
From MasTorrencito we wish you a good day and may your dogs be with you!!!!
—
If you want, you can see our vouchers for weekends, retirees vouchers, at an incredible price … go to www.mastorrencito.com or if you want you can read more history and anecdotes that have happened to us in MasTorrencito … Click here
