Where in the world is: La Mancha?

Where in the world is: La Mancha? Might you be thinking: Don Quixote, the Man of La Mancha? Sancho Panza, his companion? Dulcinea, his lady? Or perhaps windmills? The name evokes these and other images, but what is the actuality? La Mancha is the largest plain in the Iberian Peninsula located in the central region of Spain. The Arab people, who once inhabited this area, named it al mansha or "waterless land". La Mancha's geography supports the designation, as agricultural efforts to grow wheat, barley, oats and grapes are often restricted by the harsh, dry climate and rugged flat terrain. Windmills are an integral part of the landscape as they capture the wind in their arms and turn the millstone to crush the grain.

Don Quixote, romantic idealist of Miguel Cervantes novel, views the world through a veil of illusion. He wanders the countryside of La Mancha, and in his search to fight injustice through chivalry, perceives windmills as giants about to attack. Quixote confronts the "giants" by jousting with the huge structures, making every noble effort to defend and protect, while his loyal Sancho tries in vain to convince him of the reality. Don Quixote fails and suffers humiliation for bravely responding in a knightly and honorable way.

Moving to a strange land equipped with one's own values, ideals, and expectations is difficult and describes what many expatriates experience on global assignment. Settling-in to a new country, city, and home is not an easy task, and the stresses of relocation can be gigantic. Who is there to demystify the mysterious, offer knowledgeable, bi-lingual support about local procedures, services, and daily life? Destination specialists in the country of assignment smooth the way and provide on-the-ground support. After all there are many noble deeds to be accomplished and great adventures to be had, why spend time tilting at windmills?

-  Mary Beauregard, Global LT Intercultural Consultant

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