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--> --> July 3: Hallmarks of Basque character Jeff Cheek Defining Basque character is like catching moonbeams in a butterfly net, but one trait stands out: their fierce, stubborn independence. There is a Basque proverb: "If three Basques agree on anything, one will immediately change his mind." Conformity is a threat to their free spirit. This was proved in World War II. The Nazis occupied Basque provinces in France. As the war turned against them, the Germans hinted they would support Basque independence in return for Basque assistance. The answer was quick and succinct: Basque freedom would be won by Basque people, not given by the Gestapo. Meanwhile, thousands of refugees, including at least 700 shot-down Allied airmen, were guided by Basque resistance fighters over little known mountain trails into neutral Spain. In others, it might seem like conceit but the Basques have a well-defined sense of their own worth. A classic example is the story of a poor widower named Antonio who was struggling to provide for himself and his young son. He was renowned as a singer and raconteur. Families often invited Antonio and his son to dinner to be entertained. Antonio felt that free meal was adequate compensation. Then the village priest, wanting to impress some visiting dignitaries, invited him but pointedly ignored the son. On the appointed evening, Antonio left his son waiting outside. When dinner was served, he asked permission to say grace. He fervently thanked "The Father and The Holy Ghost" for the food. "Antonio, have you forgotten The Son?," the priest asked. "Of course not. He's waiting outside. I'll go fetch him now," Antonio replied. The son ate a good dinner, too. Most Basques are Catholic. Their faith helped them endure the solitary isolation of sheepherders. And in 1911 it gave a 17 year-old Basque youth a miracle. He had no land and no future at home, so he accepted a job his uncle had arranged in Nevada, herding sheep for the princely salary of $40 per month. He spoke only Basque, so he wore a sign: "Please Ship Me to Elko Nevada." On the long, dusty train ride west his isolation and the vastness of the country turned his dreams to panic. He was miserable and homesick. He closed his eyes and prayed. When he opened them, a miracle had occurred. Many other passengers were praying silently. Pablo felt better. When he arrived in Elko, he wrote his mother: "Do not worry about me. Americans are Catholics, too. On the train, I saw many reciting the rosary to themselves." Maybe it was a miracle. God moves in mysterious ways. Actually, his fellow passengers were chewing gum, and this American treat was unknown in Basque land in 1911. Basques are ambitious. Domingo spoke only Basque when he arrived in Mountain Home, Idaho. He wanted to impress his boss by learning to speak English, so every night he learned a few words from the cook at a restaurant where he ate. His boss did not understand a single word. Domingo had been taking his meals at a Chinese restaurant! Roasted Pepper Salad is a colorful Basque dish. INGREDIENTS: 2 green bell peppers 2 yellow bell peppers 2 red bell peppers 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 6 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste PREPARATION: Char peppers in broiler, turning until skin blackens. Place in plastic bag, let stand 10 minutes. Peel and seed peppers, cut in strips and put in salad bowl. Mix other ingredients, stir into peppers. Let stand 24 hours, stirring occasionally, before serving. Jeff Cheek lives in Medford. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing