The fact was that, for the mandali, the trip to Spain had been anything but a vacation. Baba had created situations in which he continually embarrassed and teased them in front of the Westerners. Chanji, Kaka and Adi Jr. felt like they were at a breaking point — while to the Westerners, everything seemed wonderful. Several times in private, Chanji had broken down and wept. Although Baba had tried to console him, Chanji could not check his feelings. At other times, Baba would be indifferent and cold toward him, and these terribly "pinching moments," as Chanji described them, were filled with desperation and internal suffering. So, for the mandali, staying with Baba was never easy.
Baba sent Norina to Zurich, and Minta and Quentin to London via Paris. He boarded a train to Barcelona at 8:20 P.M. with Herbert, Chanji, Kaka and Adi Jr.
On the train, Baba turned to Herbert and remarked, "Last week, it was goodbye in London. Here tonight for those who left. And it will then be at Marseilles for you. There are always these sad moments of separation for me, either at leaving India or at leaving those in the West."
Age marveled at the Ancient One's compassion. "On behalf of his lovers, the One who never leaves us even for a moment was feeling sad at separation from himself!"
They arrived in Barcelona the following morning at 9:22.
As the train pulled into the station, Baba spelled on his board, "My agent knows I am coming. He is unique among my agents, as he is a policeman in ordinary life."
As they descended to the platform, they were met much to their surprise by a military escort of rows of officials and a large, blaring brass band. Some important officials must have also been on the train. Little did the people know whom they had really come to welcome to their city!
Baba and the group went to a travel agent, who booked them on a tour of the city. This day was a holiday that celebrated the newly formed state of Catalonia, and the streets were jammed with milling crowds, much to Baba's delight. The guide took them to the cathedral and the old Parliament house, where they witnessed a great procession of all the officials in the ceremony being held — a curious coincidence with Baba's arrival in the city.