La alegría del capitán Ribot

A weather‑worn sailor arrives in Gijón under the cover of night, drawn to the modest tavern El Cometa that clings to the dock. Its proprietor, the sharp‑tongued Señora Ramona, is famous for a stew of tripe that has become the narrator’s nightly obsession. The narrator, a self‑confessed gourmand with a taste for solitude, is accustomed to slipping into the back room, where the clatter of ships fades into muffled laughter. Here, the ritual of ordering, waiting, and exchanging witty repartee with the local mariners sets the stage for a comic, sea‑sprayed tableau.

Just before he can taste the promised broth, a sudden blaze erupts when a lantern ignites a barrel of oil, forcing the crew to douse the fire and keep the dock from burning. The incident leaves the sailor with a hollow stomach and a lingering sense of anticipation, as Ramona’s exaggerated coughs and chuckles promise a meal worth the wait. Listeners are invited to follow his nocturnal adventure, savoring the blend of maritime mishap and kitchen lore that defines his relationship with the enigmatic cook.