Last time I checked the sun was shining – where did all the mist come from?
Málaga is still in Andalucia right? The South of Spain? It hasnt suddenly been transported to the South of Wales has it?
Fembat Unhinged
Journal · Scrapbook · Slippery Soapbox
SatScenes: Fiesta 25th Anniversary Virgen de la Esperanza
May 14, 2011 By
SatScenes: Another Rain shot from ‘Sunny Spain’
May 7, 2011 By
Hiking in Sedella
April 9, 2011 By
I have been doing a lot of walking in a bid to get fit once more – an average day only been 30 minutes (do other things as well – dancing, swimming when I can) but every so often I will hike to one of the nearby villages. Once a week I hike the 8km to the nearby village of Canillas de Aceituno – occasionally I will slip into insanity and double the distance by electing to walk back! The walk is beautiful and peaceful – assuming boy racer isnt attempting to send me over the nearby gorge that is!
Crossroads
March 24, 2011 By
I find myself at a crossroads unsure of which path to take. It appears we may be making a move again, not in the near future but soon enough to require some degree of planning now.
I love Sedella. It is beautiful, tranquil and yet full of life and spirit at the same time. On the one hand I cannot imagine leaving this place – living half way up the most magnificant mountain has its benefits, and it has its drawbacks. The views are spectuclar, the people are warm and friendly, and the food is a delight. But I am bored, really REALLY bored.
While I am here I have managed to make significant advancements in the writing of my triology and I imagine, given the peace and traquility of life here, it may continue.
I still need more.
I would love to explore other countries of Europe. I would love to return home (the south maybe?). I would really like to take up acting classes again and explore this area further.
I am torn. Ugh, decision time is nigh.
Old Town, Vélez-Málaga
January 21, 2011 By
Anyone first arriving in Velez-Malaga, especially by bus, could be forgiven for believing this is simply your average working town with not a great deal of beauty. To dismiss it so readily without venturing into the old town would be to do it an injustice.
Today I set it into my sights to walk to the ruined castle which sits high above the town – to do so you pass through the old and far more beautiful part of Velez-Malaga.
If you do visit this town be sure to take the time to walk into the old town and, if you can manage the steep walking, up to the old castle. Here you will find a veritable oasis compared to the newer part of town – exquisitly cobbled streets lined with the traditional village houses typical of this region of Spain – some of which, I might add, totally inaccesible by car as the streets are either too steep and are stepped, or just narrow!
I usually arrive in Vélez fairly early in the morning – around 7.45am. One of my usual haunts at this time is the Cafe Niza (C/ Canalejas, 44) in the centre of town, the breakfasts here are wonderful! Tostada con tomate y aceite (toast lightly drizzled with olive oil, spread with sieved fresh tomatoes and a dash of salt!) are a simple but delightful treat here.
Los Reyes Magos, Sedella
January 5, 2011 By
I have just witnessed, for the first ever, the arrival of Los Reyes Magos (the three kings). It was absolutely magical. Even a non-believer has no trouble getting carried away on the wave of excitement this event brings to a small village.
The bells began to ring loudly at about 5:30pm with intermittant fireworks. As Mum and I were planning to go out to dinner this evening I dashed upstairs to get showered because I did not want to miss my first ever Los Reyes Magos here in Spain! I have been looking forward to this very event for a day or two now. But I had left it just a bit too late and had to cut the shower short. I was in the bedroom dragging on clothing when I spotted the three kings appear over the nearby hillside. We watched them slowly progress down the street with the band playing and drums banging. Then I sprinted out and met them on the main street with my camera ready. I am sorry to say I was too swept away with the whole event to take too many photos. The excitement of the locals, especially the children (busily scampering about collecting the sweets the kings were throwing at them), was just overwhelming. I followed them back to the square where I live, where I managed to collect a few sweets from those that were lobbed in my general direction!
It was wonderful. This single event has been the highlight of Christmas and my birthday combined. Moving to this village, taking one last chance, was the best move we ever made. The spirit and passion of Spain bores into your soul and, once in its grasp, it never really lets you go.
Hey, its still Christmas
January 3, 2011 By
I was stunned today when friends mentioned they had already taken their Christmas decorations down. You see, here in Spain, Christmas is still in full swing.
Sure Christmas Eve is a big family event and children will receive a token present from Santa on Christmas Day but the really big event is yet to come here! This is the Feast of the Epiphany when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem (apparently). For children in Spain (and childish adults) this is the most important day of the year when they wake up to find that Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings) have left gifts for them in their house.
Its also the day we traditionally eat the most wonderful food ever known – Roscon de Reyes, filled with Nata (Cream), Natilla (custard) or Trufa (a rich chocolate cream).
This year I am having Roscon de Reyes in place of my birthday cake on the 5th. Yum!
A Postal Mystery
December 28, 2010 By
I waited in because I held out hope some of our presents may arrive today. They didn´t but I did not catch sight of our friendly local postman either.
One of the downsides of living in rural Spain is the postal service. I´ve read many horror stories over the course of the last few years and many tales of rooms in various communities where post belonging to expats is just heaped up and never delivered. I cannot personally vouch for these stories but, to be perfectly honest, it would not surprise me.
We have had no post (and therefore no presents) for ten days. There was only one bank holiday during that time.
¿Donde está mi correo?
29 December 2010
Postman turned up today and rang my doorbell. I had parcels and post. Not all the expected gifts have turned up as yet – two significant ones are still missing.
Strangely no news of either the hamper or the subsequent refund have as yet been received.