I went to Rota, Spain – close to Cadiz - several times in the 1970s. It was totally Spanish. My client was an amiable Navy civilian with a Spanish wife who gave him grief about his unhealthy fondness for Spanish sherry. But she cooked a mean gambas al ajillo. We spent long afternoons sipping sherries, eating chorizos, olives and Spanish cheeses under a warm sun and talking about world affairs transpiring millions of miles away from our cozy little corner of the globe.
Returning to Torrijos, Spain in 2010 on a honeymoon, the entire beach was flooded with Africans hawking worthless trinkets to whoever was brave enough to attempt to go to the beach. We stayed in an old hotel and a place called Playa Miami that still had a ballroom playing dance music for the elderly English clientele. It cannot still be in business. Ukrainians who have recently been there talk of losing purses and watches to non-Spanish thieves on motorcycles.
It makes me happy to have stayed in Kyiv. If we survive, we will do so with our culture intact.
Today is a significant Marian feast, Our Lady of Sorrows. I just did a quick google, and as I guessed it’s a feast with special resonance in Grenada. You may have been by the Basilica de la Virgen de las Angustias, dedicated to the “seven sorrows” afflicting her heart (why you often see her iconographically depicted with seven swords piercing her immaculate heart..)
Flamenco in a cavern, bold shadows cast, a dress, like a flower brusquely unfurled in seduction - flashing legs, as strong as iron, stomping with the force of will, and sinewy arms whose movements limn the suffering of desire...
Ooh I would LOVE to dance like that! That first one is kind of like country western ‘line dancing’! And I love the black and white long dress that woman has on, who is dancing with a partner!
Beautiful. Lovely to be in a place that can still embrace its traditions unashamedly.
This and the Rafa posts are my favorite. I haven’t seen any updates on him, is Rafa ok?
I LOVE that in the last video, people joined the dancers...especially when the young men went in towards the end..... 💃👯♂️👯♀️🕺
I know, weren't those boys great? !
Thank you!! I LOVE watching the people dancing in the plaza!!!
;-)
Real Spanish people! No evidence of multiculturalism. No need - the native culture is wonderful.
I went to Rota, Spain – close to Cadiz - several times in the 1970s. It was totally Spanish. My client was an amiable Navy civilian with a Spanish wife who gave him grief about his unhealthy fondness for Spanish sherry. But she cooked a mean gambas al ajillo. We spent long afternoons sipping sherries, eating chorizos, olives and Spanish cheeses under a warm sun and talking about world affairs transpiring millions of miles away from our cozy little corner of the globe.
Returning to Torrijos, Spain in 2010 on a honeymoon, the entire beach was flooded with Africans hawking worthless trinkets to whoever was brave enough to attempt to go to the beach. We stayed in an old hotel and a place called Playa Miami that still had a ballroom playing dance music for the elderly English clientele. It cannot still be in business. Ukrainians who have recently been there talk of losing purses and watches to non-Spanish thieves on motorcycles.
It makes me happy to have stayed in Kyiv. If we survive, we will do so with our culture intact.
Today is a significant Marian feast, Our Lady of Sorrows. I just did a quick google, and as I guessed it’s a feast with special resonance in Grenada. You may have been by the Basilica de la Virgen de las Angustias, dedicated to the “seven sorrows” afflicting her heart (why you often see her iconographically depicted with seven swords piercing her immaculate heart..)
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252292/our-lady-of-sorrows-what-are-mary-s-seven-sorrows
It seems to me, a casual observer, that you have found your home. Thank you for sharing it with us.
So happy you got of NY. What a wonderful, real, joyful place you are now!
Flamenco in a cavern, bold shadows cast, a dress, like a flower brusquely unfurled in seduction - flashing legs, as strong as iron, stomping with the force of will, and sinewy arms whose movements limn the suffering of desire...
Just love these beautiful flower devotions and the dancing in the plaza--very life-giving!
Great video!
Those small instruments are the bandurrias. It's like the mandolin that bluegrass players use, but with more strings. The tuning is like a guitar.
Here's a song for three bandurrias. This style of lively music is also played during folk dances. youtu.be/mn64X57X_dc
Thank you Celia. Texans would feel right at home in Granada. We have line dancing perfected LOL!
Yes I agree it reminded me of country western ‘line dancing’!
Your experiences in Spain are very similar to ours in Mexico, esp regarding veterinary care. If only Spain wasn’t a part of the damn EU.
Precious, Gracias, Saludos!
Ooh I would LOVE to dance like that! That first one is kind of like country western ‘line dancing’! And I love the black and white long dress that woman has on, who is dancing with a partner!
Flowers / Water
https://newsletter.martingeddes.com/p/i-cant-believe-i-am-doing-this