tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68389186414565195582024-03-05T06:13:22.706-08:00amble.the art of wandering...Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-47790012104042131252015-07-16T12:53:00.000-07:002015-07-16T12:53:12.847-07:00A new beginning on a new site!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, I know what you're thinking...long time no speak!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's been over a year since I posted on this little site of mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I've been wanting to get back in to the blogging game for a while
now, but when I visited this page, it made me kind of sad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amble is from a different stage in my life and, while it is home
to memories and content that I'm proud of, it no longer seems fit for purpose.
As a result, I've migrated over to a new corner of the internet that I'm
starting to call home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So if you'd like to come on some new adventures with me (including
another move...this time to the Netherlands!) then come and join me over at
<a href="http://www.betweenmypassportpages.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Between My Passport Pages</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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A lot of my previous posts have moved across and a couple of new
ones are already up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you're intrigued about my new blog name, see the story behind it <a href="http://betweenmypassportpages.blogspot.com/2015/05/whats-in-name.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You can also check out my new series called Brunch Talk where we’ll
be chatting about anything and everything over, you guessed it, brunch. The first one is about the weirdness that is living in limbo, check it out <a href="http://betweenmypassportpages.blogspot.com/2015/07/brunch-talk-1-on-being-in-limbo.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm really excited about starting over and I hope I'll see some of you guys over on the new site or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Between-My-Passport-Pages/357115021145270" target="_blank">facebook </a>page soon</div>
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Grace x<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-71873650548040005412014-06-23T04:00:00.000-07:002014-06-23T04:00:02.372-07:0052 List Super Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So as you've probably noticed things have been a little quiet around here lately! I've been enjoying some downtime with family, but don't think I've forgotten you - I'll be back with vengeance before you know it. As a result of my own darn laziness, I'm a whole MONTH behind on the lovely Ema's list project (not even counting this week!!). I'm a terrible person but to make it up to you here is a 52 List SUPER POST to start the week off...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqSgwJ34HpYPILDa9WSbsrJUobq4qT_RZRZuysX3XZvFuSyfEn-yCYxHNADN-B2ziit5UxNUm5y8v_JczfQipgRsR1gFcrqoRyA-mK2eMxWne1tXGa3bbaVx3L3trojsUfTgkolQAPmM/s1600/empyt55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqSgwJ34HpYPILDa9WSbsrJUobq4qT_RZRZuysX3XZvFuSyfEn-yCYxHNADN-B2ziit5UxNUm5y8v_JczfQipgRsR1gFcrqoRyA-mK2eMxWne1tXGa3bbaVx3L3trojsUfTgkolQAPmM/s1600/empyt55.jpg" height="36" width="400" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Time spent with my girls.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Using Richard's shoulder as a pillow and his good night kiss on my forehead.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">My little puppy, his cute little wrinkle and when he curls up on my belly to go to sleep.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">That 'I'm home' feeling and time spent with the family.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">That 'job well done' feeling.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">When the sun breaks through the clouds and it seems like you can see every sunbeam.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Disney films and soppy love films.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Good books read on the sofa accompanied by cups of tea.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Waking up on weekends with no alarm, the sun peaking through the curtains.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Christmas - my favourite holiday, there is no time of year I love more!!</li>
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The 52 Lists project is organised by Ema over at Made in Hunters. See her list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2871343997&group=4787945&frame_type=b&blog=4787945&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Start and finish my dissertation.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Polish up my Russian - yep my flights back to the motherland are all booked and paid for! Expect more posts from Russia with love on our return to Moscow!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Getting final year pre-reading done and bracing myself for a year of being chained to a desk in the library.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Move in to my new house.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Go away for a break with Rich (maybe camping :) )</li>
</ol>
See Ema's list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2903258473&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=4787945&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Turning 22 (who wouldn't want their life dictated by a Taylor Swift song for a whole year?!)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Going back to Moscow to see it in the sunshine rather than the snow!!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Seeing my little baby puppy (expect an update on the little rascal soon!)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Seeing my little sister performing - She's got Alice in Wonderland lined up as well as a drama competition at her school.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Returning to Bath in August (god I've missed the South West!) - Cider for all :D</li>
</ol>
See Ema's list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2939931835&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=4787945&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPV50CJTWjh0J4yFrxCfO9zQyjvoFQn3bJpOdeUkxacfV32cPIuFtr4Tj1isxgQ9A_BhHLK4QJlybqIptGU0FuqXG2QrXNcYPIWtzDHwdS-OEY9rvE_050ySW7JOCzvw_ei4M-3kRs0k/s1600/empytjj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPV50CJTWjh0J4yFrxCfO9zQyjvoFQn3bJpOdeUkxacfV32cPIuFtr4Tj1isxgQ9A_BhHLK4QJlybqIptGU0FuqXG2QrXNcYPIWtzDHwdS-OEY9rvE_050ySW7JOCzvw_ei4M-3kRs0k/s1600/empytjj.jpg" height="35" width="400" /></a><br />
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<ol>
<li>Negative thoughts</li>
<li>Worry</li>
<li>De-motivation</li>
<li>STRESS</li>
<li>Lots of junk!!</li>
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See Ema's list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2981351589&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=4787945&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-15834082433098495592014-06-07T03:36:00.002-07:002014-06-07T03:36:56.995-07:00An unexpected end...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So here I am, writing this post wrapped up in a duvet in my parents house, London, with the rain beating against the window. A far cry from where I was this time last week, with friends, sunning ourselves in Retiro Park, Madrid.<br />
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Please excuse my absence up until now. My time in Seville, unfortunately, came to a rather unexpected and abrupt end last last Friday. With many things still left to do and see and friends to go back to, I'm sure it won't be the end of my story there, but for now my Spanish adventures are over.<br />
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With a million and one posts still in the pipeline from my time there, encompassing not only Seville but also Córdoba and Madrid, there will be plenty of sunsoaked posts still coming your way over the next few weeks.<br />
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Excitingly, I am in the process of booking up a month in Moscow and I hope you guys will stick around for our trip back to the Motherland!<br />
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So whilst one door closes, another one opens. </div>
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The suitcase is stowed...until we pack up and wander to the next town of course</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-75149392371680449242014-05-26T14:01:00.002-07:002014-05-26T14:02:11.283-07:00The Patios of Córdoba<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If there's one thing that Córdoba is famed for, it's it's patios. Every year the inner courtyards of the city's traditional andalusian homes burst in to bloom and open their doors to the thousands of visitors who pass through during festival time. The patios competition is fierce with almost 60 of the 65 open patios competing in various categories. So come, walk with me through some of my favourite patios.<br />
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Keep an eye out for the next in my 'One day in...' series to see what I got up to for the rest of my flying visit to Córdoba!</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-48627626570989517532014-05-25T09:32:00.002-07:002014-05-25T09:32:31.451-07:0052 Lists: List your favourite blogs and why.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ema created this list to combat some blogger on blogger hate she'd seen building on social media and to spread some love. To list my favourite blogs? This was indeed a toughie! I follow 132 bloggers on bloglovin and to narrow it down, well...you can imagine!! One of my favourite parts of blogging is reading what everyone else has got to say, seeing what lives everyone else has chosen to live and being inspired by the projects of others. 3/4 of the blogs I follow are lifestyle or travel blogs and this is most definitely reflected in my list. So without further ado (and in no particular order!)...</div>
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<li><i><b><a href="http://ciderwithrosie.com/" target="_blank">Cider with Rosie.</a></b></i><br />I'm pretty sure that this lovely lady features in most 'favourites' lists. Her personality shines through her blog which has such a genuine voice and style. From her gorgeous little dog and her stories about life with her Mr To Be, to her picture perfect days out, her posts brighten peoples days (especially her 10 things that have made me happy this week!). I'm looking forward to following on with her wedding planning in the near future!<br /></li>
<li><b><i><a href="http://awashwithwonder.com/" target="_blank">Awash with Wonder. </a></i></b>What can I say about this woman? She's a powerhouse! Her blog is so raw and honest and really gets down to the nitty gritty topics which punctuate this funny thing we call life. Beautifully written, it's opinionated without being alienating and shows an insight in to her really colourful life. It always has me nodding along in a 'that's so true' fashion. I can't wait to follow her move across the Atlantic - I know she'll be a busy bee, but please don't forget about us!<br /></li>
<li><b><i><a href="http://landlopers.com/" target="_blank">Landlopers</a>.</i></b><br />So many travel bloggers are sugar coaters and fact givers. Not Matt! Despite being a 'luxury' travel blogger (who are usually the worst of the bunch), he gives you a sense of what a place is really like, its colours, its scent and above all what he was feeling as he visited. His blog is so readable, and many of his posts have been 'favourited' in the hope that one day I can visit the wonderful places he's revealed to us. If this little space could grow up to be half the blog that Matt's is, I'd be one happy bunny.<br /></li>
<li><i><b><a href="http://abeautifulmess.com/" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess.</a></b></i><br />This is the first blog I ever followed! What can I say about A Beautiful Mess? As much as I'm a traveller, the thought of having my own little house one day just warms me up from the inside. A Beautiful Mess is like craft/DIY porn. I swoon over all their little projects and file them away in my future interior design head. However, I fear that if I actually got round to making anything, it would turn out like one of those Pintrest Gone Wrong crafts, but a girl can dream, eh? Rich best hide the power tools.<br /></li>
<li><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://wetooktheroadlesstraveled.com/" target="_blank">We Took The Road Less Travelled.</a></b><br />I just adore Casey's blog. A girl after my own heart her blog is wordy and wonderful. Based in Germany, with her RAF officer Mr, their German and European adventures have me wanderlusting all over the place! I was so rooting for them in the weeks up until they received their next posting and I really hope Casey continues writing after their move back stateside!<br /></li>
<li><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://cocktailsandcaroline.com/" target="_blank">Cocktails and Caroline.</a></b><br />This blog is written by probably the most glamorous person I've never met! Her blog just oozes London girl about town. As a Londoner myself, her posts always have me scribbling down places to visit when I next return home. Hundreds of venues, honest reviews, mouthwatering cakes (she only owns a baking company too!!) and the cutest dog Mr Jimmy Chew himself, if you want to live London Luxe vicariously, this is the place to do it!</li>
</ol>
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The 52 Lists project is organised by Ema over at Made in Hunters. Check out her list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2831826981&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=4787945&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-72447455119954606942014-05-23T02:28:00.000-07:002014-05-23T02:28:13.440-07:00El Garlochi, The Semana Santa Themed Bar.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My first attempt at finding this bar was a complete and utter failure. Of I went, my lovely girls in tow, to the address Lonely Planet had down and found nothing but a residential building. Cursing that damn book for the umpteenth time, we abandoned our search in favour of tapas and sangria in the nearest bodega.<br />
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Determined, I searched the bar on Google, and who came up trumps? None other than ever faithful <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187443-d754092-Reviews-El_Garlochi-Seville_Province_of_Seville_Andalucia.html" target="_blank">Trip Advisor</a>! New address scribbled in a notebook, it was Richard's turn to come on the Garlochi goose chase.<br />
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But praise the lord, we found it and, as promised by the reviewers, it was WEIRD AS! On an unassuming back street of the Alfalfa district, THE area of town to be seen in after dark, El Garlochi is a true marvel as Seville's only Easter themed bar (as far as I'm aware, anyway!).<br />
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Semana Santa (or Holy Week) is the lifeblood of Seville. Having experienced the fervour of the Holy Week Parades first hand (read about it <a href="http://theartofwandering.blogspot.com/2014/04/semana-santa-mini-guide-to-famed-pasos.html" target="_blank">here</a>), it was strange to be catapulted back in that world of pained and sorrowful icons, heavy musk of incense and the sounds of the bands striking up - it was even stranger that this time it was on a social level.<br />
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Styled entirely with reclaims from disused churches, all of these icons and oddities once graced an entirely more sanctified corner of Seville. From their new homes in the nooks, crannies and corners of this tiny bar, they watch over the drinkers. Their sorrowful faces almost look at you with distain, like they are disappointed with you for choosing this path over something more holy. </div>
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You would think that a place like this would be an exclusively tourist affair but we found entirely the opposite to be true. We got strange looks in the dim light not only from the statues but from the locals who prop up the bar and frequent the low slung tables, deep in hushed incense and spirit laced conversation (the liquor kind, not the holy kind!).</div>
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Jesus presiding over Richards neat vodka's right shoulder.</div>
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The drinks menu is limited to spirits or beer. There are two house special cocktails, the constituent ingredients of which are whisky and vodka, and are aptly named Christ's Blood and Water of Seville. Not wanting to stagger back to the bus, I opted for a CruzCampo, but do regret not giving one of the two concoctions a go. I also regret not asking for Jesus to turn some tap water in to a glass of wine for me - what's the point in him being in a bar if he's not going to show us his party trick?!<br />
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All in all, not the kind of place I would go for an evening drinking session, or even a quiet one to be honest. Would I return? Most probably not. Whilst it has its charms, it felt like we were treading on the regulars toes a little. A strange atmosphere with an even stranger decor - its one of the oddest places I've been in a long time, though, to my mind, there is no other city in the world where this bar would 'work' like it does.<br />
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Seeing is believing, a must visit if you're ever in town.</div>
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El Garlochi</div>
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26 Calle Boteros</div>
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41004</div>
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Seville.</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-67754848725656739602014-05-22T06:22:00.000-07:002014-05-22T06:22:17.183-07:0052 lists: List the moments you will always remember.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This post has been sitting in my drafts for well over a week now. I guess it's been hard to narrow down a lift time of defining moments in to a list of just a few. I did my best but I can't help but look at it as being far from comprehensive - there are just too many things unsaid! But I'd rather have a life choc-full of too many moments to share, than one with not one story to tell. </div>
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So here goes, the non comprehensive list of moments I'll always remember.</div>
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<li>I couldn't have been older than 5 or 6 when we spent my birthday in a caravan in Cornwall. I remember waking up to open my presents and noticing a huge box! My dad had bought me a punch bag (the kind with a metal stand and a circular ball on the top). In the end, I got so good at punching, I could punch the ball right off the top of the stand (not the idea but hey, I was strong!)<br /></li>
<li>Crying my eyes out when I let go of my Barbie kite that I was flying on the beach and my Auntie Karen gallantly charging up the cliff face (BAREFOOT) after it AND getting it back. If memory serves, it was too mangled to fly again but SUPER KAREN!<br /></li>
<li>Christmas at my Nan's house when my cousins and I were little, playing chocolate boardgames after dinner.<br /></li>
<li>Singing solo in the Royal Albert Hall in front of about four thousand people, royally screwing it up, coming off stage and not being able to go back on as I felt so physically sick!<br /></li>
<li>In Chile, walking home with Nick both more than slightly worse for wear after one to many pisco and cokes and stopping to look at the stars, one eye closed, with one thumb over the street light.<br /></li>
<li>Being on a train to my job as a Sales Assistant in GAP and getting the phone call to say that I'd got the job as a Thomson and First Choice Holiday Advisor (rep, to you and I). I was grinning from ear to ear when I arrived and couldn't tell anyone why!<br /></li>
<li>One of my first proper dates with Richard. After he picked me up, we got lost and drove in circles for about 2 hours, having to stop every 10 minutes as an urgent warning flashed on the car dash board. Knowing I love Christmas, he intended to take me to a carol concert in the beautiful Wells Cathedral - which turned out to be a full on Catholic mass! After the getting lost palava, the second stop (ice skating) was cancelled as the rink had already closed. The cutest plan, ruined by bad luck!!<br /></li>
<li>My hair freezing SOLID after a bright idea to go out in Russia, in winter, with wet hair. The purple legs were also a highlight. </li>
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The 52 lists project is organised by Ema over at Made in Hunters. Check out her list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2793654675&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=4787945&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-19607324433363926232014-05-19T14:57:00.004-07:002014-05-19T14:57:44.800-07:00One Day in Málaga.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When Rich came to visit, he flew to Málaga. Not only were flights more regular than those to Seville, the route was available from his local airport (Bristol) and the tickets were cheaper - an all round win! He arrived on a Wednesday night and I got the last bus to Málaga after work to meet him. With Thursday being a national holiday (weird I know), we decided to take advantage of my day off to explore the city before I introduced him to my new home town.<br />
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After a late night for both, we slept until we woke up - alarms are not for holiday!! Our bed in the Juanita Inn was particularly comfy, so by the time we ventured the 10 paces to the main shopping area we were just in time for an early lunch...whoops! Not a great start if you're packing a whole town in to a day. But perturbed we were not! We made a pit stop at the tourist office for maps and attraction opening times, before settling in a bar just around the corner. Deciding it was heresy to order anything but seafood whilst by the seaside, this was the resulting order.</div>
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So a garlicky chicken kebab might have snuck its way in too!</div>
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Over lunch, I said that we should set out a plan for the day. Richard automatically replied 'where are we going then?' Any one who knows me or has been on holiday with me knows that I'm a serial planner. Daily itineraries, down to where to eat and what time we should get the restaurant (I know, such a loser!!). However, as Rich had ridiculed my planning when I'd asked him about where he wanted to visit in Seville a few weeks earlier, I had made a conscious effort not to. When Rich clocked that I hadn't even looked at what there was to see in Málaga, he was slightly taken aback. Full of surprises me!</div>
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Paying the bill we wandered off in the direction of the cathedral which towered above a pretty restaurant lined, befountained square (I know its not a word, but now I've made it a word, SO THERE!). </div>
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'I think it must be this way..'</div>
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In all its sunlit glory<br />
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Before we managed to find the entrance, we got side tracked by Málaga's finger painting maestro who positions himself right out side the gates.</div>
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...intrigued?! Check out my post on him here.<br />
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After paying our entrance fee (£5 for adults and a fairly sizable discount for students), we were greeted by some fairly fabulous plaster work, ornate icons and beautiful carvings in the choir area. Though many trip advisor reviewers complain about the entrance fee (some leave reviews to moan without even being inside) I think its vital to help preserve what you have to pleasure of viewing on your visit. That's what your entrance fee does people, so stop your whinging!!<br />
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We took a little stroll in the Cathedral garden afterwards which is home to a mix of fairly traditional sculptures with some modern installations. </div>
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Next stop was the Alcazaba. <a href="http://www.malagaturismo.com/es/recursos-turisticos/detalle/alcazaba/6" target="_blank">Visit Málaga</a> dubs it the most emblematic monument of the city and who were we to argue? It seemed like a solid enough recommendation to us. </div>
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Right in the city centre, elevated on a series of levels, the Alcazaba was built before the Battle of Hastings even began! Testament to the Moorish past of Andalusia, the Alcazaba was built primarily for the protection of the city but secondly as an Arabic palace. With many tranquil patios to explore, walls to climb and unrivalled city views to capture on film, the Alcazaba makes for a nice afternoon wander. At only 2.20€ for regular entrance and only 60cents for students, the bottle of water that will be a much needed companion in the afternoon heat will cost you more than the wander!!</div>
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After a good couple of hours scaling the fortress, a beer was more than in order (mainly because we forgot the bottle of water for the hike!!). We stumbled upon a rather bustling bar on the nearest corner to the Roman theatre, being the only one with a free shady spot, we settled in for a quick drink. Then this guy came along:</div>
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Robert, the bar owner, who wouldn't stop talking long enough for the photo to be taken. </div>
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A one man whirlwind, this guy is willing to give you his opinion after knowing you ten seconds...conversation gets deep and personal in a matter of seconds but his 'I've been there done that got the t-shirt and have the answer to everything but I'm not cocky' style made him instantly likeable. One pint turned in to two (hindsight tells us we should have gone for the 10€ beer jug) - You should defo pop in for some life lessons if you're around!</div>
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Next and last on the agenda was Picasso. Born in Málaga, he left when the city was a young man and never returned, though his work (in a purpose built museum no less!) and his childhood home stand as proud reminders of his seaside Andalusian roots! </div>
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As a huge Picasso fan, the museum with its hall after hall of works was a treasure trove. Rich mainly went to appease me I think! We ended up playing a fun game of 'Name that painting'. Anyone who is familiar with Picasso will tell you that its often hard to distinguish what the hell it was supposed to be in the first place (no disrespect of course!). The names of works in the museum are mostly descriptions of the subjects so it was hilarious trying to identify them without looking at the tag first. Could be a game translated to many modern art galleries around the world. Whilst the art museum was a wonderful place, I found Picasso's family home and the exhibition hall attached a bore to put it nicely - stick with the main event and you won't be disappointed.</div>
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After another (slightly disappointing) fishy dinner which took us past sunset, we decided that we should probably see the ocean, as we hadn't set foot near the water all day. So off to the marina we went. </div>
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After circling the marina, lusting over the multimillion pound yachts and rolling our eyes at the horrendously overpriced restaurants, we turned the corner at the lighthouse to find ourselves at a near deserted Málaga beach.<br />
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After sitting on the sand, listening to the crash of the waves and watching the cruise ships and fishing boats bob along, we decided it would be heresy not to order the famous BBQd sardines with and ice cold CruzCampo.<br />
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Followed by a 1€ cornetto and a feast...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjFcLKDx4IpHh60onbnY8KExWhBuwQ9OKBN4hSJgxvy_nwyL4fnzNKvojyXnVvO6Jr9HjklnvvPDhHMH9x_lOQnzk8U83vImaglC9YAOAuZrWJ3PYx0cR4PvM8b9ko2pC44sajXgEZm8/s1600/DSCN2270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjFcLKDx4IpHh60onbnY8KExWhBuwQ9OKBN4hSJgxvy_nwyL4fnzNKvojyXnVvO6Jr9HjklnvvPDhHMH9x_lOQnzk8U83vImaglC9YAOAuZrWJ3PYx0cR4PvM8b9ko2pC44sajXgEZm8/s1600/DSCN2270.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A round of drinks at 'Gin Tonic' bar formed the end of a perfect if packed day in the city. 10 guesses what this bar's principle tipple is. </div>
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The bar staff are certainly gin experts, from the different low notes of the gin, to which is the best kind of tonic to put with it - they sure can teach you a thing or two! Word of warning...they don't speak a word of English! Best pointing fingers at the ready!</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-45944629423311332472014-05-10T05:57:00.002-07:002014-05-10T05:57:25.877-07:00Erm...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Essential equipment for Feria,<b> CHECK.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYOLSWJjlPi6H_6zd701D-WNIHMOTQzjIpET22ZcRxzBuB8r0-8ad00DbBjxvaFVv91uQvmdIgsAfTvUUaiVWGPuS9B9qumSwvfuxv7z4DiVpOZ69Bt5imuoTQKR_BVm1jvyk2o30UFo/s1600/DSCN2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYOLSWJjlPi6H_6zd701D-WNIHMOTQzjIpET22ZcRxzBuB8r0-8ad00DbBjxvaFVv91uQvmdIgsAfTvUUaiVWGPuS9B9qumSwvfuxv7z4DiVpOZ69Bt5imuoTQKR_BVm1jvyk2o30UFo/s1600/DSCN2570.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now how the hell do I get that flower and comb to stay in my hair...?!</div>
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Erm...</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-48787873944174395772014-05-09T01:51:00.000-07:002014-05-09T01:51:44.398-07:00Malaga's Finger Painting Maestro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On our one and only day in Malaga, we crammed in a good many sights but for us none of those will ever be as memorable as this guy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Nh-bbK8YOJZZNy7xNhYHJEM18vha0cCVVzC8_A5XwiPqVKdBD7-MT6EMLbOK03l1yRBTXP-5Ws1nS_SD11_vMiF98FC_OVdT9cOl7bLOTYg2-U8KbmNiT-6m72fuaktZRkV0GDTJ3E/s1600/DSCN2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73Nh-bbK8YOJZZNy7xNhYHJEM18vha0cCVVzC8_A5XwiPqVKdBD7-MT6EMLbOK03l1yRBTXP-5Ws1nS_SD11_vMiF98FC_OVdT9cOl7bLOTYg2-U8KbmNiT-6m72fuaktZRkV0GDTJ3E/s1600/DSCN2103.JPG" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
This is Malaga's finger painting maestro and he spends his day outside Malaga cathedral.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVVQRL2GdG4prkI6cjCbix5_VePalcj7GKRFT2Xgw1PlahRX1FKFd7ssZFec1pa3ciS01h_MYfsUeTch8mXbh3xezL-UZtyYfIY3_lwb8aM5iCRb3EgUwqVj2x4OgfCKGOzyg3TLDaxU/s1600/DSCN2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVVQRL2GdG4prkI6cjCbix5_VePalcj7GKRFT2Xgw1PlahRX1FKFd7ssZFec1pa3ciS01h_MYfsUeTch8mXbh3xezL-UZtyYfIY3_lwb8aM5iCRb3EgUwqVj2x4OgfCKGOzyg3TLDaxU/s1600/DSCN2105.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
He paints with oils on glass and, for 10 euros, he will do you three finger paintings in three minutes. But these are not that kind of finger paintings that grace the fridges of many a proud parent or act as gifts to the nursery school teachers of the world, these, believe it or not, are master pieces.<br />
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He draws quite a crowd, sucked in, as we were, by his nature scenes that he creates in seconds.<br />
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Let the master show you how its done as he paints the pictures that now add a bit of magic to my desk.<br />
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And here are our finished masterpieces, soon to grace Richard's bathroom walls:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pEchPOB7csPg9TGKWStlDyCHQNkrv0sOERoRBd2L0dDy9cd7rUinP2aGMRQdCo5G4d8wmf9gwaQrQ9i7rlWXORjZFJuEu7cBL9nZ-iLpTOdpufAuSFnSJRk4L85Fe_d_syR51WpODv8/s1600/DSCN2564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pEchPOB7csPg9TGKWStlDyCHQNkrv0sOERoRBd2L0dDy9cd7rUinP2aGMRQdCo5G4d8wmf9gwaQrQ9i7rlWXORjZFJuEu7cBL9nZ-iLpTOdpufAuSFnSJRk4L85Fe_d_syR51WpODv8/s1600/DSCN2564.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aren't they gorgeous? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinklOufzrIfKqeSn9z3lYY6QQW_LeDkm4yVv_QPtJUGQoTIK3cvrEu4IiSfMCsIqUGu5vEylcWrltivaTiBQdk-AldL7LCsTFixdNEYSf5Vx3pfXXY_ie_3kqxqCIJUouk2i25UgxTuQY/s1600/DSCN2565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinklOufzrIfKqeSn9z3lYY6QQW_LeDkm4yVv_QPtJUGQoTIK3cvrEu4IiSfMCsIqUGu5vEylcWrltivaTiBQdk-AldL7LCsTFixdNEYSf5Vx3pfXXY_ie_3kqxqCIJUouk2i25UgxTuQY/s1600/DSCN2565.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The little bird in each of them is the symbol of the artist, like a signature I guess.</div>
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Such a shame the little moon smudged!</div>
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We loved this guy - he does something different and has a genuine talent! Watching him paint our pictures will be something we remember for a very long time - one for the memory bank indeed. Definitely a highlight of our day!</div>
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To see the best of the rest, stick around, coming up soon will be our tips for making the most out of ONE day in Málaga.</div>
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Ciao for now,</div>
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With Love</div>
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From Andalusia!</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-41480142656008501892014-05-08T05:29:00.004-07:002014-05-08T05:29:56.094-07:0052 Lists: List the things you will do today.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Guess I kinda missed the boat on this one! This list was sent through to us on Monday, presumably with the idea of being a list of wonderful bank holiday plans. </div>
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No bank holidays for us in Andalusia I'm sad to say! Even though my lovely Mr was over to visit, I was working for part of the day, but we didn't let it spoil our fun. </div>
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Without further a do, I shall share with you what we DID on Monday - as its far interesting than any of the boring teacher/adult stuff I have to do to day, let me tell you! </div>
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I apologise for defying you list title, but that's just me - I'm a rebel (read absolute nerd being ironic).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgQy1nV_i7LKw5XKQiPTuCsYECY-2baTxd8yQiVmAT8ji4YX967CsQDmGum8NzqUxREnou9Ozh9jeUuezMIDQmQubZ970olx_f4Rd-rezzAC9_HdOy7eh_FvBR4SyzvJTMQev05As5Kc/s1600/empyt0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgQy1nV_i7LKw5XKQiPTuCsYECY-2baTxd8yQiVmAT8ji4YX967CsQDmGum8NzqUxREnou9Ozh9jeUuezMIDQmQubZ970olx_f4Rd-rezzAC9_HdOy7eh_FvBR4SyzvJTMQev05As5Kc/s1600/empyt0.jpg" height="37" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>(<b>OR the things you did on Monday cos you don't check your emails as often as you should)</b></i></div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Got up at 8 (leaving Rich to snooze) and planned the day's lessons (3 adult classes and 1 kids group)<br /></li>
<li>Booked a table at a local restaurant so that Rich could try Andalusia's famed <a href="http://theartofwandering.blogspot.com/2014/04/spanish-life-lessons-5.html" target="_blank">choco</a>.<br /></li>
<li>Went out on a walk in the countryside around the village, showing Rich the olive groves.<br /></li>
<li>Stopped for a cold drink in the hotel in between my village and the next - walking in 35 degree heat is thirsty work.<br /></li>
<li>Toddled along to the restaurant to find we were the only people there, had to interrupt the waiter's viewing of a tv western to order.<br /></li>
<li>Received way too much food and were disappointed by the choco - it's a hit and miss game at the best of times.<br /></li>
<li>Went home to teach whilst Rich burnt himself to a pleasing strawberry colour in the garden.<br /></li>
<li>My colleague shooed me out of my final class with the instruction 'Go have fun'.<br /></li>
<li>Not one to not follow orders, I did a quick change, and Rich and I hopped on the bus to witness the opening of the Feria (pictures to come!).<br /></li>
<li>After the light switch on of the main gate and a whistle stop tour of the main public casetas (tents full of drinking and dancing), we settled down for a glass of Rebujito (the traditional drink of the Feria - Manzanilla wine and sprite).<br /></li>
<li>We had to have a power walk back to the bus station in order to catch the last bus back to the village (3am). When we arrived, the bus station was dark and locked.<br /></li>
<li>A authoritative stranger (dressed suspiciously like a bus driver) told us that a security guard would come to let us in soon. Everyone assumed this was our driver.<br /></li>
<li>As minutes turned in to half an hour, the small crowd that had gathered began to disperse in to shared taxis, giving up hope.<br /></li>
<li>We stayed for a further 10 minutes with the authoritative stranger, before he revealed that he was in fact a feria security guard rather than the company representative he had led everyone to believe he was. DOUCHE!<br /></li>
<li>We bundled in to a taxi praying the meter gods would be kind (I live a fair trot from the centre) - in the end, we paid the bargain price of 15€.<br /></li>
<li>We flopped in to bed at gone 4 in the morning, and forwent setting the alarm.</li>
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The 52 lists project is organised by Ema over at Made in Hunters. Check out here list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2757109057&group=4787945&frame_type=b&blog=4787945&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-64565348318893711982014-04-30T04:00:00.000-07:002014-04-30T04:00:00.220-07:00Seville Street Art 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Some more weird and wonderful street art, stumbled upon near La Plaza de Armas bus station. Its clear that this area near the river is home to the street culture of Seville, not only in terms of its decoration, but also as home of the skate parks by the river - frequented at all hours of day and night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0HLE9D1GiK7UsVU5cR2rFcH0O06sCI3EIyvGPs0A5joKIjrJj8nvMrGZgCHWUbJcJMU1Y9cwbl-g_2KIwRuIdzyz8S9uNygcJINjWUmkRRSuiuVEIBgAlWY7czGWHrhAQIBtVzDanks/s1600/DSCN0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0HLE9D1GiK7UsVU5cR2rFcH0O06sCI3EIyvGPs0A5joKIjrJj8nvMrGZgCHWUbJcJMU1Y9cwbl-g_2KIwRuIdzyz8S9uNygcJINjWUmkRRSuiuVEIBgAlWY7czGWHrhAQIBtVzDanks/s1600/DSCN0843.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugrld2Fm7vDvGkeP4371LWS7Sc1iDXq-2jOO6vtNfvzIVD1xu3CD-6tt6xNWhTQTrK0LkO0RVGh_tYqR9QGq2qh8SiCSsZRTtf8G39_z6Ka_VsgYDOc74oKdwym-a95hLDsEN3oycsOE/s1600/DSCN0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugrld2Fm7vDvGkeP4371LWS7Sc1iDXq-2jOO6vtNfvzIVD1xu3CD-6tt6xNWhTQTrK0LkO0RVGh_tYqR9QGq2qh8SiCSsZRTtf8G39_z6Ka_VsgYDOc74oKdwym-a95hLDsEN3oycsOE/s1600/DSCN0844.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Street art of the artistic process (of the more conventional brush kind). Trying to show that, although unconventional, spray art is just as worthy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DTJFX1COvqPYDs2VNHLOsYODGaOsd2q4wfQOiarhYo83pXssCqE4pUzi6sDCEBHQrDMMUekBwPu-iGwgGLNns-LFsXlx3RL_rz96Lekx7tq9oN9kCfHmX2mFhFwvrjU57aTweaKy3bY/s1600/DSCN0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DTJFX1COvqPYDs2VNHLOsYODGaOsd2q4wfQOiarhYo83pXssCqE4pUzi6sDCEBHQrDMMUekBwPu-iGwgGLNns-LFsXlx3RL_rz96Lekx7tq9oN9kCfHmX2mFhFwvrjU57aTweaKy3bY/s1600/DSCN0845.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The one above is one of my favourites, Rather politically committed don't you think? Such a shame a rookie decided to make his mark on top of the central figure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWKIDpKEAF_OSbGsEH0bTh29Czthfmrqkq9eHkbAWvEGZDCNTaN884TxlmFb_z4aFTtrCl7HJYXKwB8ogS08V9fYjo_HSTOk12YtQ7GItCVRxspyKoAUDjyd-0D6Lrm8DOzFT76dHrAc/s1600/DSCN0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWKIDpKEAF_OSbGsEH0bTh29Czthfmrqkq9eHkbAWvEGZDCNTaN884TxlmFb_z4aFTtrCl7HJYXKwB8ogS08V9fYjo_HSTOk12YtQ7GItCVRxspyKoAUDjyd-0D6Lrm8DOzFT76dHrAc/s1600/DSCN0852.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Whoever this guy is, it looks like he doesn't want to be messed with. </div>
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Before coming to Seville, I didn't think graffiti art was my thing, but the more I find, the more I like it. </div>
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<b>Next stop, a street art tour of Berlin?<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></b></div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-34571548439791194912014-04-29T03:00:00.000-07:002014-04-29T03:00:01.131-07:0052 Lists: list the things you'd do if you won the lottery.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I think it would be a funny thing to win the lottery...I mean, its something that so many people dream of, but really, when presented with a totally life changing sum of money, I think most people would struggle with what to do with it all. I had some inner turmoil just writing the damn list (which shows I would be absolutely useless!). Truly though, I don't think I'd go mad if I had a lot of money - the main thing I was thinking when penning this was 'surely there should be more things here than this?!'. I enlisted the help of my friend Sam, who wasn't helpful at all but came up with a rather spiffing list of her own (posted as a bonus list below - it was too good not to share!).</div>
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As for me, Iguess all I'd want would be to make life more comfortable for myself, set some dreams in motion, look after the people who matter most and try and help some others along the way.</div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>First things first...pack up and ship out for a luxury villa holiday with all my family,the Mr and my closest friends. Yes there will be copious amounts of wine and food (cooked by someone else of course!) - girl's got to celebrate ;)</li>
<li>Look after my family - pay off mortgages, put some away for my sister in case she wants to go to uni...</li>
<li>Buy my dream house and decorate it exactly how I'd like it.</li>
<li>Buy a little hotel or guest house...I can just picture how I'd have it - something intimate and friendly!</li>
<li>Start to check off the travel bucket list. So many trips, so little time.</li>
<li>Actively help out some good causes - not just throw money at them but organise galas and public events, be hands on.</li>
</ol>
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*BONUS LIST* written by Sam.</div>
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<li>Save many monies for my small sister, and disperse them to her as needed.</li>
<li>Buy my father's house.</li>
<li>Buy my brother his turtle called Mr T (he has wanted that for a really long time).</li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">make a park with flowers and a river and giant chess sets and picnics on demand, with also nice music and sunshines and it would be called the sharing garden for all.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Go to the theatre many times, to see all the things with all the people I love.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Replace my pot of peanut butter which leaked all over everything.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only eat nice food and drinks from now one, like really nice.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do some sensible and loving to the world things such as savings and giving to people that need it.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Go to all the places everywhere!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Become a mermaid.*</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Note from Grace: nothing like making realistic goals in life, eh?</span></div>
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The 52 lists project is organised by Ema over at Made in Hunters. Check out her list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2719691481&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=4787945&link=aHR0cDovL21hZGVpbmh1bnRlcnMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzIwMTQvMDQvNTItbGlzdHMtZWlnaHRlZW4uaHRtbA&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-58592975537798608402014-04-26T04:00:00.000-07:002014-04-26T04:00:00.858-07:00Semana Santa - a mini guide to the famed pasos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So Easter Week, or Semana Santa as we know it here in Spain, was a wonderful blur. My family were here visiting and our time was jam-packed with sightseeing and tapas pit stops interspersed with occasional lounge by the pool.<br />
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Seville is home to some of the most famous of the Spanish holy week processions, famed the world over for the hauntingly dressed penitents. They accompany floats weighing up to five tonnes, which boast irreplaceable figures of the Virgin and Jesus, as they walk the streets.<br />
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The official start of holy week is Palm Sunday, when the first of the official processions leave their respective churches en route to the cathedral. Processions are marathon affairs with some stretching to 12 or 13 hours, often marching the streets through the night to avoid the heat.<br />
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Taking heed of the warning of my students and colleagues, I knew that the centre would be unnavigable with swarms of people, bus diversions and main tourist sights either closed or at gridlock. As such, I suggested to the family that Sunday be a more tranquil affair. I thought the best place to get away from the hustle and bustle would be at El Parque de María Luisa and La Plaza de Espana (which I first discovered <a href="http://theartofwandering.blogspot.com/2014/03/plaza-de-espana-y-parque-de-maria-luisa.html" target="_blank">here</a>). As a tourist attraction in its own right, there was no need to scrimp on the Seville experience at the expense of the Easter festivities.<br />
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I made a lovely picnic spread to enjoy and, after a wander round the plaza to see the mosaics, we set it out, ready for a mid morning graze. In the distance we could hear the beats of a processions marching band, the sun was shining and all was merry with the world.<br />
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It was soon clear that the band wasn't so far away...in fact it was heading straight for us. As crowds began to form in the road leading past the Plaza, we were about to have our first Semana Santa experience as La Paz (the peace) procession marched right past our picnic spot.<br />
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My sister and I made it (at a jog) to a spot right on the side of the road and held our ground for the full 2 and half hours the full parade took to pass. What resulted was a very sunburnt nose, some beautiful pictures and this mini guide to the Semana Santa processions of Seville.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK6WBRNNGYPXZCrzoEoNvn-yTB5VCf6L5UsORgUH1FuYn3SL3MGt2fy6yT0tpBmWwdFDjEmGxSDQi6HfH9O1zngqF8DpEnmBoaT3QloVxGtplsSv-YWeIMm5OOKtstpgh7pDmoAh2mZM/s1600/DSCN1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK6WBRNNGYPXZCrzoEoNvn-yTB5VCf6L5UsORgUH1FuYn3SL3MGt2fy6yT0tpBmWwdFDjEmGxSDQi6HfH9O1zngqF8DpEnmBoaT3QloVxGtplsSv-YWeIMm5OOKtstpgh7pDmoAh2mZM/s1600/DSCN1630.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The first section of the La Paz procession was mounted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVqfnG3q240CovSC9Uurgcuet3yEl3c4f33a3d5x61r1mlkUWeczHJxl1QgofDTZ-pkRpolsXiHRYlnCXCtu5WXuGdly7qWKYAZgdo1zwEPhhXvawOVGlwYeH9nRifHxL0zCGxf4Wj-0/s1600/DSCN1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVqfnG3q240CovSC9Uurgcuet3yEl3c4f33a3d5x61r1mlkUWeczHJxl1QgofDTZ-pkRpolsXiHRYlnCXCtu5WXuGdly7qWKYAZgdo1zwEPhhXvawOVGlwYeH9nRifHxL0zCGxf4Wj-0/s1600/DSCN1631.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
This was our first glimpse of the nazarenos, the name given to these hooded figures. If any of you have seen the first scene of 'The DaVinci Code', the nazarenos feature in Robert Langdon's symbols lecture, in which they are wrongly identified as members of the Klu Klux Klan. They are in fact religious penitents, who represent the first level of religious promise within the processions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFwgPc60Q5_Tt-AZYFJjTunZ6XA368cX23Ng8GUQ-ZD9W2uamJPuFkfXl2W4Z6ksOQ82FWVpl4ZLHBSVN4kap1rV9nFqBgbPCxfniQBQWGApEA4AQFMUatusxNIxUSERB0kobCenfAVw/s1600/DSCN1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFwgPc60Q5_Tt-AZYFJjTunZ6XA368cX23Ng8GUQ-ZD9W2uamJPuFkfXl2W4Z6ksOQ82FWVpl4ZLHBSVN4kap1rV9nFqBgbPCxfniQBQWGApEA4AQFMUatusxNIxUSERB0kobCenfAVw/s1600/DSCN1640.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1936977973"></span><span id="goog_1936977974"></span>Nazarenos can be any age (check out the little cutie above!). Nazarenos often give sweets or stampitas (little cards featuring saints) to children. So far from being an intimidating presence, they are often a child's favourite part of the processions. All nazarenos, with the exception of the very small, carry candles (in one of three sizes). The nazarenos of La Paz carried both white and red candles. The candles are lit in the night time parades and La Paz was featured in the newspaper the following day as the white robes of its penitents were stained red with candle was throughout the evening. It looked like a murder scene...much more sinister than how they look in my snaps (taken between 1.30pm and 3.30/4pm).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zSQlQqQYVJrEyMkb0vHWz4soCWPSH1CVVEq9iyfrKP_gm9R7WuIyzoi7fJoJUXjTP4Bxy_FHu5RFbabOhZ35bRUylfCtWCdFCbkgHKoRUkplUG44CfElNceJTFOrsj97Dy6Pb7SlmYU/s1600/DSCN1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zSQlQqQYVJrEyMkb0vHWz4soCWPSH1CVVEq9iyfrKP_gm9R7WuIyzoi7fJoJUXjTP4Bxy_FHu5RFbabOhZ35bRUylfCtWCdFCbkgHKoRUkplUG44CfElNceJTFOrsj97Dy6Pb7SlmYU/s1600/DSCN1650.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Stampitas attached to the candle of a female nazareno.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAHiSIakRACnr3Av69mxEd6ty-aYBpbeKtWmLlfyj2q8_yl0VCmjnW64XUJ_mQwpqBH3Ps16CNOqDJL58TcmgI7jCDbvr8ZLlsDbYbEIhN51Gue0u3sIXl-AdFVOJGGnrY5dE_8ZaXsg/s1600/DSCN1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAHiSIakRACnr3Av69mxEd6ty-aYBpbeKtWmLlfyj2q8_yl0VCmjnW64XUJ_mQwpqBH3Ps16CNOqDJL58TcmgI7jCDbvr8ZLlsDbYbEIhN51Gue0u3sIXl-AdFVOJGGnrY5dE_8ZaXsg/s1600/DSCN1661.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Carrying a rosary on procession.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMRbcPDvatWXjc4uf9LLNkj-hi8HQzJEuiOepU0a-y3slZ2CxqefF_k5Op7o169B82FKDSvl0u2xAPZXlh2su1VQ9VF0diM1dPfC6grgiSOi5dr1GGQLgopP1o9T6HB-uVE5wUnnwHRw/s1600/DSCN1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMRbcPDvatWXjc4uf9LLNkj-hi8HQzJEuiOepU0a-y3slZ2CxqefF_k5Op7o169B82FKDSvl0u2xAPZXlh2su1VQ9VF0diM1dPfC6grgiSOi5dr1GGQLgopP1o9T6HB-uVE5wUnnwHRw/s1600/DSCN1655.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">With such a jubilant atmosphere with children calling out for sweets, its often hard to remember that nazarenos are penitents seeking forgiveness from God. Some choose to punish themselves more by going without shoes. Though its rare to see in the south of Spain, some penitents in the north go as far as to chain their feet together as well - Semana Santa is serious business.</span></div>
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Next came the first float featuring Jesus carrying the crucifix guarded be a centurion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwhahbnOPjwfRcyN9lcZHLTlX55podH7oZ6cwWnWPjuT1obMixcpH2AHSjzDiUotA_5A0MUyrB42KgZqGIg-hggvydB7zDBc3eNxxf1VvO9qJDtw8_BQN89Mswjhh7sGiLbE5v9u2o-U/s1600/DSCN1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwhahbnOPjwfRcyN9lcZHLTlX55podH7oZ6cwWnWPjuT1obMixcpH2AHSjzDiUotA_5A0MUyrB42KgZqGIg-hggvydB7zDBc3eNxxf1VvO9qJDtw8_BQN89Mswjhh7sGiLbE5v9u2o-U/s1600/DSCN1669.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
You know I mentioned these floats can weigh around 5 tonnes? Did I mention they are carried from beneath by men?! Here they are at rest underneath the float (paso).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xY4MvA9NyH0zKrf1ej0W3R44UAJWrLUYv-5_oYO5hyH3TecYnzv8M6nUWfFaV_MUd7TX_2QHW3YxIXWbHQGOvi07grUQjc7DZl6WIt-4nL_mYNYNn7xbdEJvKYFYpWzb3Kvfkhc-K7M/s1600/DSCN1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xY4MvA9NyH0zKrf1ej0W3R44UAJWrLUYv-5_oYO5hyH3TecYnzv8M6nUWfFaV_MUd7TX_2QHW3YxIXWbHQGOvi07grUQjc7DZl6WIt-4nL_mYNYNn7xbdEJvKYFYpWzb3Kvfkhc-K7M/s1600/DSCN1675.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This gentlemen is the director of the paso. He gives the orders of when to lift and when to rest. You may be able to see, if you look closely at the float, a golden knocker in the shape of a bridge with a tower at either end. At the knock of the director, the costaleros (the carriers of the paso) not only lift, but they jump to a standing position with the weight of the float on their neck and shoulders. It really is a sight!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP0ueZrB27WYsFvZUQPVJ6R-Hcew-tEeohjz3HzHOjlWtLGcryLsRc31ElVIQYK9UkHUIoDNAF8npfIiHY-1EzYIPxDepcTXHd4RbU54Jslw8D_OkYFrpCMQxr3zLwFXQpLRZ2aI1D70/s1600/DSCN1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP0ueZrB27WYsFvZUQPVJ6R-Hcew-tEeohjz3HzHOjlWtLGcryLsRc31ElVIQYK9UkHUIoDNAF8npfIiHY-1EzYIPxDepcTXHd4RbU54Jslw8D_OkYFrpCMQxr3zLwFXQpLRZ2aI1D70/s1600/DSCN1677.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo4t6A3k-4sgHOSYikWrj338nb1IgyidYXAt30uNgJPKcB0FpIcTWV5b8o07EvA62CkZ-klfX1bw44uQ-_TI2IqV3t1zBv7xE0UFYLj3sy4olo_oO3-FZDW_99dl_uZu_kZ5ukmXb-2A/s1600/DSCN1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo4t6A3k-4sgHOSYikWrj338nb1IgyidYXAt30uNgJPKcB0FpIcTWV5b8o07EvA62CkZ-klfX1bw44uQ-_TI2IqV3t1zBv7xE0UFYLj3sy4olo_oO3-FZDW_99dl_uZu_kZ5ukmXb-2A/s1600/DSCN1689.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Following the first paso came the penitentes, who, as you can see, wear the same hooded form as the nazarenos but without the pointed top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE3BqAB4Szuv3YiG_yH3JiphrjOaJJtpLbjvXhzVtDRi4RndIPovKyaj_XEr-GNag4M84EyAJqPhcp4bDzu2GAEJ7lLfRG0741ZQZ3gA79K_LMzPvyNNs_CirhZUfZwp7DuwgP2Otpeo/s1600/DSCN1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE3BqAB4Szuv3YiG_yH3JiphrjOaJJtpLbjvXhzVtDRi4RndIPovKyaj_XEr-GNag4M84EyAJqPhcp4bDzu2GAEJ7lLfRG0741ZQZ3gA79K_LMzPvyNNs_CirhZUfZwp7DuwgP2Otpeo/s1600/DSCN1693.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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These are a step up from the nazarenos in the religious promise stakes. They carry weighted crosses for the duration of the parade. Though most only carry one, depending on the level of penitence a penitente can carry up to four crosses at one time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlEg-YU_vl4WkVrND14BIYrn_5UwwNfk3Mf23LTb3MRCfOhl-1nwTFpq-UtO_5hJFb9UimtC9vwhLjcOpDPnOEPd1RDips3f9g1jG9WthLYuONT67K_SrUnGN7WEZNVUVX_7HPQj3krg/s1600/DSCN1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlEg-YU_vl4WkVrND14BIYrn_5UwwNfk3Mf23LTb3MRCfOhl-1nwTFpq-UtO_5hJFb9UimtC9vwhLjcOpDPnOEPd1RDips3f9g1jG9WthLYuONT67K_SrUnGN7WEZNVUVX_7HPQj3krg/s1600/DSCN1710.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">A beautiful end to the procession came in the form of the second paso, that of the weeping Virgin. Sheltered by a canopy of white lace, she was truly beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">La Paz was an unexpected but welcome step in to the world of Semana Santa. If you're ever in Seville for Holy Week and want a low key but impressively large procession, make sure you stop by La Paz as it passes through the park. You won't be jostling for room and once you've had your fill of the action, you can simply retreat to the grass for sunbathing. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>Have you ever witnessed a Semana Santa procession? What did you think of it?</i></span></div>
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</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-84838711016795137732014-04-24T16:07:00.000-07:002014-04-24T16:07:40.456-07:0052 lists: list what you're grateful for.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4f2CCSI5247dqGYsWjx0QscHnLgZ0tl5fZ3TXqtl9QmS8ZMr_Y6drG6PoPXhYpoYP1cwzZhVaYHirWgkQRqDS5DHShsjWQRVjbTHB1ruRoqSZjdy7-xhMJnAa3ciAVb8BbcDt97f5OE/s1600/empytcc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4f2CCSI5247dqGYsWjx0QscHnLgZ0tl5fZ3TXqtl9QmS8ZMr_Y6drG6PoPXhYpoYP1cwzZhVaYHirWgkQRqDS5DHShsjWQRVjbTHB1ruRoqSZjdy7-xhMJnAa3ciAVb8BbcDt97f5OE/s1600/empytcc.jpg" height="37" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>for my wonderful family, all the love and support they have given me over the years, and for the happy childhood I enjoyed with them.<br /></li>
<li>for the relationship I now have with my sister, we didn't always get on but now we are crazy together and its fun.<br /></li>
<li>for my crazy friends with whom I share secrets, rants, laughs, tears, meals and wine.<br /></li>
<li>for my amazing boyfriend and the happy relationship we share even across the miles.<br />Separated in distance but never in heart.<br /></li>
<li>for the amazing opportunities I've had: studying at a great uni, living abroad...<br /></li>
<li>for the people I've met around the world who made new places feel like home.<br /></li>
<li>for the memories I made, the photos I took and the albums I made.<br /></li>
<li>for the lessons I learnt about life and about myself along the way.<br /></li>
<li>for being healthy, if a little chubby!<br /></li>
<li>for the promise of big adventures yet to come.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The 52 lists project is run by Ema over at Made in Hunters. Check out her list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2687675267&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=4787945&link=aHR0cDovL21hZGVpbmh1bnRlcnMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzIwMTQvMDQvNTItbGlzdHMtcHJvamVjdC5odG1s&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-1039338215034677622014-04-21T13:22:00.002-07:002014-04-21T13:23:16.683-07:00The hidden little bird...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is the Church of San Pedro (Saint Peter to you and I).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fokRzdIhCtZUvzQj8spvx943SSbxErE4qE-2JXjJDjcVIMA9LodVlzfyOWB9rzDiEd2pPhNliAEjhfeY_jnseKKbBjzf0ZEKZz-bezOyFZ0VvCp9XwdR9kQqdHSFqZpN_-I2PJMsQSg/s1600/DSCN1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fokRzdIhCtZUvzQj8spvx943SSbxErE4qE-2JXjJDjcVIMA9LodVlzfyOWB9rzDiEd2pPhNliAEjhfeY_jnseKKbBjzf0ZEKZz-bezOyFZ0VvCp9XwdR9kQqdHSFqZpN_-I2PJMsQSg/s1600/DSCN1568.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Watched over by the heavenly Sister Angela of the Cross, mother of the poor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H0BakLLH5ohVx22q9YAww_KwOC49u-bZRuBxW4E4pf6d8obID9szIfMKvO2DLunBqZ6xn8a5MkHs05afrRXxMqwy1FwbGZMfzeNHGKf9DntEAFWKM2snmnxmt_ofrxpZMWmz6MugFMY/s1600/DSCN1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0H0BakLLH5ohVx22q9YAww_KwOC49u-bZRuBxW4E4pf6d8obID9szIfMKvO2DLunBqZ6xn8a5MkHs05afrRXxMqwy1FwbGZMfzeNHGKf9DntEAFWKM2snmnxmt_ofrxpZMWmz6MugFMY/s1600/DSCN1567.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Most people don't give this beautiful picture a second glance as they walk past, but there is a special story to be told...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-XWBUm7Dc3MDTLwc0_XW22lXp6jJ6KHDjLQglCjMkO8WituzE157-McKdFsALGJm8XP4dg1J9rv10J5jZOvyH_rW3ZIDnHB149yFnvnZze6jE1MHsN9Q14ktIR0nHKkMn3eO77xCvQI/s1600/DSCN1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-XWBUm7Dc3MDTLwc0_XW22lXp6jJ6KHDjLQglCjMkO8WituzE157-McKdFsALGJm8XP4dg1J9rv10J5jZOvyH_rW3ZIDnHB149yFnvnZze6jE1MHsN9Q14ktIR0nHKkMn3eO77xCvQI/s1600/DSCN1263.JPG" height="320" width="304" /></a></div>
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Hidden in the intricate paintings of the tiles is a little bird.</div>
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The locals say that if you find the little bird, you will have good luck in love and marriage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NKJwffif2llHQUhrA_hdUJrDQej-B_BrItWZMfusbPYL7leIVzxhK1GuB2yul62jwiZcNv-B4SUAoMKVdt3MXLBbgxDpvVUnhnphvqMEqoBG6m43Xg7m3RBkbzVQ2RD331a9GRDr5as/s1600/DSCN1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NKJwffif2llHQUhrA_hdUJrDQej-B_BrItWZMfusbPYL7leIVzxhK1GuB2yul62jwiZcNv-B4SUAoMKVdt3MXLBbgxDpvVUnhnphvqMEqoBG6m43Xg7m3RBkbzVQ2RD331a9GRDr5as/s1600/DSCN1264.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The poem beneath it tells a different story...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'I am of the sacrament,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>an artist painted me </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and put here a little bird</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> - that's his way of signing -</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>hidden in a little corner.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>All those who found it,</i></div>
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<i>gave alms as they passed</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and prayed to The Souls,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>if they wanted to marry,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>always and quickly it was achieved'</i></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I absolutely love finding these quirky little places! Be it just good luck or something more, I love its kooky little story - something I'll be sure to show the Mr when he comes to visit (and everyone in between for that matter!).</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you want to find little bird, look for him at</div>
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<i><b>Inglesia de San Pedro</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Calle de Doña Maríá Coronel 1</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Sevilla</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>What do you think? Do we make our own luck or are some things just destiny?</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-67188890358136284752014-04-20T03:20:00.005-07:002014-04-20T03:20:57.899-07:00Happy Easter!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello my lovelies,<br /></div>
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Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter wherever you may be. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope the Easter Bunny bought you something nice!<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a quiet tea and a creme egg affair here in Seville after a manic week of Semanta Santa parades and playing tour guide/translator to my wonderful family who came to visit!<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a sneak peak of the parade pictures coming your way very shortly...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_np2XolwuDgPQIxfeNBgFm4E8zAv-FINRs1IqgKWJ8VOn8vJQehmn8Bcnf4PaXqxPoTPuBPRGiqYP76ynP0eSctoIDRPzzxiF3V8JWSuq3_x-2JluHE1KbDNJRta-q7fn5b7706srcTA/s1600/DSCN1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_np2XolwuDgPQIxfeNBgFm4E8zAv-FINRs1IqgKWJ8VOn8vJQehmn8Bcnf4PaXqxPoTPuBPRGiqYP76ynP0eSctoIDRPzzxiF3V8JWSuq3_x-2JluHE1KbDNJRta-q7fn5b7706srcTA/s1600/DSCN1633.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
and a cute bunny...<br />
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<a href="http://amaltheasattic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/46461-bunnies-cute-rabbit.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1HTcW41Nsys440EJAwD93zBRS5ql-EH7r77X0hSjhF7cMWXrsLobKQKwG0Ol-2E7jatxXO09iwD2MXZhbdIkgW9EC9IWMzJ2vgryNTIz02O4nWCle8DoKYMGHAHwF2Mo9w-6_MTJzcg/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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...cos who doesn't love a cute bunny on Easter!</div>
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With love from Seville</div>
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xXx</div>
<br /></div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-43097760366161663132014-04-18T10:36:00.000-07:002014-04-18T10:36:44.890-07:0052 lists: list your perfect weekend to do list.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RpTz9cB0KensFshwaCTbMMALU0G5tZ41uUt0HqXTVs0goRu8DtE9cj0stcjtN0Uh7bryaYKiI4lYe-SH5uFRtvBIb5FEubxUDZmS9F4tAT3unnRazN24aNhyphenhyphendKS3jOGE8zXC-1Igcbk/s1600/empyt,,,8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RpTz9cB0KensFshwaCTbMMALU0G5tZ41uUt0HqXTVs0goRu8DtE9cj0stcjtN0Uh7bryaYKiI4lYe-SH5uFRtvBIb5FEubxUDZmS9F4tAT3unnRazN24aNhyphenhyphendKS3jOGE8zXC-1Igcbk/s1600/empyt,,,8.jpg" height="37" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Waking up on Richard's shoulder, not a alarm in sight.</li>
<li>Looking out of the window and finding a sunny, cloudless sky.</li>
<li>A lazy brunch out - eggs royale and an iced tea anyone?</li>
<li>A day trip - a quaint little village, the beach, the woods...wherever the mood takes us.</li>
<li>Dinner in a country pub with a chilled class of pinot!</li>
<li>Spending the morning preparing a whole bunch of BBQ food, having friends round in the afternoon to share it.</li>
<li>Spending the evening in front of a well stoked chiminea to take the bite off a summer night.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The 52 lists project is organised by Ema over at Made In Hunters. Check out her list <a href="http://madeinhunters.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/52-lists-sixteen.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-52078630439467160472014-04-07T09:07:00.000-07:002014-04-07T09:07:05.185-07:0052 Lists: List the things that kick start your soul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I wasn't really sure what to make of this list title. As I put pen to paper, what came out were the things that give me one of two things:<br /></div>
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a warm fuzzy feeling in my tummy</div>
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OR</div>
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that 'ready to take on the world'/'refreshed' feeling</div>
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<br /></div>
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So here they are...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxrHLv8lpoqWYpZXxZ1FhRluOjaOro7SvkjvqMyqFSHTQ7ZQ4yoKN6jymGJLze0v8hTHFcs6Ly40lFkIy47VS4SC8RiOXv726PbIvrVvWhodP12wEfp_A_4SvWUl9UHD8M4qud7Supuk/s1600/empyt55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxrHLv8lpoqWYpZXxZ1FhRluOjaOro7SvkjvqMyqFSHTQ7ZQ4yoKN6jymGJLze0v8hTHFcs6Ly40lFkIy47VS4SC8RiOXv726PbIvrVvWhodP12wEfp_A_4SvWUl9UHD8M4qud7Supuk/s1600/empyt55.jpg" height="35" width="400" /></a></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Lady Grey tea in a vintage teacup.<br /></li>
<li>Warm spring days (the kind where you can leave your jacket at home).<br /></li>
<li>Spending hours in the kitchen chatting with the girls about nothing and everything. How I miss those!<br /></li>
<li>Using Richard's shoulder as a pillow and his good night kiss on my forehead.<br /></li>
<li>Seeing a picture of my little puppy's face (he is so photogenic I could die!) AND when he curls up on my belly to go to sleep.<br /></li>
<li>That new town feeling - when everything is new to discover and time is stretched before you.<br /></li>
<li>People watching with glass of wine in hand with tapas on its way.<br /></li>
<li>'I love life' days - where nothing can flatten your mood!<br /></li>
<li>Planning the next adventure.<br /></li>
<li>Walking by the river in the sunshine.<br /></li>
<li>That 'I'm home' feeling - after a long stint abroad, you start to miss the little things about life in your home country. In your first few weeks back even the simple things are so exciting!!<br /></li>
<li>That 'job well done' feeling.</li>
</ol>
The 52 lists project is organised by Ema over at Made in Hunters. Check out her list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2616163347&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=4787945&link=aHR0cDovL21hZGVpbmh1bnRlcnMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzIwMTQvMDQvNTItbGlzdHMtZmlmdGVlbi5odG1s&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-79205237368627069662014-04-06T02:17:00.002-07:002014-04-06T02:17:17.442-07:00Spanish Life Lessons 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Quote of the week: </div>
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'En Andalucía, no hay vida sin choco!'</div>
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'In Andalusia, there's no life without cuttlefish!'</div>
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Have to agree it is pretty tasty indeed.</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-6608269293764668852014-04-03T04:00:00.000-07:002014-04-03T04:00:01.916-07:00Basílica de La Macarena <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Basílica de La Macarena.</div>
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Home to the famously beautiful Macarena Virgin of Hope.</div>
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La Macarena is the patron saint of bullfighters, and her statue here in the basilica is the representation of a sorrowful yet hopeful virgin Mary.</div>
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She is one of the central attractions of the Semana Santa Madrugá parade on Good Friday which walks through the night, ending at around midday the following day. Participants often shout 'Guapa' at the statue as it passes - 'beautiful', 'gorgeous' - and they aren't wrong...</div>
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The statue, wreathed in gold and decorated with five diamond and emerald brooches (donated by the famous bullfighter, Joselito El Gallo), is truly breathtaking.</div>
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<b><i>La Basílica de La Macarena,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Calle Béquer, 1</i></b></div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-26423628560433569362014-04-02T01:00:00.000-07:002014-04-02T01:00:02.308-07:00The Flamenco Diaries Part Two<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Part two of my <a href="http://www.golearnto.com/" target="_blank">GoLearnTo </a>course! If you missed part one, never fear, links are <a href="http://theartofwandering.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-flamenco-diaries-part-one.html" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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As buses from my little village to Seville are nothing short of a nightmare, I had to leave at 9am to ensure I got to class by 11am! I chose to see the silver lining to the cloud and add something sweet to my wait on the Alameda, treating myself to a breakfast that I've long had a love affair with...<br />
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CHURROS: literally fried dough, freely available for dipping in super-thick hot chocolate.</div>
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Probably not the healthiest way to start a morning of exercise but ho-hum! Who can argue when they are made freshly in front of you?!</div>
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<i>yes that's a portion for one, and yes it was only 1.50€!</i></div>
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Filled to bursting, with some left over for snacking, I waddled my way back to school. </div>
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For our first class, we switched teachers for an hour of technique with Lydia. Of course, we couldn't get down to work without an impromptu photo session first...</div>
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Canadians left, Brits right, teachers centre stage (where they belong!)</div>
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To our horror, the first thing Lydia asked us was which style of palmas we'd learnt in our final lesson yesterday and whether we could repeat them for her!! Turns out those were the rhythms that we were going to translate in to footwork today...whoops! Luckily, she was also a fan of diagrams and soon her white board filled with memory jerking scribblings of yesterdays compás and palmas! Soon enough we were double stamping with the best of them and styling our arms, wishing we were swishing around in voluminous, spotted dresses.<br />
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After a quick break and a cuddle with Lydia's little Yorkshire terrier (in for one day only unfortunately!), we switched back to Carmen's room for an intense two hours of choreography. Combination, watch, repeat, again, on the other foot, whilst standing on your head! It was quite a bit to take in, but soon we had our own mini routine going, showcasing all the things we'd learnt.<br />
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At the end of the morning, the lovely Carmen presented course certificates to us all with kisses on both cheeks! We asked her rather cheekily if we could film her doing the routine, so we could practice at home. She tried to convince a couple of us to do it with her to show you all the wonderful cannon she'd put together, but we were all too shy....<br />
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Here is the master at work (I'd love to see her dance something other than our baby flamenco routine - I bet she's feisty!):<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzOSR3TZkUnUpZiYNWAI9GDdeOkzlForywgNXmqVjDiZn-6CUNTv3zmXWCwIpXV-wd2EheJ1t4cFSwosCoekw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Free from 2pm until 9pm, we had the afternoon at our leisure. The other members of my group dashed off to squeeze in the cathedral, the alcazar, the bullring and a mountain of other sights. Thankfully Seville is a pretty compact city and nearly everything is walkable. I, however, took an amble around the streets nearby (stumbling across La Basilica de La Macarena...photos to come tomorrow!) and took a long tapas lunch at Eslava (which also has a post in the pipeline! phew!).</div>
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With a few hours left to kill, I decided to wander towards La Casa de La Memoria (our show venue for the evening) as the surrounding streets are filled to the brim with flamenco dress shops with accessories galore. With the famous Feria de Abril just round the corner and a question mark over my outfit, I thought it would be a great opportunity to try some on!</div>
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You know you've got flamenco problems when skirts block your every exit!</div>
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I had a rummage through the racks and picked out a rather colourful floral number in my normal clothes size. I dragged it to the changing room (my god those things are heavy!) and pulled the curtain shut. Surprised that it wouldn't go over my bum, I had the bright idea of putting it over my head.... BIG MISTAKE. Not only did the dress not fit, I was now stuck in it! Let me tell you, there is nothing more terrifying than being jammed in huge swaths of paisley fabric when shopping alone, with no one to help you escape. After a few minutes of panicking, I told myself to breathe and managed (thank the lord) to wriggle my way out Houdini style! Turns out everyone takes a size up in flamenco dresses (who knew?!)</div>
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<i><b>Defo need some stomach sucking in knickers with this!</b></i></div>
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This coral number is my favourite, but with a 220€ price tag it had to go back on the shelf! The cheapest flamenco dress I found was and 150€ and some go up to 700/800€ a pop...worth noting that these things are rarely worn twice! Astounding - going to have to be a cheapy flamenco skirt for me I think!</div>
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After some cafe hopping, it was show time. Thanks to our impeccable English-ness (read earliness) we were first in the queue and managed to snaffle front row, centre stage seats.<br />
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A very intimate gathering (they aren't kidding when they advertise limited seats!), every stamp of the dancers feet and every piercing high note the singer hits reverberate off the walls. </div>
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What I liked most about the show at Casa de La Memoria was that everyone got their chance to shine, the singer, the guitarist and the individual dancers. I loved that there was very little pomp and ceremony, just commitment to art. If you want to see girls in brightly coloured spotty dresses parading around then this isn't the show for you. Its gritty and passionate with not a polka dot in sight. If you want flamenco posers, you can find them in most bars in town. Casa de La Memoria amazed us with their <b><u>artists</u> </b>- expect to fear getting kicked in the face, and feeling the occasional bead of sweat being flicked your way if you're near the front (all part of the experience of course).</div>
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I will certainly be taking visitors here to catch of a glimpse of the authentic flamenco and the fiery gypsy spirit.</div>
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Final thoughts on my <a href="http://www.golearnto.com/" target="_blank">GoLearnTo </a>experience? Worth its weight in gold! It was a very well thought out package with authenticity and quality clearly in mind - no tourist trash here. Would I book again? In an instant! In fact their website should come with a warning: IT WILL SUCK YOU IN. </div>
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I am literally starting a golearnto travel wish list...</div>
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<a href="http://www.golearnto.com/course/overview/2260/ultimate+mind+and+body+retreat" target="_blank">The Ultimate Mind and Body Retreat, Costa Blanca, Spain</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.golearnto.com/course/overview/1902/pizza+pasta+and+gelato+cookery+holiday" target="_blank">Pizza, Pasta and Gelato Cookery Holiday, Sorrento, Italy</a></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.golearnto.com/course/overview/2274/wine+tasting+weekend+%E2%80%93+all+inclusive" target="_blank">Wine tasting weekend, Provence, France</a></u></div>
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...looks like I'll have to buy a lottery ticket!!</div>
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As ever my lovelies, until next time...<br />
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-45485495069953330522014-04-01T03:58:00.000-07:002014-04-18T15:09:00.928-07:0052 Lists: List the things you want to do before you die<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This list comes at an eerily appropriate time. Just the other day I was watching the film 'The Bucket List' (you know...the one with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman?!) and thinking if I was in their position what things would I put on my list. Then it occurred to me - it seems silly to write a bucket list when you're coming to the end of your life! Why not write one when it's all just beginning? Then its not morbid....it's a game plan. So 52 lists, you've done it again...making me think about stuff!</div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Get married and start a family.</li>
<li>Have a little house of my very own to decorate and to entertain in.</li>
<li>Find a something I truly enjoy and do it for the rest of my life.</li>
<li>Find true happiness.</li>
<li>See a bit more of this planet we call home (Can I have a separate travel bucket list?!...I'll post it as an appendix :P!)</li>
<li>To do have a life that I can look back on with pride.</li>
<li>Go skydiving.</li>
<li>Stand on top of a mountain.</li>
<li>Dive a ship wreck.</li>
<li>Watch a sunrise and a sunset on white sandy beach (Caribbean?)</li>
<li>Spend a night in a ridiculously fancy hotel and order room service (think The Ritz, Claridges)</li>
<li>Win a prize.</li>
<li>Learn to cook!</li>
<li>Take my parents and my sister away on a holiday.</li>
<li>Find a hidden talent.</li>
</ol>
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The trouble with this list is that it could go on forever! There are so many things I'd love to do and so many things I want to achieve that list is just a glimpse of all the hopes and dreams I have for myself. I suppose that's allowed - at 21 you've got your whole life ahead of you, and I intend to LIVE it!</div>
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The 52 lists project is organised by Ema over at Made in Hunters. See her list <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2581822521&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=4787945&link=aHR0cDovL21hZGVpbmh1bnRlcnMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzIwMTQvMDMvNTItbGlzdHMtdGhpcnRlZW5fMzEuaHRtbA&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-32940722780058160982014-03-31T04:00:00.000-07:002014-03-31T04:00:06.733-07:00The Flamenco Diaries Part One.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So way back at Christmas, my lovely boyfriend Rich got me a wonderful present.<br />
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<i><b>There we are on Christmas Day, complete with a horrendous jumper</b></i></div>
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<i><b> I got for Rich as punishment for being a Scrooge!</b></i></div>
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He is the worlds most thoughtful gift giver - expert at remembering little things I've mentioned in passing and whipping them out on special occasions, much to my surprise!<br />
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As soon as I found out I would be in Seville on placement, I said I wanted to learn flamenco. That was on the 5th March 2013...Richard being Richard, on the 25th December, there in my lap was the confirmation letter of a weekend flamenco course. I was over the moon!!<br />
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Booked through GoLearnTo.com, my <a href="http://www.golearnto.com/course/itinerary/1160/weekend+flamenco+dance+lessons" target="_blank">course </a>included 3.5 hours of technique and compás and palmas (the clapping rhythms that accompany the singer), 2 hours of choreography and entrance to a flamenco show in the evening on the second day.<br />
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Starting on friday at 6pm, I went straight from work to the school, Taller Flamenco. It was easy to find, located on Calle Peral one of the streets leading off the Alameda de Hércules (a buzzing hub of tapas bars and children shrieking in the spray of cooling water fans). As I approached, I could hear telling claps and chords being strummed from a flamenco guitar, but couldn't quite work out which building they were coming from as the sound bounced off the other houses in the narrow street. I soon got my answer...<br />
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As I was ridiculously early (over half an hour), the lovely receptionist invited me to join a flamenco party that had been in swing since 2pm. As she ushered me up the stairs, offered me a drink and sat me at the table, I realised that the music hadn't been coming from a classroom at all...<br />
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...but from the roof. As well as the locals, there were Americans, Russians, Japanese and Germans and, of course, me, the little Brit in the corner, all basking in the sunshine on the terrace. Everyone had nothing but praise for the school and its staff so I was excited to get started.<br />
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At five to 6, I wandered back to the office, was presented with my welcome pack (a discount card, a map and a flamenco event/shopping guide) and told to head for Carmen's classroom. With mirrors on two sides, there was nowhere to hide - thankfully as a beginners class they were expecting nothing at all!!<br />
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The five of us made a lovely group (two Canadians and three Brits). Carmen was a wonderful teacher, guiding us through our first tentative steps and stamps! There were certainly no photos to document the event - we were all to busy absorbing all the information, brows furrowed in concentration. It was hard to believe that those 'basic' rhythms we were taught make up the fast and furious combinations you see the professionals use - at 100mph, its hard to distinguish left foot from right, let alone distinguish the actual movements their making.<br />
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My only worry about the courses of Go Learn To was that they are clearly intended for tourists. I was worried that we would get a tourist friendly experience (as in 'Well done, you're doing great' when in fact you look like walrus having a fit) rather than an authentic experience where you actually learn something, are corrected on your mistakes and helped to improve.<br />
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I needn't have worried about that, I can tell you! Carmen was a hard taskmaster and had us doing thing within the first hour that we never imagined we'd achieve in the whole course! We exchanged pained faces when her back was turned, convinced we'd screw up the latest combination she'd given us, but were usually pleasantly surprised (and if not, we laughed it off!).<br />
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After an hour and half of stamping (the poor neighbours), we headed upstairs to our class of compás and palmas. Who knew clapping could be so darn complex?! I mean look at this white board:<br />
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<i><b>There is our teacher, poised and ready to wipe off the board for a second round of scribblings.</b></i></div>
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He explained not only the bases and accents of the rhythms but how they combine with the other accompanists (the singers and the guitarists), the hierarchy of accompanists, which rhythms belong to which music style, which rhythm would accompany each stage of the dance...I was almost dizzy!<br />
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At some points in the lesson, there was nothing left to do but laugh, as our claps sounded more like a messy round of applause than the rhythm we were trying to follow. I know as a teacher its often laugh or cry...he chose the former and laughed along with us! As our clearly not very musical ears tuned in to the subtleties of the music and our hands turned an alarming shade of red, he was overjoyed when we finally clapped out something coherent in unison!<br />
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<i><b>I will never look at clapping the same way again.</b></i></div>
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Feeling accomplished, at the end of day one, us Brits rewarded our efforts with a sharing plate of tapas and a well deserved glass of wine...<br />
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...anticipating what Saturday would bring.</div>
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P.S. Look out for part two, with Saturday's exploits and the flamenco show, coming soon!</div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6838918641456519558.post-87863606618435037322014-03-30T04:21:00.002-07:002014-03-30T04:21:30.304-07:00Spanish Life Lessons 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><b>'Life is...</b></i></div>
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<i><b>life is music, listen to it,</b></i></div>
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<b><i>lif</i><i>e is 'carpe diem', seize it,</i></b></div>
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<i><b>life is a flower, protect it,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>life is dance, dance it.'</b></i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This week's life lesson is courtesy of the compás and palmas classroom at Taller Flamenco, Flamenco school...look out for my Flamenco Diaries posts, coming this week on Amble.</span></div>
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Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11094433100173723601noreply@blogger.com0