Tag Archives: Spain culture

Spain

Almond trees in Spain

There are a lot of Almond trees in Spain, we come across them almost every day when we are out in the country side. Almond are very common and are part of the Mediterranean culture. Almonds have been around for centuries and is mentioned in the bible. That is why it is not surprising that Spain is the second largest producer of almonds in the world.

An almond tree grove in Murcia

At this time of year (January-February) the almond trees are in full bloom. We were out for a walk with friends in the Murcia countryside and there were a lot of almond trees in bloom.  The smell of the almond flowers which are pink or white were wonderful and it gave us the sense that spring was just around the corner. The white flowering almond tree has the sweet almonds while the pink flowering tree has bitter almonds.

Almond tree flowers in bloom

We walked along the mountain trail admiring the almond blooms and taking in the wonderful smell of the flowers.

We stopped at one of the trees and took an almond off the tree. and broke the shell. The almond tasted sweet and was quite enjoyable.

Almonds on the tree
Almond and flowers on an almond tree

Almond trees are just one of the many enjoyable features of living in the south of Spain.

“Adios y que tengas un gran dia”

Spain

La cueva del Solins

We decided to go to the province of Murcia with some friends to explore one of the many cave systems. We arrived early and met our two guides Fran and Victor from Entrena adventura. They explained the cave system and how we were going to explore a part of it. We then began by walking up the mountain to the entrance of the cave.

Walking up the mountain towards the entrance of the cave system

The cave entrance was not easily seen and was quite small. We had to crawl through a narrow gap in the stone into the cave system.

Cave entrance

Once we crawled through the narrow space of the entrance the cave system opened up into numerous cave systems.

One of the cave systems throughout the caves

We crawled and worked our way along the cave system for several hours. During that time we came across some challenging spots which we had to climb down or crawl through.

Shelley taking a break in a larger area of one of the cave areas.

We went down approximately 17 meters to different areas of the caves.

Susie, Shelley and Sonja in the caves in Murcia
Marcelo, Ray and Izac In the caves in Murcia.

Our guides would stop at certain areas of the cave system and explain some of the features of the cave.

Our guide Victor explaining some of the features of the cave
Calcium formations on the cave ceiling area
Graining of minerals along the cave wall

There were some interesting features in the caves including calcium carbonate formations which are produced through slow precipitation. These included  stalactites, stalagmites,  and other features.

Ray and Shelley in the caves in Murcia

We came to an area of the cave which was large enough for us to take a group photo.

Group photo of us in the Murcia cave system

After our group photo we turned around and began our return trip to the surface of the mountain. It was a very interesting and enjoyable experience.

“Adios y que tengas un gran dia”

Spain

Cooking demonstration

There was a cooking demonstration at a local kitchen store, called Tescoma. There was a small cost for the show of 8 euros but it allowed you a 5 euro discount on store products. We thought we would go and check it out.

The chef was 22 years old but was very knowledgable and skilled.

Chef demonstrating the making of Tataki tuna and veggies

He explained the processes he was using and why they were used. It was quite interesting and he demonstrated different techniques with preparing the food.

Chef cooking up the tataki tuna and veggies.

He explained what he was doing at each step and answered questions from the crowed as he went along.

The chef explaining how to cook the tuna and what to look for when it is ready.
Chef plating the tataki tuna.

Once the food was completed we were given the opportunity to taste the tataki tuna and veggies. The food was amazing and was very tasty and delicious.

Tataki tuna and veggies for sampling

We had an enjoyable time and glad we went.

“Adios y tengas un gran dia”

Spain

San Silvester run

We enrolled with friends in the San Silvestre 5 km fun race which was held on December 28th in Alicante. Running a race may not seem like our style, but taking part in a ‘San Silvestre’ fun race is part of the Spanish tradition.

Marcello, Shelley, Sonja and Ray waiting for the start of the San Silvestre 5KM run

We arrived in our costumes at the race and there were thousands of people gathered to partake in the race or to watch the race. The start of the race began at 10 pm and everyone was in a festive mood.

We ran along slowly with the crowd looking at the different light displays on the streets.

Start of the San Silvestre race

We also came across different costumes which were quite creative.

Muffin girl in the San Silvestre run
Royal pages running in the race

 

We finished the 5 km race around 35 minutes or so.

Marcello, Shelley, Sonja and Ray at the finish line.

We then went through to an area with free refreshments for the participants.

Shelley enjoying a refreshment after the 5km run

We enjoyed a refreshment before heading home. It was a fun experience and was very enjoyable.

“Hasta Luego y Tengas un grand dia”

Spain

“Los Pajes Negros” in Alcoy

We went to the city of Alcoy for a visit. It was a few weeks before Christmas and the city was adorned with decorations.

Plaza in Alcoy, Spain

What we found strange was the decorations of “Los Pajes Negros” which translates to (The Black Pages) on the balconies throughout the city.

We researched this tradition and it dates back 133 years and is part of one of the oldest parades in Spain. The parade consists of around 2,000 people with approximately 300 people dressed as a black pages. The parade begins with the three Wise Men entering the city riding camels. There are musicians, torchbearers and black pages in the parade. The pages, use ladders to climb onto the balconies and give presents to the children.

Alcoy’s black Christmas ‘pajes’ (pages) prepare to deliver presents. EFE (photo from El Pais)

This tradition has been controversial and is considered racist by many. We have not seen the parade, but the idea of white people dressing up to represent black pages certainly seems racist.

“adios y tengas un grand dia”