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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

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”

Spain

A visit to Busot

We stopped at a small quaint mountain town called Busot, which has a population of under 3000 people.  The main streets of Busot were small and had decorations throughout the town.

Flower along the narrow streets of Busot
One of the narrow street of Busot, Spain

 

We took a walk down the streets exploring the town.

Shelley on one of the streets in Busot, Spain

There were some beautiful views along our walk, including old traditional homes, orchards, and vistas of the mountains and castle.

Views along the street in Busot with the castle in the distance

We stopped at a small cafe and enjoyed a coffee while admiring the castle.

View of the castle from the cafe shop
Shelley sitting at the La Casa cafe shop

It was a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon,  exploring a small mountain town.

“adios y que tengas un grad dia”