Merry Christmas/Happy New Year/Happy Kings’ Day
The holiday season has finally finished with today marking Three Kings’ Day (Epiphany to those of you in the UK) where three people dressed as kings parade through various Spanish and Latin American cities handing out sweets to kids and those with a sweet tooth. Unfortunately, the only thing I had was a hangover so stayed in and watched Dancing on Ice over the interwebs. I do have a day off tomorrow though, which is champion.
It’s been a quiet Christmas period. I worked most of it but had the last week off to relax and finally go back to the gym. It’s been too long old friend.
Anyway, exciting news as I’m now in charge of social media for the English School I work at. I’ve even got a really embarrassing video that launched our YouTube channel.
The Spanish version of One Direction is spookily similar…but better.
They can actually sing too…
Madrid is now my favourite place in Spain
On the Sunday morning all traffic was banned in the centre of the city so people could ride a cycle course. Brilliant idea – I think Boris Johnson wants to copy it.
Wow, it’s been a busy few weeks. With Christmas approaching, lots of people are taking exams at the moment and the school has been working at maximum capacity for ages. Apologies for not blogging recently, I’m trying to set aside one day a week (preferably Sunday) to sit down and write a blog on what’s happened during the week.
I’ve visited Madrid since I wrote the last blog but unfortunately I didn’t take many photos as it was only one night and we spent most of the time partying and then being hungover. Despite the relatively short trip, I’ve fallen in love with the city – it really reminds me of a cross between Paris and London. In addition to beautiful weather throughout most of the year, it has the old architecture and laid-back lifestyle typical to Paris but the city is incredibly big and everywhere you go there’s something to do, just like in London. I think that deep down I’m a big city boy and when I do move on from Zaragoza, Madrid will probably be at the top of the list.
Stunning architecture.
The best Paella I’ve tasted.
Wonky looking street.
Interesting shop spotted in Barcelona….hmm…
I wanna go in!
Threatening receipt in Zaragoza….
Oh I will, will I?
Fiestas del Pilar 2012 (photos)
Fiestas del Pilar are an annual festival celebrated in the city of Zaragoza (Spain) in honour of the patron saint of the city, the Virgen del Pilar (Virgin Mary of the Pilar). They take place the week of the 12th of October. Usually, the festival starts the weekend before the 12th, and lasts until the following Sunday. (Wiki)
A week of non-stop partying and a day where a record number of people offered flowers to Mary (and her pillar) is drawing to a close. Here are some of the photos taken over the last week.
Plaza de España with the biggest Spanish flag I’ve ever seen.
A statue on the fountain in Plaza de España proudly wearing a ‘cachirulo’, a commonly worn neckerchief during Pilares.
The night before the offering….not very religious…
One amazing overnight cleanup operation and the offering is made (see far left)
The offering.
Bizarre children’s slide at Plaze de España during Pilares..
Something rather wrong about this.
