Sunday, May 20, 2012

Another Parade and Then a Time Out

I've been feeling kind of run down for a number of weeks. I'm sure it's my allergies (and I'm finally meeting my new doctor Wednesday, so all is well). Before lunch today I was lounging and reading "Great Expectations" on my Kindle when Jerry walked in and said, "I don't know if you care, but I hear a band nearby." Well, how could I resist?  I opened my balcony door to see if I could determine which direction I needed to go. I then threw on my shoes, grabbed my camera, and ran downstairs. The music was coming from about a block south. I met the latest Cruces de Mayo (Crosses of May) procession as it was turning past the restaurant Niños del Flor (Flower Children) at the corner of Calle Virgen de Los Buenos Libros (Virgin of the Good Books Street).

THE PASO AND ESCORTS. THE RESTAURANT NIÑOS DEL FLOR IS AT LEFT.

THE HORNS TURNING THE CORNER.

STAYING IN STEP.

AFTER THE PARADE PASSES BY
Dudo and Moose — especially Dudo — can be persistent and annoying when they want to play. Dudo's favorite toy is the drawstring from a pair of Jerry's sweatpants (sweatpants no longer attached). He drags it with him as he follows me from room to room. I'm supposed to grab the other end. When I came back upstairs from the little procession, Dudo was waiting. I gave in and played with him... again (I'm already well-trained). Moose joined in. My goal was to keep playing with them this time until I wore them out. I succeeded.

MOOSE AND DUDO CALLING FOR A TIME OUT.
(YES, THAT'S THE LETTER "T." THEY'RE NOW LEARNING THE MOVES TO "YMCA.")

16 comments:

  1. I've figured it out! These floats - they're all for smuggling immigrants in and out of town! You must be on the route from Mexico to Texas and all of those feet we can see belong to folk paying to be smuggled in, or out ...

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    1. The Owl Wood:
      You know, that would be a brilliant plan. And I'll never look at those feet again without imagining it.

      Delete
  2. I wonder if they will ever find some sort of electric motorized quiet vehicle to move these floats. I feel sorry for the people who belong to all those feet! Is Seville the procession capital of the world or is this not unusual in smaller Spanish towns? It must be very exciting if it goes on all year. Or do they have seasons of very few processions? Times of recovery?

    I do enjoy seeing all these pictures and liked the audio part today!

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  3. Kristi:
    Although the processions occur all over Spain, I do get the impression that this is the procession capital of the world. There are certain times of year when there are of course a lot more of them, but we were amazed to stumble upon our first (magnificent) processions in the 100-degree heat of summer. So, it never really stops.

    Being a costalero (the owners of those feet) is a huge honor and they always have more volunteers than they can use. It wouldn't be the same without them. But it is back-breaking. Today's float was small, but they still did it in shifts. The floats during Semana Santa can require more than 50 people to lift and carry them. During Semana Santa, I saw guys come off their shift and their necks and shoulders were rubbed raw. It looked painful.

    I'm glad you liked today's audio. I finally figured out how to upload the videos from my new camera (all earlier videos came from my smart phone). The sound is better.

    I wonder where the parade will be tomorrow.

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  4. What a lovely way to spend a quiet Sunday, Mitch. I do hope your doctor's visit is helpful - you've been in my thoughts. x

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    1. Elizabeth:
      Thanks for your kindness, Elizabeth. I just need to get over my self. Poor San Geraldo must be sick of listening to my heavy sighs!

      Delete
  5. Sorry about your allergies, Mitch. I know how they can bring you low.
    Happily, they don't keep you away from your camera! Are you familar with Hans Sylvester's "Cats in the Sun" books? He photographed feral cats on the Greek Islands. Anyway, your photos of the two kitties are as good or superior to his. Might have a career there?
    Stray thought--are the people there in Seville called Sevillians?

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    Replies
    1. Ms. Sparrow:
      I'm doing my best to not be a total whiner! Thanks so much for your very generous assessment of my photography. People here are called Sevillanos, and since the two "LL"s in the middle of the word are pronounced like a "y," it doesn't sound anything like Civilian (which I think may be where you were going with that).

      And some Spaniards make the "LL" sound like a soft "J"... kind of like Seh-vee-jha-nose..

      Delete
  6. You really are in the procession capital of the world it seems! I loved the video. Do my eyes deceive me or are there some women musicians in that band? Musical gender equality, yay!

    Loving the cat pics, can't get enough of them. And sorry about your allergies - as a fellow allergerino (I made that word up) I know how miserable they can make you feel.

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    1. Judith:
      I don't think I've yet to see a band here that hasn't included women.

      I love "allergerino." It sounds Italian. I'm usually the most miserable during the first year in any new place. I sure hope this passes soon. Very boring!

      So glad you're enjoying the cat pics. I can't stop myself.

      Delete
  7. I am surprised that there are still so many religious festivals in Spain in view of the fact that the Vatican is in such a tizzy about Spanish secularism. I guess the Spaniards can espouse contemporary values while preserving a thousand excuses for throwing street parties. Enjoy!

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    1. Frank:
      I just read that somewhere in the neighborhood of only 30 percent of Spaniards say they believe in God. (A poll in 2005 indicated 59 percent...) I've been calling it Cultural Catholicism. I know a number of people here who love all the traditions but are not practicing Catholics (or Christians). I know others who don't even like the traditions anymore. So, I think you're right: It's all about the parties.

      Delete
  8. Call me crazy, but I'm guessing the phrase "I hear a band nearby." is heard in your home hourly.

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    1. Bob:
      LOL. Yes. And added to that, Jerry hears bands nearby when there are none. (Kind of like the song "You're Not Sick You're Just in Love"... I hear singing when there's no one there... etc.)

      Delete
  9. You could publish a cat alphabet book!

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    Replies
    1. Jenners:
      Oh, now you've got my little mind working...

      Delete

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