Christmas in Sevilla — In the Evening

The streets are filled with holiday shoppers and holiday revelers... along with those people trying to live their lives as they would any other day. The lights are brilliant. The smoke from the chestnuts being roasted is overwhelming at times. Street entertainers are everywhere. I'm saving the music for another post (or two or three). Carolers, blues singers, puppeteers, dancers, chamber musicians, string quartets. You name it, we heard it and saw it last night. We were gleefully overwhelmed by the festivities and the talent. It was one huge street party, and everyone appeared to be sober.

SOME CLOWN ON THE STREET LAST NIGHT KINDLY STRUCK A POSE FOR ME.
ACTUALLY A MEMBER OF THE CAST OF "MUSICLOWN, EL ESPECTÁCULO"
PLAYING AT TEATRO DUQUE - LA IMPERDIBLE NEAR OUR HOUSE.

After having our oven repaired yesterday (it turns out the thermostat was deceased), we headed over this afternoon to the kitchen store to pick up some of the things Jerry needs to start baking his holiday goodies. Somehow, Jerry gave away his rolling pin before we moved. That was unintentional. But he also needed baking pans, cookie sheets, and whatever else struck his fancy. He was like a kid in a candy store. When it was all rung up, Jerry seemed disappointed that he hadn't spent more.

A CHOCOLATE BELÉN (NATIVITY SCENE) HAS REPLACED THE SUGAR GIRALDA
IN THE WINDOW OF LA CAMPANA.

I'm hopeful a sturdy kransekake is on its way this year (as opposed to the delicious leaning tower of last year) along with lots of other delectables. Jerry has a great recipe for lemon bread (just like his mother used to make... because she gave him the recipe). It's not very gourmet — a box of lemon cake mix, a box of lemon custard mix, etc., but it sure is delicious. We doubt, however, that he'll be able to find boxes of anything for that recipe, so it's probably history.

We finally walked over to Plaza Nueva (and beyond) last night to see everything lit up for Christmas. The pictures should speak for themselves. I am definitely overusing the word "magical" since arriving in Sevilla.

AYUNTAMIENTO (TOWN HALL).

LA GIRALDA (CATHEDRAL BELL TOWER) IN BACKGROUND.

JUST ABOUT TO HEAD DOWN AVENIDA DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN.

Every street welcomes you in with its own style of holiday lighting.  The following photos were snapped all around our neighborhood. I THINK I remember where each picture was taken. If I've mislabeled anything, I know you'll forgive me.

CALLE DE VELÁSQUEZ.

WE WALKED THIS STREET EVERY DAY BETWEEN THE HOTEL AND THE APARTMENT.
ON THE WAY, IT IS CALLE ALMIRANTE APODACA, THEN CALLE IMAGEN,
THEN (HERE) CALLE LARAÑA, BEFORE BECOMING CALLE DE ALFONSO XII (ALL IN 10 MINUTES).

CALLE ORFILA. (THAT'S "MY" VODAFONE STORE ON THE RIGHT.)

CALLE CUNA (OF PINK PALACIO FAME.  OUR ALMOST-HOME).

CALLE SIERPES. SHOPPING.

CALLE SAN ELOY.  MORE SHOPPING.

And of course, we had to stop for a treat. Once we passed the cathedral, we took the first seats we found at a café across the street. The menu was impressive. The prices were cheap. The service was the pits. Perhaps the waiter had simply had it with all the tourists. Most of the tables were empty and yet he took forever to finally get over to us. We ordered a gourmet pastry from the menu. He told us they were all out of that and then walked away never to return, never giving us a chance to choose something else. But, it was just as well. We didn't need dessert. We hadn't yet had dinner. At least we had already ordered something to drink before we were left high and dry. We had our first ColaCao — very popular here. It is simply a brand of hot chocolate (and simply delicious). I've seen it served some mornings at El Sanedrín. We were given mugs of steamed milk and packets of ColaCao. Very un-gourmet.  We had to open the packets and mix it in ourselves. So, yes, I had to "cook." But it was another exciting new experience.

COLACAO.  I MADE IT MYSELF.

http://mitchellismoving.blogspot.com/2010/12/leaning-tower-of-kransekake.html