Noche Buena means Christmas Eve. Papa Noel
(Santa Claus) was not all that common or popular in Sevilla. Traditionally, The Three Kings are the ones who deliver the presents — and then, not until January 6.
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| PAPA NOEL IN FUENGIROLA. |
Here in Fuengirola, however, with the huge mix of cultures and nationalities, Papá Noel makes his rounds Christmas Eve followed by the Three Kings on their usual day in January.
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| CAFE MANILA'S SLUSHEE (OR MAMA NOEL). |
At Cafe Manila today, Slushee wanted the entire staff to wear Santa hats or reindeer antlers while they worked. It's something I'm told she wants every year. And not everyone cooperates.
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| RICHARD NOEL... |
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| TYNAN SCROOGE. |
The seasonal sights of Fuengirola.
(Click the below images for a closer look.)
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| MUMMY, IS THAT YOU? CONSTITUTION PLAZA. |
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ANOTHER ICED-UP TREE. IN FRONT OF CITY HALL.
POINSETTIAS ARE PLANTED ALL OVER THE CITY.
(THEY'RE CALLED FLOR DE PASCUA, CHRISTMAS FLOWER.) |
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| SUNDAY: ANOTHER GENIUS AT WORK. |
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| MONDAY: THE FINISHED PRODUCT. (NOTE THE CLOCK TOWER, BOTTOM CENTER.) |
It took me two entire days last week. But I finished all my chocolate treats.
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| NO MORE... |
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| EMPTY... |
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| ALL GONE... |
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APPARENTLY, THIS CAN BE RESEALED TO KEEP THE CONTENTS FRESH FOR DAYS.
NOW, WHY WOULD THAT BE NECESSARY? |
So, yesterday, when I was out on my long meander, I picked up a couple of boxes (two large bars per box) of turrón as a treat for myself
(one turrón doesn't even have chocolate). San Geraldo was out grocery shopping at the time. He didn't know about my turrón, so he picked up more treats for me. (I didn't bring home anything for him.) This morning, San Geraldo stopped off to pick up a few things at the fruit market. Ana sent home gifts for me, too. More chocolate! You'd think I'd be smiling all the time...
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| THIS SHOULD LAST A FEW DAYS. (CLICK IF YOU'RE A CHOCOHOLIC.) |
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FROM ANA AND FAMILY... FRESH CHOCOLATE MADE BY ANA'S BROTHER.
(DARK CHOCOLATE WITH RUM-SOAKED RAISINS; WHITE CHOCOLATE WITH LEMON AND WALNUTS) |
WoooHoooo! I have so many comments this time... but I'll limit it to.... What is the white stuff on the sand castles? They are a work of art! I won't even comment on the chocolate, just looking at it put on 5 lbs... and head right to the 12 Days of Christmas.... Never seen it done quite like that ;-) and... didn't the red head on the right stand out like Rudolph's nose! Loved it!
ReplyDeleteSharon:
DeleteI've seen the sand sculptors use spray paint to create that effect. I'm guessing that's what was done here. It smells and it pollutes! Paul Blane doesn't do it.
Rats! With all the thoughts of your photos, I forgot to wish you and Jerry a Merry Christmas and the best of New Years!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Sharon. Hope you and Bill are having a grand time in the tropics!
DeleteLoved the sand sculpture! And all that chocolate - gets this chocoholic right in the sweet spot! Love and best wishes to you and Jerry.
ReplyDeleteJo:
DeleteMerry Christmas, Jo! Just finished the dark chocolate truffles. Ugh!
Let's start at the bottom! GMCLA....loved this! Would really like to be part of something like this. What a blast!
ReplyDeleteWhat? Tynan no hat? lol
This sculpture is fantastic and very 'other worldly'. How long will that 'survive'?
Chocolate everywhere!! Can Jerry keep up with you when you are HIGH on chocolate?
Have a wonderful day tomorrow you two.
Jim:
DeleteTynan doesn't DO funny hats... The sculptures need to be minded 24 hours a day and, with constant repairs can last weeks. Unfortunately, it poured rain overnight and the winds were frightening. I doubt anything remains at this point, which means something new will come this week!
The video is spectacular, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNow I need more chocolate and more singing and more dancing because you have got me all fired up, Mitch!
Merry Xmas to you both!!!
Ron and Sophie
Ron:
DeleteStill a little chocolate left (well, a lot) if you get here quick... We could sing the 12 days of Christmas...
oh ~~~~ on the 1st day of Xmas my twu-luv ~~~~
DeleteAhhhhh all great stuff! Empty chocolate wrappers included :) I hope Jerry ends up with SOMETHING he can enjoy eating!
ReplyDeleteJudy:
DeleteI lied when I said I didn't get him anything. I completely forgot that I had bought cottage cheese!
It took you two days to eat that chocolate? Finally a record I can easily break although it's nothing to be proud of. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteOh... groan... my two boxes of turrón are gone. The dark chocolate truffles are gone. I don't know how much more of this I can take.
A very Merry Christmas to you and SG...loved the vid!
ReplyDeleteJacquelineand....
DeleteWishing you all the same!
And a very chocolaty christmas to you! :)
ReplyDeleteWalt the Fourth:
DeleteHow do you spell OD? Oh... yeah...
The video is just sensational. Not ashamed to say that it got me all teary and choked up.
ReplyDeleteHappy Xmas, Mitch - and to S.G. too - and not forgetting D & M. (How could I? Not possible!)
Raybeard:
DeleteHope you and your brood have been enjoying Xmas!
I think that's my favorite LA Men's Chorus performance.
Best version of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" I've ever seen. Thanks for the "Beary Christmas" wishes.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you both!
Dean:
DeleteI agree about the 12 Days.
Wishing you the same.
Hmmm, no snow but it sure looks like you do Christmas right! I received about 10 lbs of chocolate today, including a 1-kg bar from my mother-in-law!!
ReplyDeleteKnatolee:
DeleteTen pounds! What will you do next week when that's all gone?
We still have to get to Málaga to see the lights and decorations. And then we've got the parade for Three Kings Day (January 5/6). Christmas has only just begun.
I heartily approve of your holiday chocolate indulgence. Like they say, Christmas comes but once a year!
ReplyDeleteMs. Sparrow:
DeleteIt comes but once a year and it lasts for so many days!
I;ve been away from blogging for a week, but I wanted to wish you a happy holidays nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteI hope you've been busy having a good time. Wishing you a very happy new year!