Costa Del Sol Fútbol And Close Calls

We had a great start to our weekend. Antony, Son-of-Slushee-and-Darren (click to learn about Slushee of Cafe Manila fame and Darren of Sandpiper fame), is an exceptional athlete. At the ripe old age of 10 (and he's so mature that I continually add a year to his age and say he's 11), Antony plays on Fuengirola's elite fútbol (soccer) team, Fuengirola Los Boliches.

We had the honor of being invited by Darrin to join him to see Antony play today's home game against Málaga. Slushee emailed and said Darren was treating and that there would be no arguments. (Have I told you how bossy she can be?) I emailed back that we'd love to go, but I couldn't guarantee no arguments.Well, Darren isn't quite so bossy, but after our five seconds of opening comments, it was clear there really would be "no arguments."

The municipal stadium is just up the hill from us; I pass it on my way to the gym. So, San Geraldo and I skipped morning coffee at Café Manila and instead walked the four minutes up to the stadium for our coffee and Darren's company before enjoying the game. This was our first live European fútbol game ever and, although the teams were made up of pre-teens, we saw some real talent (and exceptional sportsmanship).

THE ENTRANCE TO THE STADIUM.

INSIDE THE STADIUM, DEDICATED TO LOCAL FÚTBOL  SUPPORTER ANTONIO BASILIO.
(I WAS TOLD IT'S A GOOD LIKENESS...)

ANTONY IN FRONT. AN AMAZING DEFENSIVE PLAYER AND ALL-ROUND GOOD SPORT.

REALLY MAKING THE OTHER TEAM WORK.

A TEAMMATE WARMING UP ALONG WITH ANTONY BEFORE GOING BACK INTO THE GAME.
PER DARRIN, NO MATTER HOW COOL YOU ARE, YOU'LL LOOK LIKE A TWIT DOING THIS.

Both teams were surprisingly good but Team Antony won, 5–1! There were no major injuries. Just a couple of close calls. One close call was when Antony was guarding an opposing player who slipped and fell. No fault of Antony's. And Antony showed exceptional sportsmanship when he tried to save the player from sliding into the iron railing. There was some drama (I think players are taught that in Soccer 101), but the boy was fine, and Antony checked on him as soon as there was a break in the action.

SECOND HALF AND WE MOVED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STADIUM.
CLICK TO ENLARGE AND SEE HOW SERIOUS ANTONY CAN BE.

Another close call was right after San Geraldo purchased our coffees. We were heading down the steps to the cement bleachers and San Geraldo didn't realize the last step was a doozie. It was actually the height of a bleachers seat. He stepped off and was surprised to feel only air when his shoe should have hit pavement. He jerked forward, spilling his coffee and knocking mine into me (and my clean shirt). Darren commented that, since San Geraldo is now "light as a feather," he was able to save himself from a major fall. But he did jerk his knee, his touchy knee. No great drama at the time, but I might be hearing about this one later.

KEEPING HIS EYE ON THE BALL.
(CLICK TO ENLARGE.)

Oh, and Darren told us when we changed seats at half-time that, since we were sitting right behind the goal, we'd have to throw back wild balls. We told him he was on his own if a ball came in our direction. Well, a wild ball did come our way. I was shooting video as it flashed by (glad it didn't whack me in the head). Apparently, San Geraldo simply ducked. I think some mamá de futbol (soccer mom) might have head-butted it back into action.

Watch the video below. At around 12 seconds, you'll see the ball quickly pass in front of the camera and you'll hear San Geraldo's comment. Also, see if you think the very cool 14- and 15-year-olds look like twits when they warm up.

Boiling Point

Last night, I went into the kitchen to give the cats a treat. Suddenly there was a sizzling and clanging and I turned to see the saucepan San Geraldo had left simmering on the stove, sending off clouds of steam. The lid was rattling and the contents were splashing and sputtering onto the cooktop.

In the few times I've cooked in the past, I never worked on a ceramic cooktop. I had experience with electric coils, but gas was my preferred medium (primarily because, when I burned anything, I could immediately turn off the heat).

"Jerry!" I yelled. "Something's boiling over!"

I shifted the saucepan lid to the side to allow the heat to escape. I then started pressing the controls on the cooktop. But nothing happened. When Jerry (aka San Geraldo) came into the kitchen, I was obviously in a panic holding the lid in the air watching the mess bubble all over the cooktop.

Before patting me on the back, San Geraldo grasped the handle and slid the pan to the right to remove it from the hot burner.

Now, why didn't I think of that? (And why does he leave me alone in the kitchen?!?)

To Market, To Market... To Buy a Fat Fig

No fat pigs here. Just lots and lots of fruit and vegetables, including figs. San Geraldo is living up to his saintly "sobriquet" (as Little Edie Beale would say). In fact, he's going to give Little Edie competition for her old sobriquet, "Body Beautiful," as well. Although "Body Beautiful San Geraldo" doesn't have the alliteration of "Body Beautiful Beale." He has adhered to his new eating plan, as of Monday had lost 19 pounds, and he has not complained once. He looks great, feels great, and is an inspiration.

HOW'S ABOUT A DATE?

San Geraldo had become known at the fruit store, Fruteria Ana Crespillo, at our Los Boliches municipal market before I started going along with him. Ana is the owner. During high season, her son and daughter work with her. With summer over, Ana or her son David work solo most days. They're a warm, charming family. Always smiling and joking. They brighten any day. Along with San Geraldo, I've now become a recognizable regular. I don't shop. I'm the "muscle." I've explained that I just take pictures and lug the bags home so San Geraldo can continue with the remainder of his grocery shop.

IN AUGUST, IT WAS ALL IN THE FAMILY.
(THAT'S ANA IN THE RED APRON; KIDS UP HIGH).

Ana regularly gives us things to enjoy while San Geraldo shops and I loiter — slices of watermelon, medjool dates; last week it was the most delicious dried figs we've ever had. The figs are here from one nearby grower only two weeks of every year. It's a good thing they won't be around much longer. I think I've had my quota.

IF YOU DON'T CARE A FIG FOR FRESH ONES...

...THE BEST DRIED FIGS, WHEN WE STILL HAD A BOWLFUL AT HOME.

LITCHI.  (OR LYCHEE OR LICHEE.)  I HAD NO IDEA HOW BEAUTIFUL THEY WERE.

CELERY ROOT. WHAT'S IT USED FOR?
REMEMBER MY LAST POST? SAN GERALDO CHOPS IT AND I TOSS IT IN THE TRASH.

DAVID ON HIS OWN TODAY.

PRICKLY PEAR.

HOME AGAIN. HOME AGAIN. JIGGITY JIG.

The Seuss Chef

The first time I ever saw the term "Sous Chef," which I've since learned is pronounced "soo," it was spelled "Suisse." I assumed that was simply a pretentious spelling for a "Swiss Chef," although there was nothing Swiss about the NYC restaurant that employed my friend. They didn't serve fondue. And they weren't chocolatiers. I eventually learned the correct spelling and pronunciation, and that the Sous was second in command to the Chef.

In our kitchen, I am second in command to San Geraldo — only because there's no one else. Dudo and Moose refuse to help. I consider myself a Seuss Chef — in honor of the American author, Dr. Seuss, famous for the story of "Green Eggs and Ham," which inspired more than 25 years later the "Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook."

SHRIMP AND FRUIT SALAD A LA SAN GERALDO. 

Of course, I don't really intend to be second-in-command, or any level thereof, in San Geraldo's kitchen. The only reason I'm in there is to clean up after The Chef.

MIXED VEGETABLES A LA SAN GERALDO.

The Chef, San Geraldo, was cooking up another wonderful meal Sunday night. Once he had the chicken in the oven and the vegetables simmering on the stove, he left the kitchen for a few minutes. I headed in to do some clean-up.

CHICKEN STIR-FRY, VEGETABLES, AND MASHED SQUASH A LA SAN GERALDO.

There were some discards on the large wooden cutting board, which I tossed in the trash before washing the board. Within a few minutes, the kitchen was spotless.

San Geraldo returned. "Wow. The kitchen looks great. Thanks."

After looking around a bit, he asked, "Where'd you put the ginger and celery root I had chopped up on the cutting board?"

I confidently replied, "In the trash!"

SEUSS CHEF A LA MEDITERRANEO.
(MY SPECIALTY... NEVER OVERDONE)

Oocha Coocha Bing Bang Bam

Remember "hucha"? That was the great new word I learned and wrote about recently (click here). Before writing the "hucha" post, I looked up the word to see what else I could learn. I discovered a word with the same pronunciation but a different spelling. It's green glittery nail polish. No Jungle Red here, this one is oddly called "Oocha Coocha Bing Bang Bam Alakazy Alakazam."

OOCHA COOCHA BING BANG BAM

Oocha Coocha Bing Bang Bam Alakazy Alakazam reminded me of a color the Dowager Duchess wore last year. Hers was darker and more metallic than glittery. Certainly much more classy. She said it's one of her "fall" colors. When she's ready, I'll be sure to show you the Duchess's oocha ... but definitely not her "hucha." (I'm sure I'm in trouble for even mentioning it.)

LAST WEEK ON SKYPE, I ASKED THE DUCHESS TO SHOW ME HER NAILS.
I THOUGHT ORANGE WAS A FALL COLOR, TOO. (AND, YES, THOSE ARE HER REAL NAILS.)

Reading, Writing, and Imagineer-ing

I am very gratified to have been included today in the first "Blog Browser Day" of an exceptional blog about books and writing called "Imagineer-ing" by author Steve K Smy. Check it out here.

I would like to thank the academy — even though it might have been the Fuengirola Beauty Academy. But I'd especially like to thank Ian Hutson of blogs, The Diesel-Electric Company and The Owl Wood; faithful follower and new friend, Seine Judeet; and other faithful follower and long-term (as opposed to very old) friend, Carole, for nominating me.

So glad San Geraldo and I recently had our eyes examined and new glasses purchased. Would hate to miss anything.

A NEW LOOK FOR THE EVER-TRENDY SAN GERALDO.

Antonio, Banderas Rojas

ANTHONY FLAGS.

Did you know that "banderas" is Spanish for "flags"?

So, if Antonio Banderas were to Anglicize his name, he would be Anthony Flags.

Not quite so attractive anymore, is he? (Well, OK. Maybe Antonio Banderas, by any other name, would still smell as sweet.)

Red flags (banderas rojas) have been flying along the beach for several days now. The lifeguards hoist the colored flags every morning during season. Green means the sea is calm and safe for swimming. Red means stay out of the water. There's also yellow (caution) and I think there's another flag that means conditions are so unsafe lifeguards aren't even on duty (I've never seen that one). The Mediterranean Sea tends to be very calm. When the sea is rough, it still doesn't look anything like the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. But looks are deceiving. The riptide and under-toe are surprisingly powerful and unpredictable. I respect those flags and I respect the lifeguards. I've been surprised by the number of people in the water on these red-flag days. Life guards had been patrolling the beach but, for some reason (perhaps not wanting to upset the tourists), they hadn't been doing much policing of the swimmers. Until this afternoon.

ROUGH SURF TODAY AT SUNRISE. (CLICK TO SEE BIGGER WAVES.)

San Geraldo was out on the terrace watering plants when we suddenly heard whistles blowing insistently. He looked to the beach and saw lifeguards running from all directions. They dove in and began swimming to what looked like a body sporadically bobbing to the surface. Two of the lifeguards reached the body and they all began to swim back in. Minutes later, an ambulance arrived. A lifeguard on a jet-ski zoomed in and circled the group in the water, and then waved "safe" (like in American baseball) to the EMTs and other lifeguards on the beach. All was well. Apparently, the swimmer didn't even need medical assistance, just help getting back to shore.

BEFORE THE LIFEGUARDS REACHED THE SWIMMER (CIRCLED).
(CLICK TO ENLARGE.)

RED FLAG. STAY OUT OF THE WATER!
(CLICK TO ENLARGE.)

THE RESCUE.

A short time later, I headed down to the beach to enjoy the sun. I figured I could at least put my feet in the water. The same guards who had just risked their lives for someone who didn't follow the safety rules were back on the beach watching the water. People were allowed to wade, but there was no swimming permitted. Three bozos headed into the water, swam out, and pretended to be drowning. One of those lifeguards returned from her post further down the beach and signaled to the three to get out of the water. The way she handled them was a joy to behold.

AFTER THE RESCUE, THESE "FUNNY" GUYS PRETENDED TO BE IN TROUBLE.
(THE SURF WAS MUCH MORE AGITATED THAN IT APPEARS HERE.)

THIS LIFEGUARD, HAVING BEEN PART OF THE RESCUE, DIDN'T FIND IT FUNNY.

SHE EXPLAINED THE RED FLAG, TOLD THEM IT WAS NO JOKE.
AND THEN TOLD THEM TO GO SIT DOWN.

Back to Antonio
I think one of the guys was named Antonio, because I'm pretty sure I heard the lifeguard say as he came out of the water, "Antonio, banderas rojas!"

The Difference Between Eggplant and Snot

Q: What's the difference between eggplant and snot?
A: Kids will eat their snot.

I can't believe I just told that awful joke. It's completely out of character for me. Really. San Geraldo, I'm sure, will be in shock (not because it bothers him, but because he won't be able to believe I told it). Of course, there's always the possibility San Geraldo won't even get the joke.

And that opening will certainly make the rest of this post (on eggplant) so much less appetizing. Sorry. But sometimes the inner child just screams and screams until I let him out. (He's never gotten quite this far.)

San Geraldo prepared eggplant last night that, yes, even kids would like. He found the recipe, Poor Man's Steak, online at eatingwell.com. We both think it's the best eggplant dish we've ever had. We had some leftovers with our lunch salad this afternoon. Delicious cold a day later, too. If you're interested in the recipe, click here.

IN VERY GOOD TASTE.

Since the opening joke was so disgusting, I had considered using instead another eggplant joke I know.

Q: What water produces the best eggplant?
A: Perspiration.

See why I chose disgusting?

Never Trust A Skinny Chef

San Geraldo is getting back into fighting trim. I really admire his determination and commitment. He joined a local group and has been doing phenomenally well, and we've been eating even better (and more) than before. I've spent a good part of my life looking undernourished no matter how much I eat. So, to avoid looking undernourished again, in addition to eating healthy with San Geraldo, I supplement with goodies (chocolate-dipped rice crackers, protein bars, cheese and crackers, Bailey's Irish Cream). One of these days I'm going to sneak out for some churros and chocolate. Just don't tell San Geraldo. (But, really, he doesn't mind at all... or so he tells me.)

In addition to a great eating plan, the group San Geraldo joined shares recipes, which means he's been inspired to be even more creative in the kitchen. We eat at home often now and he orders differently when we're out. Last night's dinner at home of chicken (sorry my vegetarian friends) in a spiced mushroom sauce, and vegetables on the side, was unbelievable. The group leader is Scottish. (She speaks slowly for San Geraldo or a Londoner translates for him.) Since the recipes aren't described in American terms, they're sometimes as confusing for San Geraldo as Spanish recipes, but he manages... and manages well. I've included the spiced mushroom sauce recipe below. (But, understand, I simply copied it; I have no idea what it means.)

CHICKEN COVERED IN SPICED MUSHROOM SAUCE.
(YOU MIGHT RECOGNIZE THE OTHER STUFF ON THE PLATE)

Spiced Mushroom Sauce

• Fry Light cooking spray
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 tsp each minced garlic and ginger
• 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp mixed peppercorns, coarsely ground
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 200g close cup mushrooms, sliced
• 145 ml chicken stock (Bovril)
• 4 tbsp quark cheese*
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Small handful of freshly chopped coriander to garnish

1. Spray a pan with Fry Light and fry the onion, chili, garlic, ginger, bay leaf, peppercorns, ground coriander, and turmeric for 5 minutes. (Add a little water if sticking.)
2. Stir in the mushrooms, stock, and bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes until thickish consistency.
3. Take the pot off the boil and stir in the quark cheese. Season to taste and scatter with chopped coriander. Serve immediately.

*Very low-fat fromage frais can be used instead of quark cheese.

Not to be outdone, I 've been refining my culinary skills. I've recently been spotted pouring my hot coffee over ice at Cafe Manila ... without assistance. And I made my own gourmet "Papaya Breakfast Bowl" the other morning. Half a papaya, Greek yogurt, and corn flakes (I was out of muesli).

Well, San Geraldo cut the papaya and scooped out the seeds. But I spooned in the yogurt and corn flakes all by myself. Brilliant.

SO BEAUTIFUL IT WAS A SHAME TO EAT.

There's More to Living Than Kelly Green

KELLY GREEN.

I recently spotted an online "Social Attitudes Test" (click here to link to the test) posted on facebook by an acquaintaince. It purported to measure one's radicalism, socialism, and tenderness based on 30-or-so questions. A few people I know had already taken the test and felt it summed them up fairly well.

I've always thought of myself as considerably left of center in my social and political opinions. Out of curiosity, I took the test. Here are the results:

Political Values

Radicalism 99.5
Socialism 87.5
Tenderness 56.25

"These scores indicate that you are a progressive; this is the political profile one might associate with a university professor. It appears that you are skeptical towards religion, and have a pragmatic attitude towards humanity in general.

"Your attitudes towards economics appear communist, and combined with your social attitudes this creates the picture of someone who would generally be described as left-wing.

"To round out the picture you appear to be, political preference aside, an egalitarian with primarily strong opinions."

Well! I was shocked by the radicalism score of 99.5. When we lived in San Francisco and worked across the bay at UC Berkeley, the City of Berkeley installed parking meters along a busy commercial street. A group of activist citizens went through with a chain saw, cut the tops off the parking meters and planted flowers in the hollows. Although I found their action artful, I also found it highly inappropriate, expensive, and infuriating. I would think that drops me much more than half a percentage point from the pinnacle of radicalism. In Berkeley, I often felt like a conservative. (Gasp!)

Socialism at 87.5? Well, my capitalist friends (and my socialist friends, too), that's probably not far off.

Tenderness, 56.25? That disappointed me. I think sometimes I might be at 99 or even 100. But, admittedly, at other times I could likely be as low as 30... So, maybe true. Still, I don't know how I feel about that. Perhaps it means that, although I'm tender (more than half way to the top, after all), my rational mind is in charge. Maybe I'm giving myself too much credit.

I'D LIKE TO SEE HER ALONGSIDE KELLY GREEN.

THE BEST KIND OF CLOTHES FOR A PROTEST POSE?

Communist? Well, the results simply say that my "atttitudes towards economics appear communist" — only my economics. And "appear" being the operative word. But that's as political as I'm going to get because, believe it or not, that isn't even the point of this post.

A FASHION MANIFESTO.

Win the Revolution with Style
Oddly, what made me think of this was the man I saw on the street the other morning wearing kelly green. That made me think of a song in the musical "Grey Gardens" in which the words "There's more to living than kelly green" are sung. And, since that song is called "The Revolutionary Costume for Today," that made me think of my own supposed radicalism and how, while living in Boston, I gave the preppy look a shot (L.L.Bean, but never kelly green) and I was like a fish out of water. I could never pass for a preppy. I then took a walk over to the Saturday flea market at the Fair Grounds, where I was pleased to see strolling and for sale a lot more than kelly green. And that left me singing the song for the rest of the day. If you watch the video, this post and the photos will all make sense... I hope.

Da da da da dum...

Put Another Nickel In

Our dear friend Tere's Spanish grammar and language skills are exceptional. Through our conversations, she taught me so much during our nearly two years in Sevilla that sometimes when I begin to speak, people are actually impressed with my verb forms. Many tell me most Spaniards don't even use the correct form. Of course, I then try another sentence and they realize it was just one verb. During Tere's last visit from Sevilla, she taught me some more. On a walk in the neighborhood, we passed a shop window displaying a collection of skull-shaped coin banks.

Tere pointed. "Hucha," she discreetly said.  [The "H" is silent.]

I repeated at full voice, "Hucha"?

She whispered, "Sí, hucha."

HUCHA: SPANISH FOR A COIN BANK.

I had no idea why she had whispered. She was laughing as she went on to explain that, in addition to piggy banks, "hucha" is also used to refer to savings, money boxes, and the coin slots themselves (in vending machines and anything else). Great. But, still, nothing to be embarrassed about.

HUCHA: ALSO THE WORD FOR THE COIN SLOT IN A VENDING MACHINE.
I WAS GOING TO INCLUDE AN EXAMPLE OF "SAVINGS"
... BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE.

By this time, we were crossing Plaza San Rafael. The vendors were getting ready to re-open the gift market for the evening. Tere went on to explain that "hucha" was also slang. She pointed and said, "Hucha."

HUCHA.  (I WAS SO TEMPTED TO DROP IN A CENTIMO.)