SEMANA SANTA

A very wet week for this years holy week, what a shame, all the preparation of pristine robes and beautifully decorated floats now looking very bedraggled in the constant showers with little sun in between.
The best time to see the processions is at night, somehow the rain doesn't seem to matter so much although the candles and lanterns splutter and the barefooted penitents have to splash thorough puddles. The sombre drum beats and dolorous brass bands certainly seem in tune with the dreary weather. We watched for a little while but quickly retreated into a bar heaving with de-hooded brotherhoods and gorgeous senoritas wearing their towering mantillas, noise level off the scale as usual but who cares?  Despite the underlying solemnity and undoubted fervent faith behind so many Spanish fiestas there is always a great atmosphere of joy aided by lots of alcohol and delicious food. What more can one ask......drama, mystery, bizarre costumes, flowers, candles, incense, music AND wonderful wine and food. Pity about the rain but the sun will be shining again very soon.

GREEN!

A wonderful new element in our lives is the new enterprise started by a couple from the Netherlands who have re-located to Alcuescar a nearby village. They have started a small market garden business, growing 100% ecologically cultivated vegetables and herbs.

The selection this week- broccoli, a smaller variety of swiss chard, bok choy, leeks, spring onions, parsley, chinese cabbage.
Now with the weather warming up and spring here the selection will increase every week.

For any one staying at Finca al-manzil in the cortijo, barn or Casa Alfarera this year you will have the opportunity to order a basket of vegetables picked in the morning and delivered to the door by Jantien. Highly recommended!