More Celebrations!

I’ve written about the human towers before. I may even have mentioned this particular event in Girona that takes place during the city’s annual Festa Major every November 1, but it bears repeating. These people are amazing! Please watch the video here from youtube; 3cat – Pujada del pilar dels Marrecs a Girona (01-11-2025). I’m sorry there is a commercial at the beginning. The child (child!!!) on top falls, but they start again to climb to the top of the long flight of stairs, and when they reach it, turn to the crowd triumphant. It’s amazing enough that they do it on flat, solid ground, but to mount an enormous staircase at the same time!! I’d like to see this in person one day. There are other festivities related to the Festa Major. When I was visiting Girona for other reasons, I ran across a display of the figures of the giants that are worn by townspeople in parades for the delight of children especially.

This past weekend was the Carmen Amaya Flamenco Festival in Begur. This was my second or third? time attending the local flamenco show. The flamenco guitarist, below, was fantastic. But it was my first time attending the Sardinada – a celebration of the sardine! that ends the festival. Luckily there was more to eat than just sardines. I want to like them, but the tiny bones bother me. There was a band playing music that I learned was the Catalan Rumba, a musical genre that originated in Barcelona in the 1950’s in the city’s Catalan gypsy community, and is a fusion of flamenco rumba with influences from Cuban music, rock and roll, and other popular styles. It was great fun. There were expats there but lots of locals celebrating probably what was our last warm day of the year.

Just to let the Cassie lovers and other just plain animal lovers know, Cam and I are slowly adapting to life without her. I’m still sad. Our apartment is quieter and more tranquil without the mischief-maker in chief around. Cam has always been more aloof – he isn’t standing at the door whenever I come home, he doesn’t follow me into the bathroom (I used to give Cassie a neck massage when she would put her paws on my knees while I peed. TMI?) and no little hot dog body snuggling next to me at night. Poor Cam was always dog #2 around here, so I’m hoping we can bond more deeply and that he can be my little buddy. We’re going to take longer walks together and go more places as it will be easier with just one.

We had an episode of some pretty extreme wind this week and it knocked one of the heavy metal shutters off of the wall. That was bad enough, but when I tried to close the other shutter before the wind could blow that one off as well, it slammed on my hand. Ouch!! It could have been worse!

AND…drum roll…the Russian is BACK!!! I saw him on his balcony. He lives alone, mind you, but he was talking with someone I couldn’t see. Already there have been two odd cars parked nearby or in his garage! The intrigue continues. I’m so excited!!!!