3 Kings Day

The Christmas season in Spain lasts until Jan 6th, when they celebrate Ephiphany or 3 Kings Day. At this time is when people give gifts because it celebrates when the 3 Kings came to offer Jesus gifts. In Algeciras, they have a special tradition that is in no other city in Spain. It is based on a tradition that one year when the people were very poor and could not afford Christmas gifts, the children went out in the streets to drag cans to make sure that the 3 Kings could hear them and remember to bring them gifts. This became a tradition which still lasts. On Dec 5th, they have a 'can parade' in which everyone drags cans behind them on the way to the port. Then everyone awaits the arrival of the 3 Kings whom come in on a boat at the port. I was amazed at how much noise the cans could make! We saw all kinds of cans...some pulled on a string in a line, some with small cans, some with very large cans, and some were very artistic making castles, crocodiles and even a baby's bed!

Sevilla

At the beginning of December, Paula and I took a weekend trip to Sevilla. I didn't have fond memories of Sevilla from when I went with the 'Posse'. The first time it was rainy and cold, our hostel had no heat, and a cockroach crawled up Lori-cita's leg! OOHH! But this time, it was much more enjoyable. It was a Holiday weekend, so many people were out in the streets, shopping. It felt a little like being in New York city at Christmas with all of the decorations and people. I was so excited to come across a Starbucks!!!!!! We really enjoyed the sight-seeing and walking around the city. The city has a beautiful mix of Spanish and Arabic architecture and wonderful parks.

Can you be a sloth?

I spent Thanksgiving with my family in Maryland. It was such a great time of catching up with friends and family. We celebrated my sister Peggy's 25th anniversary. One afternoon I went to the park with my mom, niece Callee and nephews Seth, Andrew and Jake. We all had a try at hanging upside down as a sloth.

Can you do this?