Saturday in Spain

Saturday in Spain -- it's obviously the day to walk your dog and/or your baby. Saw TONS of dogs and babies today; you could not turn around without bumping into one or the other.

I strolled over the the City Hall today. There were a few weddings going on -- lots of very well dressed folks and the steps up to the front door were covered with rice and paper confetti. I was there, however, to see the large Nativity scene display. It is a tradition in Spain to create a huge "Belén" (Bethlehem) scene. Many churches, businesses and families do it. This one had working fountains, waterfalls and was at least 20 feet long. It not only shows the nativity scene, but many aspects from Christ's life. There are musicians, fruit sellers, butchers -- whatever you can think of that you would find in a village. There was one in the Museum of Glass, too, filled with Lladro figures.

There are many small stalls along the main road (Alhambra Principal) and, besides the usual souvenir stuff, several were selling all the things needed to create your own Belén -- trees, bridges, carts of fruit and baskets of bread.

Back in the old town, there were several musicians, magicians and balloon sellers entertaining the crowds. Very festive. There was an elf helping kids make enormous soap bubbles and a pseudo Mickey Mouse making balloon animals and swords. Most of the day was spent just watching. And walking. And listening. The Spanish here in Spain is a bit different than I'm used to -- gracias is pronounced gra-the-as and the ba˜no is the servecio (pronounced ser-vee-thee-o). A bit of a lisp that, I think, dates back to a king who had a lisp. It's unusual to hear, but I like it.