Canadian Thanksgiving?
Writing for the Matador Network on my memories of Canadian Thanksgiving and what it meant then and what it means now.
You’re Not From Around Here
Writing in the local paper. Local issues with a global take. I never translate literally and the editor trims at will to make it fit. Here’s my version, then theirs. (This time, markedly different endings.) “Usted obviamente no eres de aquí,” (You’re obviously not from around here) and while my linguistic pride may have been mortally injured, the…
Otras Luces
Writing in the local paper. Local issues with a global take. I never translate literally and the editor trims at will to make it fit. Here’s my version, then theirs. I write this from a cold damp grey dormitory city on the outskirts of Cologne, Germany. My wife, being as persuasive as wives tend to…
Notes from the Road: Easter in Caceres
For some it’s Easter egg hunts, for others meditations on torture and resurrection, others still a time to be ‘seen’ showing their penitence in hooded processions…for me it means that the simple fact of walking to my house becomes an ordeal. Crowds clog the tiny arteries of the old town here in Caceres, while supposedly…
Virgins Come…Virgins Go…
My Almohad refuge has been busy of late. Every year around this time the locals take their beloved virgin down from its mountain hideaway to great pagan-like fanfare. Tears are shed, songs are sung and flowers cut…but less wine that one would expect, gotta travel further south for that I suppose. She’s then placed on…
San Jorge in Caceres
Springtime in Extremadura and the festival season is in full swing. Right on the heels of Semana Santa celebrations and the parading of the local virgin comes the celebration of the city’s patron saint, San Jorge, better known to English speakers as Saint George. A curious mix of fire, tradition and what some might call…
Los 3 Reyes Magos
photo from Wikipedia The Christmas season continues here in Spain. While other countries are packing up their Christmas trees, today is traditionally the big celebration for the niños here on the Iberian peninsula. The Feast of Epiphany (January 6th) is the day where the 3 wise men or the 3 kings of the orient, bring…