You are still on time to join Women on Tour on a very special break in the sun. We'll be spending a few days relaxing, learning useful writing tips and enjoying the sunny Andalucian countryside. … [Read more...]
Santiago De Compostela – celebrating at the Pilgrims Mass
We are in Santiago - the end point of pilgrimage for upwards of 115,000 each year who travel from all over Europe, mostly walking 100-1000 km. Today we attended the midday Pilgrim's Mass at the Cathedral, which is held every day. The place is packed - standing room only. Some pilgrims have just arrived and carry their staff and backpack, others have had a shower, but you can generally pick them - cargo pants, open faces, expectant and somehow … [Read more...]
The anguish that is Flamenco
Anquish Passion Rhthym Longing Desire What an extraordinary experience Tablao El Arena was - it took my breathe away. This is not music you play in the background for a dinner party, this is passion and pain undiluted and yearning for release. Much like a Karanga or a Haka in New Zealand, or a Negro Spiritual - it seems to me that it sums up the deep longing and desire of a people to be free. You feel it in your stomach and it touches your … [Read more...]
Exploring Andalucia…
When I was in NZ, I thought of Spain as one thing "Spain". But the truth is that each of the regions of Spain have their own unique distinct history, language and culture. I was aware of this when I was in Barcelona and the distinct culture of Catalunya. Andalucia is very different - with its strong connections with Moorish Africa, the origin of Flamenco, its strong bandit culture and in Antequera the amazing remains of old Megalithic tombs - … [Read more...]
