Piano accordion hell
We have really enjoyed our tour through Andulucia (Anduluthia to the locals, they lisp at everything) in the southern part of Spain. Several days in Seville admiring the Islamo-Christian history was highlighted by a visit to a local Flamenco bar. The singing sounds somewhat arabic but is specific to this region of Spain. No one is sure if it is a style derived by the gypsies or borrowed from the Muslims; striking and fascinating nonetheless. The accompanying guitarist seemed to have fingers that danced over the fret board and had Adam in complete envy. Needless to say, the Flamenco dancers were both outstanding and full of passion. Clearly we enjoyed the experience. We were similarly in awe of the grandeur of the Alcazar, the former Islamic and then Christian palace.
Our most outstanding food story has us wondering where the lovely ham we were eating was stored. Easily answered by looking at the ceiling of the bar, where around 30 or so uncovered legs of ham were hanging amdist the pall of cigarette and cigar smoke. Each leg had a little cup hanging at the bottom to catch fat, so as not to drip on the customers. Knowing all that, it was still amazing ham!
From Seville we moved on to Ronda, a small town perched high on a mountain but spilt into two by an enormous gorge. The old part of the city on one side dates from the 12th century during Muslim occupation and was one of the last places to fall to the Christians, no doubt due to its strategic place atop the mountain. Lots of little streets to wander around and a mix of architectural styles. Maddi would like to add that she ate the best suckling pig ever. Yes, that´s right, she ate "Babe".
Back to the piano accordion. From Italy through France and Spain we reckon we have heard the same 6 songs belted out on piano accordions nearly everytime we sit down. We both never want to hear "I did it my way" again. Its not particularly adventurous stuff being played. Maddi gives top marks to the slightly addled old bloke we saw just yesterday shaking a single maracca while singing along to his handheld boom box. It´s that sort of ingenuity we wished we saw more of.
We are in Granada now with (unfortunately) less than two weeks to go. More adventures soon.
Our most outstanding food story has us wondering where the lovely ham we were eating was stored. Easily answered by looking at the ceiling of the bar, where around 30 or so uncovered legs of ham were hanging amdist the pall of cigarette and cigar smoke. Each leg had a little cup hanging at the bottom to catch fat, so as not to drip on the customers. Knowing all that, it was still amazing ham!
From Seville we moved on to Ronda, a small town perched high on a mountain but spilt into two by an enormous gorge. The old part of the city on one side dates from the 12th century during Muslim occupation and was one of the last places to fall to the Christians, no doubt due to its strategic place atop the mountain. Lots of little streets to wander around and a mix of architectural styles. Maddi would like to add that she ate the best suckling pig ever. Yes, that´s right, she ate "Babe".
Back to the piano accordion. From Italy through France and Spain we reckon we have heard the same 6 songs belted out on piano accordions nearly everytime we sit down. We both never want to hear "I did it my way" again. Its not particularly adventurous stuff being played. Maddi gives top marks to the slightly addled old bloke we saw just yesterday shaking a single maracca while singing along to his handheld boom box. It´s that sort of ingenuity we wished we saw more of.
We are in Granada now with (unfortunately) less than two weeks to go. More adventures soon.
posted by Adam & Maddi at 2:11 am
1 Comments:
Hi there,
I am still enjoying my proxy travelling, what an excellant diary you keep! Planning a Christmas feast at the Tuttleby's this year - Dec 17th.Aus is experiencing a bit of dry weather,
on a personal note I am now an elected councillor of Muray Shire!
Keep up the good holidaying,
Love Helen & Ian
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