Sevilla on Sunday

I am sitting at an internet cafe unlike no other...right beside the largest Gothic cathedral in the world ! (Giralda). Every now and then the bells go crazy and I am nearly shocked out of my chair. It is Sunday after all :-) I wandered into the Cathedral - but I far prefer the magic of wandering around by the exterior by night.

I have now been away in Spain for over 4 weeks, there are still several more weeks to go. Just moved into a little studio flat in Arenal that I love. I can run down for yummy croissants in the morning down at the bar Buzon, I am also right by the Alcazar gardens so when I have time in the afternoons I sit there on the wall that overlooks everything. Around in Arenal are enormous palm trees and moorish arched windows, heavy wooden doors, hidden tilework underneath balconies and trees dripping with oranges. I´ve bought a blue bicycle and cruise through town on that. It´s very interesting riding on those uneven cobblestones without proper shocks!! Yesterday I rode over the Puente de Triana and saw the sun setting over the Gualdaquivir, casting a golden glow on the shore opposite Triana. I swear Sevilla is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I am obviously completely enamoured!!

I have spent so much time eating, drinking, sharing experiences with friends. I see friends here more in a week than I do in half a year in Canada (keeping in mind that I am often away of course! :-) But relaxing with friends is an integral part of the culture of Andalucia. They love life, they take the time to enjoy it before everything else. What a healthy and beautiful way to live.

Yesterday I was at the bar Labarinto and a man was reciting stories from Greek Mythology to a captive audience. I also went to see a local soccer game in Triana - I´d never seen soccer live before (or hockey for that matter!) but it was a lot of fun, especially if you know people that are on the team!

As far as classes go, I am taking 2 classes with Manuel Betanzos as well as classes with Isabel Bayon, Andres Marin and Ursula Lopez. Ricardo, the guitarist I worked with in Calgary in October (whom some of you know) is also here, performing at the Pena Torres Macarena. He and I get lots of chances to chat & he will likely be coming to Calgary again to perform again in September!

Performances have been very exciting and fulfilling. The places in which I have had the opportunity to perform are magical, with so much history that they fill me with a unique energy and inspiration. One of them is the Tablao Patio Las Cruces in Santa Cruz, a tiled moorish patio, with the centre open to the sky, lots of potted plants and birds...

Last Thursday I performed at the Alcazar (palace) of Jerez de la Frontera. Which was an one of the happiest days of my life. They closed off half of the Alcazar for us so in between rehearsals I had the whole run of the gardens, castle walls and towers. I ran, and danced and sang and looked at the view of the Cathedral which was directly in front of me, the city of Jerez, barrio of Santiago (where flamenco is said to have been ¨born¨) and the hills of the countryside stretching out on all sides. I felt so grateful to be there. I am still incredulous that life brought me that opportunity. The Levante was blowing (a wind from Africa) and at night when the stars came out, it felt like I was in the gardens from one of the stories in Arabian Nights.

They filmed the show live and emphasized that I was Canadian. I was really happy that they mentioned it!

Off I go to practice a bit and then find a few friends to share dinner with! The summer heat has not hit quite as yet. When it does, you´ll find me back in Calgary!!!