Sanlucar's Corrida de Torro

Tonight we went to Sunlucar's Corrida de Torro otherwise known as a Bull Fight.  

Before you continue to read or even look at the pictures, please understand that bull fights have been around in Spain since 711 A.D.  To some, it may be completely unethical and wrong to observe a bull entering a ring where eventually he will be killed by the torrero, but in Spanish tradition, it is very symbolic display of art, courage, and skill.    

Although we should have done our research as to what the symbolism meant; waving the white handkerchiefs, specific cheers, the dance, what each of the individuals in the ring do, the horses that come out, etc. we were able to appreciate the culture and the history behind what we were witnessing.  This was an event that I was glad to say we were able to observe while living here in Spain but I am not sure I will go to another one :).  

Once again: Please do not look at these pictures if seeing a man fighting a bull to the death will offend or upset you!  

 Getting the ring ready:

The architecture is amazing:

 Waiting in the shade... That sun was HOT!

 The fighters entering the ring...

 And so it begins...

During this process, the matador studies the bull while his team has them charge before he enters the ring himself.  

Just a warning: These next few pictures are going to be a little more difficult to see if you are sensitive about killing the bulls.  

Taking the first bull out of the ring (if it makes you feel better... they do butcher the bull right after the fight).

 This bull was a fierce!  

He took this horse down (I will not post those pictures)... but it was action for sure.

 After the 4th fight, Liam was DONE!!  He was not going to sit another minute so we left.  

But- not without one last picture!

Planting with Dad

Today we added to the backyard.... 

Steve and I can not move into a place without adding our own personal touch to the yard.  Although this place had amazing plants, rose bushes, birds of paradise, trees, and bushes we had to buy our own and add to the beauty.  So far, we have added a few hibiscus and colorful leafy plants to the back wall,  elephant ear bushes next to the pool and a grapefruit tree and lime tree in pots by the side wall.

Aydin helped with planting the elephant ears around the pool and Morgan helped with the trees.  missed taking pictures of Aydin planting but here are a few of the trees and after pictures.

Lime:

Grapefruit:

Finished:

I think they look pretty great!!  

We are almost done buying trees and plants and I thinkg next weekend we will be done.  

My favorite flower is a plumeria.  While in Hawaii, Steve and I bought a few tree cuttings and turned them into trees.  With the move, we had to find proper homes for our trees; we shipped two to Steves mom (who has them flowering again in Vermont) and two to my old boss/supervisor (I really hope he too is taking good care of them). 

So- imagine my surprise when we walked into the plant store here and saw that they had HUGE plumeria trees for sale!  Needless to say, we are going to buy two this weekend and have them delivered.  One will be going in the front and one int he back.  I will post those pictures next weekend!

Hanging out in the pool

We have a few pool pictures over the past few weeks... the kids just being silly and having fun.

 I LOVE THIS ONE!!!  Double cannon ball!

He loves to follow his older brother and sister...

 Catching a football...

 Right before he jumped... he yelled "ROCKET"

Our favorite gellato shop...

One of the first times we walked to the beach by the house, we stopped at the little ice cream shack on the side of the road- right before the walk on the pathway to the beach starts. We met the owner- Frank who after a short week, have become fast friends with.
Frank loves Liam and gives them candy every time we go by.
Last night, we walked over after dinner for gellato (which is by far better than any ice cream I have ever had) and I even ordered...

 Minte chocolat con Nata y Oreo

Motor Cross by the beach

Last night, Steve and the older two kids to a race a few blocks away with dirt bikes.  We did not buy tickets prior to the race so Steve and the kids walked over to see if they can see anything from outside the gates.  Once they got there- they realized they could not see much of anything AND there were still tickets available at the door.  

So- Steve got the kids tickets and sat n the front row to watch the race.  They had a great time!!  Due to the fact that the race did not start until 10pm (everything in Spain seems to start late) they did not stay for the whole thing (Morgan was falling asleep on Steve's lap).  

These pictures are not the best- the camera that Steve brought does not take action pictures very well but here are the ones we have.

 

Chipiona part 2

We love our little town we live in and are finding more reasons to love it everyday. 

The lighthouse is a bit of a walk from the house but we can still see it from the roof... 

The lighthouse:

From the lighthouse, we walked to the church... it is absolutely beautiful!!

Looking at the lighthouse from the church... Look at the bottom of the picture and you will see nothing but umbrellas- ALL of those umbrellas have at least 4 people under them...

Tourist from all over Europe come to the Spanish shores and Chipiona is one of those. 

Looking back at our walk...

A few days after that, we went for a walk just before sunset.  This is the beach right in front of the house... and the water is warm!!