Author Archives: azahar

electric shock

12 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in casa azahar, home, sevilla, summer, weather

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shock
It was expected, but this month’s electricity bill (which actually covers a two month period) still came as a bit of a shock. Much more than any other year. About 100€ more. Not surprising as I have been mostly at home, well, since March 12th. But it made me realise how much I take advantage of other people’s AC! I mean, I am trying to be prudent, and don’t put the AC on until it hits 30º inside the apartment, then set it so that it ends up a comfy 27º (with fans on). And I never sleep with it on. But you know, before I would be out and about during the day, and often working in the evenings. Which also meant I had an income to pay the damn bill, but I digress. Continue reading →

coronavirus retail therapy

11 Tuesday Aug 2020

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, coronavirus, home, retail therapy, sevilla

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kitchen retail therapy
Gotta say that the coronavirus has cut down on general spending. Like, I didn’t need to buy any new summer clothes or sandals this year, and it’s looking like it will be the same for winter. Which is a good thing because not only was I disqualified from receiving the government assistance extension (July-Sept) for self-employed people, but it turns out I’m also not eligible for the 400€ a month “basic income” allowance.

I am so fucked.

And so why not buy totally unnecessary kitchen utensils because they are orange and cute? Okay, not totally unnecessary because my only spatula broke a couple of months ago, and I’ve never had a skimmer, so sue me. I got them both for a tenner as they were 20% off and this made me happy.

Anyhow, haven’t mentioned any of this to the cats. They still think their lives are safe and secure and never worry about their next meal or that they may lose their home. This also makes me happy. Keeping them safe. What’s making you happy these days?

 

san lorenzo 2020

10 Monday Aug 2020

Posted by in culture, history, sevilla, spain, tapas, tapas bars, welcome

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san lorenzo 2020

Today is the Día de San Lorenzo. In case you don’t know, the martyr San Lorenzo was put to a slow and painful death on top of a large gridiron with live coals beneath it and, the legend concludes that, after enduring the pain for a very long time he made his famous cheerful remark, “I’m well done on this side. Turn me over!”.

This is the first time in over five years that I haven’t attended the hectic San Lorenzo Day festivities at the Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo. Because of Covid, Ramón and Carmen took the decision not to reopen their bar until September. In any case, this celebration is not one that lends itself to social distancing. The place is packed all afternoon long, standing room only, with Ramón passing around platters of grilled flesh (sardines, chicken legs, sausages, etc) with everyone drinking a punch from Huelva called ponche alosnero.

It’s always a crazy time and I miss it.   ❤