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Salud! 🙂
vacuna sevillana
13 Thursday Aug 2020
Posted in coronavirus, humour, sevilla, welcome
Category Archives: sevilla
electric shock
12 Wednesday Aug 2020
Posted in casa azahar, home, sevilla, summer, weather
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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 30Âş inside the apartment, then set it so that it ends up a comfy 27Âş (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 in casa azahar, cats, coronavirus, home, retail therapy, sevilla
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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
Today is the DĂa 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 AbacerĂa de San Lorenzo. Because of Covid, RamĂłn 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 RamĂłn 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.  ❤
day trip to triana
04 Tuesday Aug 2020
Posted in sevilla, tapas, tapas bars, triana
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So I hadn’t been to Triana since just before LOCKDOWN, and I hadn’t seen my friend Peter @SVQconcierge in ages, so it seemed like a good time to do both after hearing that Las Golondrinas II had not only reopened after lockdown, but also had a swish new look. First stop was Triana market, antoher place I hadn’t been to since February. As it is now pretty much 50/50 bars and market stalls, it was pretty quiet, with most of the bars still closed. But good to see the market area busy as well as a couple of the original bars there. Interesting that the old bars were the only ones to reopen.
Las Golondrinas was fabulous as always, and *mostly* good with the Covid stuff, though they are still re-using their plastic bread bowls without washing them first. Otherwise good distancing and care taken with hygiene. Menu was printed on single-use sheets.
Next stop was Blanca Paloma, and had also undergone a bit of a makeover. Interesting take on distancing along their ample bar with new “tables” that jut out so you can sit across from your friend and still feel comfortable. Re: cutlery (a thing of mine!), brought to the bar on a clean plate on top of napkins. Food was delish. Menu on Q-code.
On the way home (back in Sevilla!) we decided to stop for a penĂşltima at Castizo, which I hadn’t been to since just after Christmas. Nice touch is that they’ve put tall potted plants between pairs of bar stools to ensure proper distancing and the rest of the space is also carefully organised. One good thing about an open kitchen is that you can see everything being prepared in front of you so you know every precautions is being taken.
And then it was home again. This sort of afternoon would have been a usual part of my week on days off when I wasn’t taking out tours. Going out for lunchtime tapas, meeting up with friends and the people who run the bars, taking pics for updating my website, checking in on what’s new. Sadly now this is now down to about once a week. But hey, better than nothing! Photos below…
