Reyes!

Tonight is the biggest night on the calendar of most Spanish children. Yes, Santa comes on Christmas eve, but bringing even more delight to Spanish kids are the three kings who are in town tonight. They're making their way into cities across the country at about 6pm, welcomed by streets lined with kids waiting to give their letters to the kings postmaster, wave to their favorite king, and then be off to bed so the kings can make their way, house by house, leaving them presents. Many of my students this year didn't want to write the obligatory English class letter to Santa, they wanted to cut to the chase and write to the three kings ("Sorry guys, the three kings only speak Spanish..."wink wink). I have to admit, I'm getting kind of excited for the kings to some to town tomorrow morning too! Off to drop my letter to their postmaster.

Days and Cheeses

I love this Flora and Fauna calendar-made perfectly to cut and frame after use-and a botanical encyclopedia-and such pretty font! I'd love one of the flora and fauna of Michigan and another of Galicia. Cute cute. Ps...I found these great cheese books at the Corte Ingles-Cheese Course and Gourmet Guide. Maybe I'll get one for Reyes? I'm inspired.

Laura Palmer

On a leisurely holiday afternoon Diego and I stumbled upon a hidden a little design shop called La Habitación de Laura Palmer. As the Twin Peaks name suggests, you'll find strange things in the tiny shop...especially the decor-the place is flipped upside down, with bed, lamp, rug, night table and even slippers of Ms.Palmer hanging from the ceiling. But mostly what you'll find are original t-shirts designed and pressed to order by the folks sitting at the long table under the bed. I can think of quite a few good presents this shop could make.

La habitación de Laura Palmer is on Casa Reais, 24, in Santiago de Compostela.

No smoking

My first memory of Spain, from way back in 2003 when I came to study abroad, was seeing people light up cigarettes as soon as they were off the plane. Madrid Barajas was filled with smokers, and from then on, if before the smell of smoke bothered me, now it reminded me of Spain. But, as so many other European countries have adopted new smoking bans, Spain's smoking ban came into full force on January 2. No smoking inside any bars, restaurants, clubs, or other public places and smokers must be 50 meters away from a hospital or playground. Spaniards were up in arms-saying that although many people are actually happy about the change-such a law is infringing on their freedoms. I have to say I can't wait to go out now, coming home still smelling like perfume, not getting smoke in my eyes, and not having that scratchy smoke throat in the morning...wonderful! And another benefit: more terraces all year! Diego was surprised by the number of Parisian terraces that were up in the December cold, but in the European mindset of a long lingering drink and smoke with a newspaper or people watching, even bundling up in the cold under a heater isn't too bad. I think it's going to make Spain even more charming.

Happy Aninovo!!

We got dressed to the nines (me in red lipstick and brocade and Diego in a suit!) to celebrate 2011 in Pontevedra despite Diego's flu. At midnight I almost ate all 12 grapes-they were the size of small plums...hahaha-next year I'm sure I'll get it and if not out with the grapes and in with the kisses- I have to admit I do prefer a kiss and clinking champagne glasses welcoming in the new year. Hope your celebrations were great, and that this new year is filled love.

Vintage in Pontevedra-no Zara!

Ps...check out these celebrations around the world! My favorites...the face painting and lights in India and the snow covered hats in Moscow.

Happy New Year...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Hope you had a funfunfun celebration! Isn't a new year always so exciting? That said these are not new year's resolutions...but my plans for this new year...I can't wait!!:

Finally make a headboard for our bed

Learn to take better pics...manually!

Speak more gallego

Bake macarons and coulants

Grow more vegetables

Learn all about Spanish cheese...eat it and write about it. Spanish wine too.

Restaurant reviews in Santiago...there are some hidden gems

Travel...especially Bilbao, San Sebastian, Italy, Prague, UK, or Paris...ahh...there's always Paris.

Drive a stick

Self teach a master's in Peninsular Literature with my private tutor

Buy some amazing investment pieces for my wardrobe...and other amazing not so investment things and wear it all!!

ok, that sounds good. What are your new year plans?