All in a Weekend

So? What did you do this weekend??

Oh you know, typical weekend in Spain... no big deal.

Horse races on the beach.
Flamenco show and Andalusian dancing horses.
Beach.
Bullfight.

Friday we got together with some friends and drove out after work to a neighboring town, San Lucar de Barrameda. The city is noted for its horse racing which dates back to 1845 and takes place along a 1,800 m stretch of beach during the month of August. Having lived in Kentucky for four years, we were very excited to witness real racehorses thunder across the sand!

The trick for the races is that they don't publish race times. Things just happen at low tide after 5 pm. So we knew we were getting there a bit late when we arrived around six but figured with "Spanish time" we would definitely be okay. Turns out that all of the heats for the day had run early and the show was over. Drat! We missed it! The kids had no idea what was going on and were perfectly content to run and play on the beach. Thankfully they run the race again in a few weeks and we will be there much earlier to stake a prime spot for the action.

A quick change of plans had us heading back to Rota for a charity performance. Brandon dropped me in the parking lot to run for the first time solo into the grocery store and pick up some non-perishable food items to donate. I was pretty proud that I managed to read labels, decipher a few words and pick out some quick dinner items and check out without completely looking like a clueless American. I think the cashiers are pretty used to those around here! My pretty pathetic Spanish is actually proving to be quite helpful.

The venue for the horse show was so charming. A small stable/riding circle right beside the beach at sunset. We had a little picnic dinner and took in all the sights and sounds. Andalusian dancing horses are amazing! They moved completely in time to the music and had a whole choreographed routine. The girls were mesmerized by the flamenco dancers with their dresses and heels. One of the things we are loving about Spanish culture is how familial it is. There were children everywhere, grandparents and couples and teens. Spanish people are very jovial, friendly and welcoming. Embracing their culture is a pleasure.

Saturday we spent jumping from one housing agency to real estate group to property management company, begging for house listings and potential showings. The kids were troopers and the agents were kind to put up with their million questions and our million attempts to connect to spotty wifi. We survived the morning and ended with a celebration on the beach. Evan set a goal last year to finish the Book of Mormon before his 8th birthday. He accomplished the goal this week and has been planning a party with games and cake all week long. For various reasons (mostly house-hunting related), we've had to postpone the festivities a few times. Today we finally got to the beach and enjoyed a few hours of stress-relief and fun. We are so proud of Evan for accomplishing his goal.