meet dodek

We went with Chris to see children having fun.


When I see all these facial expressions I just cannot resist staying and looking at them.


Black and white photos to show you that youth never changes.


More pictures  in the gallery.

The boy was walking together with his father in the procession, holding his hand all the time. He did not think about the crowd and suddenly his face changed. He was surprised or even shocked.


After a few minutes the child´s face changed again and I could see the smile and joy.


I will never forget this emotions that accompanied me at this time. I felt like a spectator that was watching an amazing movie.

The nazarenos - fraternity members - were going through the narrow streets holding a paso that was almost filling them. The spectators almost had to stick to the walls to give it a way.


We kept on following until we reached the cathedral. Not only the visitors but also the citizens wanted to watch the procession.


If you are interested you will find pictures in  gallery.

Teaching - what exactly does this word mean? In my opinion it is much more than explaining the rules, reading books, doing exercises, it is opening our brains to the world. Each person has his story and when you listen to it you can understand more about cultural differences and problems they usually cause.


Yesterday the Spanish Department of EOI Malaga organised a gastronomy contest. Participants from different countries brought typical dishes from their areas and briefly explained the recipes. Some told jokes or stories.


Do you know the history of sandwich? It is very interesting. The first written usage of the English word appeared in Edward Gibbon's journal, in longhand, referring to "bits of cold meat" as a "Sandwich". It was named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, an 18th-century English aristocrat. It is said that he ordered his valet to bring him meat tucked between two pieces of bread, and others began to order "the same as Sandwich!"


There were participants who moved during their life several times, that's why some dishes contained ingredients from different countries. For example, a man born in Indonesia who lived in Germany for years made bami goreng - a pasta with German sausages (bratwurst) with Asian-flavoured sauce.


The Italians prepared two pies. One filled with cheese and ham decorated with hearts and another one with spinach. They also made arancini - stuffed fried balls and crepes.


At first I did not know what to prepare because many typical polish dishes are supposed to be hot or at least warm. I made kapuśniaczki - dumplings in two different flavors with cabbage and onion that are usually served during Christmas and with lentils. From the same dough I made rożki - sweet cookies with plum jam and marzipan. What you can see is a Belgian quiche  and Christmas strudel from Slovenia, both made by men :)


My Spanish teacher laughed at that name and called it "Kiss" - "Beso" in Spanish. It has a bit of alcohol and maybe because of this after eating a piece you would like to kiss the others ;)


Surprisingly the food was not the most important thing. Thanks to this contest we could talk about our lives, what we do and why we moved here. Did you know that in Spain there are many emigrants from Syria, who left their whole lives there and had to start all over again. Can you imagine it? The world needs to come together.


Beautiful and tasty sweets from England. There are more things there than fish and chips ;) If you are interested you will find pictures on gallery.

The procession went through the main streets gathering many spectators. First year I was very surprised because all the streets were closed and the traffic lights were placed above, so that the floats had enough place to pass.


We could see not only adult participants but also parents who were supporting their children.


It is really incredible to be here and see friendship, love, ...

As you may know I've been attending Spanish course in EOI (official school of languages). In my group there is a very friendly Italian couple who invited me to a gastronomy contest.


Fiorella made a casatiello - typical Neapolitan Easter bread with boiled eggs and Roberto prepared marru - a dish made of onion, celery, fennel and his secret ingredients.


I was really lucky, because the same day the school organised also Portuguese fiesta, so I could enjoy even more dishes.


I really like the variety of flavours and ingredients. Some of them had familiar tastes, but there were also some tastes that I could not even describe.


EOI is organising a similar gastronomy contest for foreigners. It will take place in the school in B24 class 11 of may at 11.


These events are interesting not only because of the food, but also because of people and the differences between our culture. Sometimes we are laughing at us and mistakes we make, thinking that everybody is the same.


If you are interested you will find picture on gallery.

Over last couple of days people were constructing a festival stage near our house, where groups from the surrounding villages, in traditional costumes were taking part in the contest. A girl who was standing outside, playing without paying any attention to the surrounding crowd was something I could not just walk on by.

Beautiful women, aware of their beauty were posing to impress even more.


Surrounding music was very intriguing, because I associate Spain more with flamenco than this kind of sounds. Another extraordinary items were handmade hats covered with flowers, worn by both men and women. It looked more like middle of the spring not end of December.


In the main pavilion were competing bands, while in the open-air participants were not only preparing themselves, but also those who finished were encouraging everyone to play and dance with them.


How to use castanets and an example of the music I've already mentioned.


Pictures and videos are available in gallery.

Today something completely different. Instead of going for a race we made a circle around our neighborhood by car as the majority of the crossroads was stuck, here and there few cars which wanted to pass were trapped. Despite improving conditions moving around is still difficult.


A short movie showing why we didn't get to Moron despite we really wanted to. Last year it was great!