Happy Holidays

The Feliz Navidad sign always makes the
Plaza Mayor look like a postcard. 

This year, there doesn't seem to be much holiday cheer. So here are some photos of the cheeriest things in my city and a video of one very enthusiastic author talking about the thing she loves most (my book launch party). 

It's not the holidays without certain treats. My favorite variety tray of
the "most expensive turrón in the world." It's not that pricey.  

I found a Yule Log! I used to find these at Italian bakeries
in the United States, though the word "yule" suggests
 a Celtic origin... This Spanish version is so good. 

The fine folks at Kindle Press are gifting you a trip to magical
Providence, RI, for only 99 cents this December! 

The street lighting this year is even more subtle than usual.

But with the native beauty of Modernist and
Romanesque architecture, you don't need to add much. 

Afternoon strolls down the shopping street.

The old town hall. 

Down Balborraz Street, one of the oldest
and most beautiful streets in Zamora. 

The "umbrella" in the Plaza Mayor with the sign
so you don't forget where you are! 

My city has "love" in it! 

I wrote this book to curl up with and get lost in. 

Heading toward the oldest part of the city. 

The theatre, for plays and events.
(People from elsewhere often ask me if it's a movie theatre,
which seems to be the fate of many old theatres.)

On the side of the Parador. 

The store with the weird costumes for parades has a tree! 

The Renaissance convent and a Modernist balcony. 

The palace from the time of Ferdinand and Isabella 

How can you not follow the advice of Holiday Rhino? 
Holiday Rhino is from a complete zoo in Winterhaven,
Tucson, Arizona, 2011.

As this year comes to a close, let's be grateful it's over! And certain that 2021 will be much, much better. Stay safe, everyone. 

Happy Holidays! Felices Fiestas!

Happy holidays from Spain! 

For this special holiday blog, I'm giving my faithful readers exactly what you want: pictures of a fantastic castle. Minimal explanation. These are my snaps from my trip to Ponferrada earlier this month. Enjoy!

When the Pons Ferratus (iron bridge) was built here to help the pilgrims to Santiago
in the twelfth century, the Knights Templar settled in to protect and care for the holy travelers. 

Most of the castle we see today was built during the time of Isabel and Fernando. 

The town built up around the castle during a period of neglect. 

Let the end of the world find us dancing! 

How pedestrians manage the steep hills in Ponferrada. 

Knight Templar monument 

Caldo berciano: What they eat in Ponferrada. Yum! 

Your most trusted source for holiday gift-giving recommends Seven Noble Knights.