Scribbler in Seville

I always find Monday’s and Thursday’s blog posts harder than the others, since I’ve already done one post on those days for my other, work (ie paid) blog. Monday is not too bad, start of the week, but by Thursday the weekend is almost within reach, tantalising me with the possibility of lie-ins (dream on) and spending the day in my pyjamas.

So today I’m going to do a picture post.

A sight to warm the very cockles of your heart, dear reader. Christmas lights in the naranjos of calle Mateas Gago.

Yes, I know it’s only mid-October, but that word is already starting to creep into emails – *whisper* Christmas. It’s still 30 degrees plus during the day here in Andalucia, so it’s hard even to imagine winter yet, but in two months – yes, just eight weeks – I’ll be heading off to England (a bit early, but then remote working’s so easy) for my second annual family sojourn. Here in Seville, December is often mild, so it’s a great time to visit, with all the seasonal excitement of the Belen fair (who will be the in-the-news nativity scene figure this time around? Last year it was Barack Obama); the rich, evocative aroma of castañas asadas (roast chestnuts); villancicos.

Traditional food for a Spanish Christmas features jamon heavily, and as a non-meat-eater, my treat is sweeter. Feast your eyes on this lot, all from my chocolatier of choice, Hotel Chocolat, and try not to drool on your PC/mobile device.

Chocolate-covered mango.

Chocolate-covered rum-soaked sultanas. Is this heaven?

Eton Mess - strawberries, chocolate and meringue.

And a few early present suggestions.

Microwavable fake-fur slipper-booties, perfect for chilly English nights - or cold Spanish tiled floors.

You can order these from www.gadgets.co.uk

Any woman would be delighted to be given this colourful scarf made of recycled silk by women in Nepal.

You can get this scarf from Fair Trade group www.tenthousandvillages.com

This pink dumper truck breaks sexual stereotypes - girl colour, boy toy, and is also made of recycled plastic bottles - the perfect unisex green gift for kids.

From www.love-eco.co.uk

As we get closer to the big C, I will be giving more present ideas.