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Happy New Year!In life positive attitudes
produce positive results. They make success more likely, failures less
harmful,pleasures more frequent and pain more bearable. Some people
tend to bring warm sunshine wherever they go others bring cold chills.
What do you bring? Over the Christmas period in Spain you can't go far without seeing a Belen (short for Bethlehem).
Nativity scene outside the entrance to Malaga Cathedral Some are simple nativity scenes,others are on a grand scale and can include models of real characters in the pueblo or town. One very strange tradition is the caganer, a character who is pooing! This is said to remind us that no matter how "lofty" we are all human and subject to human pooings. I saw a photo of two of this year's models - William and Kate,crouching in wedding attire after producing a pile of poo! Seemingly this is because they are so popular so I wonder how many have appeared in this year's Belens ... and were models sent to Kate and William.... and if so, are they displayed at Kensington Palace?
Christmas lights in Malaga From one tradition to another and so we move to New Year's Eve when Spaniards wear red underwear. (Not sure why but probably started by shops being overstocked when sex workers felt the pinch of the crisis!That's my theory.) In some parts of Spain the tradition is taken a step further and people run through the streets in their red underwear. Maybe we could make this more interesting by combining this tradition with the tradition of bull running in Pamplona. In an attempt to save money, this will be our second New Year without fireworks and free cava in Almogia although there will still be fireworks in Malaga. There will be no such savings on 5th January when the Three Kings ride in on their fork lift trucks. Pretty nasty they are too, aiming bullets in the form of hard boiled sweets at naive children who would be wearing safety helmets if we were in Britiain!This night is not for the faint hearted as jubilados (penioners) battle with juveniles to see who can get the most sweets into their Mercadona carrier bags. This is the night when children receive their main presents. This joke has been around for a long time but I thought it would make you smile....
Now, backtracking to December 16th. My sister stayed with us over Christmas and part of her and Terry's present was to have a "horse experience". Neither had been on a horse and through yoga I met a very interesting woman called Alison who we think is a "horse whisperer". From meeting her I knew I could trust her to make their first experience with horses a good one... and she did. We spent time observing the horses and their body language before progressing to working with them. After gaining confidence and learning what a privilege it is to be allowed by a horse to do so,we got onto their backs and had the experience of riding. We were beginners but Alison offers courses for all levels and requirements from just wanting to be close to a horse, improving riding skills or having an escorted ride on quiet tracks. We feel lucky to have found Alison who is a very special person who "feels" horse and who can instill a feeling of trust and confidence in the horses she works with and with you.If you would like this special experience when you stay at Finca Colina we can organise it for you. On December 20th we had another wonderful experience when we spent time at the Butterfly Park in Benalmadena.... where colours fly. You can see how a butterfly is born and have butterflies flying around you as you walk through the garden listening to soothing music. It was amazing!
And so to Christmas at Finca Colina which is quiet and peaceful. After unwrapping presents beside our olive branch Christmas tree We took Badger on the "circular walk" which many guests will know and returned to find a friend had left a plate of beautifully wrapped goodies in the form of minature Christmas cakes, mince pies etc. Thank you Sonya!
Christmas tree at Finca Colina Older news... Terry has had a break from making paths but will start again after the holiday. We had some helpers from HelpX who began to clear the ground of rocks and weeds and we hope to have more helpers later in January.If you know anyone who enjoys mixing and carrying concrete we are offering accommodation and food in return for work from 20th to 31st january. Here is Terry under the watchful eye of Baj creating steps and a path.This will make it easier for guests to wander when they want a quiet space and we'll be able to access more of the garden for veg. and chilli growing.
While some of us work others take time to reflect on life ... Blanco, our Buddha cat.
In 2011 Helen taught her first yoga sessions in our yoga room. Our guests Victoria and Isla had a "wonderful and relaxing" time at Finca Colina doing yoga and having relaxing massage.They did yoga here as well as with a small group in a nearby town. Guests now have the option of joining Helen's yoga class in Villa Nueva de la Conception which is a 25 minute drive, (I'll take you on Thursdays if you have no transport) or having private classes here at the finca. If the weather is good you can do yoga by the pool. If it's a bit on the cold side we have the cosy yoga room.
If you visit from late December you'll see the almond trees in blossom. The hillsides are a mass of pink and white, a really beautiful site. Spanish classes with Antonia are going very well.So let us know if you'd like a holiday with Spanish classes included and we'll organise that for you.
Antonia
We've enjoyed some beautiful sunsets.
The flamingo lake at Fuente de Piedra and the donkey sanctuary next to it are well worth a visit. Entry is free and you can wander around all day if you like.There's an information point and shop. The staff are friendly and helpful.
We were fortunate to get a good view of the flamingos as the lake is full. Last year it was deserted because of lack of water. There is a visitor's centre with a huge window so you have panaromic views of the lake in comfort.There are good paths for those who enjoy walking.
Check out the Lobo Park near Antequera. You can have an evening visit with meal and tour at certain times of the year or a day visit with tour only. It's an amazing experience!
Wolf photos by kind permission of Daniel at Lobo Park Over Christmas we had another visit to Vino Mio in Malaga. The tappas are still good.Take time out to enjoy food and flamenco.
Photograph taken by Chris Rose Flamenco is performed
by a group of three every evening from 8pm until 9.30pm.3€ supplement
is added to your bill.This means you can enjoy authentic flamenco, cheaply
at a reasonable hour! We highly recommend you add this to your list
of “things to do” when you stay at Finca Colina. Bringing your furry
friend on holiday?…
The Pet Lodge is owned by a couple who are ‘Everything Dog’ - dog boarding, training, behaviour, and also dog grooming so your pet will be in good & safe hands! Badger loves the times he spends there and comes back really happy and healthy. If you make prior arrangements it is possible to take your dog out for some of the time. You will have the best of both worlds, time on your own to visit “dog prohibited” places and time with your dog if you decide to have a day out at The Lakes or some other dog friendly place. When you're not with your furry friend you can be sure he or she is having a great holiday of their own! In the Dog House is popular with locals too and is often fully booked so to avoid disappointment it is essential you book your dog's holiday at the same time you book yours. Friends
of Finca Colina ...
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