Happy Saint Patrick's Day and a Procession

 The following pictures are a procession that passed by my windows on Saturday night. The drill, hear the noise, grab phone or camera and go peer over the balcony...

Sunday we went out for lunch to a restaurant Bruce and I used to frequent, frequently. It has changed ownership and been upgraded from the "old man" bar we enjoyed, now named Bodega Palo Santo and is quite posh now. So posh, in fact, that they tried to kick me from the table while waiting for Ryan and Angela! I didn't budge despite both waiters wanting me to, luckily Ryan and Angela turned up right on time and we ordered. Here are some observations which we thought made the reviews for it highly overrated. Tables are small, food advertised as original Spanish dishes did not taste as they normally do, i.e. tragically missing garlic in the pork one. The wait staff did not crack a smile to anyone throughout the service, Not One waiter smiled! Okay it is Sunday and restaurants all over Sevilla are jammed with people, nice day out for everyone, but it is that way every nice weekend. It made us think what is the management like here? Anyway food and service were passable but we won't be returning for overpriced, taste lacking food and grumpy waiters.

All in all, still a nice day out to people and dog watch!

Have a great Saint Patrick's Day if you haven't already, the parade downtown Toronto was held on Saturday. As I say every year, no green beer for me but I will be wearing green!

Happy Belated Valentine's Day

 Angela and Ryan met me at the flat to book our rental car for our week in Lagos, Portugal at Easter. This was my idea because while I respect and admire the traditions here for Semana Santa, it is a week of chaos. The week is one I have enjoyed and endured over the years but and wanted to avoid this year. 

Booking done we headed to Maravilla Social Club for dinner before the main event of the evening which is close by. Food was good, not excellent, they do do the appetizers well, not as well with the mains. Bathroom was clean, always a bonus here where many are not. One of us does a survey of the condition before going forth, and figuring if it's best to wait if you aren't urgent. Things you probably didn't want or need to know but basic skills here.

https://maravillasocialclub.com/

Main event being a blind date on stage with two possible people hooking up on Valentines Day! Spoiler alert they didn't.

https://www.eventbrite.es/e/blind-date-live-tickets-1982123095536?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

It was great fun, a bit raunchy at times, and the venue! It was in an old unrestored set of buildings in the middle of the city. Everyone who has space there respects others and just carries on with their chosen art form. The set up reminded me of Fan Tan Alley, Chinatown, in Victoria where my girlfriend's husband did his art and they lived there. Former, very basic rooms for the Chinese migrants, knocked down walls,  turned into an art studio. A challenging space to live in, i.e. plumbing and lack of proper kitchen but charming in it's own way.

This theatre is small but with the wall sized mirror on one side makes it look much bigger. The company and staff were friendly and welcoming, they served drinks which had the added benefit that you could choose to spend a Euro more and donate to charity. The show was definite improve style which I enjoyed very much in my life in Vancouver and haven't seen since. The style is made up, on the spot, quirky and totally spontaneous and filled with funny moments! Ryan added to the fun by asking questions which the audience were encouraged to do. It was a wonderful night and since I haven't celebrated Valentines Day in many years, a treat for me. 

I hope your Valentines Day was good, I have had many where I ignored the day altogether and that was fine too.

Cheers and love from Lexi and I. She is now deciding middle of the night to show her love for me to planting delicate licks or kisses on my face. I need to calibrate her clock, problem, she does not have one...