Local Entertainments

Repeated the walk into the rio Chillar from Capistrano - thought we ought to make sure we know where we are going as we may take visitors there! Just as well as we got lost near the end & ended up on a very slippy steep slope. We promise to take future walkers the right route! Sue was very grateful for the use of a walking pole loaned to her over Christmas by Gill.
We passed the Ox-Man - a local who has a pair of oxen hitched to a plough which he uses instead of a tractor on the inaccessable parts of local fields. They look very smart, with red tassel fringes (just the oxen, not the man).
We went to see the latest Harry Potter film in english with spanish subtitles, in the Cultural Centre in Nerja. Only about 25 in the audience. Great not to have all the dross of adverts before the film, just a little low-budget Spanish film so well made we could understand it without knowing the language. Took in the B&W photo exhibition in the lobby of the Centre - 50's & 60's shots of Nerja & inhabitants. Roads having cobbles laid, women fetching water from the various town communal supply points.
Our Caretaker at the Flats has found other distractions from clearing the leaves out of his beloved fountains. He has installed a string of yellow flashing lights over the access gate, & spent the good part of a day up a ladder trying to coax his cat down from the large tree at the entrance. As usual, in Spain, he soon attracted an audience of local men who seem to have nothing else to do. We wondered how long it would be before he resorted to his trusty chainsaw!
We were fortunate to attend "Luces de Invierno" (Lights of Winter) performed in a small 16thC chapel. A gorgeous church incorporating lots of gold filigree, but not gaudy. The ladies choir sang 16th century songs in English, French, Spanish, Latin and German, accompanied by a cellist, violins and flamenco guitars - very professional. The chapel was packed - and finished with a moving rendition of Silent Night sung by the audience in a variety of languages.
We are getting in the Christmas spirit, & are looking forward to seeing Santa when he visits Nerja on Sunday. We have been told to put sweets & a note at the door of the Church (Sue v hopeful will produce results!) Hopefully his reindeer won't tangle with the oxen, could be messy!!!