Una Hoguera en la Playa

There isn't too much to report from yesterday and today. There was plenty of beach-going and siesta-taking. I didn't think I would want to sleep but the sun is so hot it makes me tired! Lindsey and I did some unintentional exploration of Alicante today because we got lost on the way to the Spanish equivalent of a department store, Corte Ingles. On a serendipitous note, we now have an idea of where the train station and post office are located thanks to our venture. Note to file: apparently cortisone cream isn't widely sold, so avoid getting a rash on the day all the pharmacies are closed for no obvious reason. Tonight we met our classmates on the beach for una hoguera (that's right, a bonfire!). Of the many fires on the beach, ours was really the only one remotely deserving of the prefix 'bon.' Apparently the Spanish were impressed, because many asked to take pictures of it or even with it. By the time we were ready to go, the walkway behind the beach (like a boardwalk, but made of stone) was packed! We struggled through the crowd to one of the churro stands, and I got one filled with chocolate pudding. That's about all I'd like to share today, hasta luego!

 This man is playing a didgeridoo on the promenade and I felt inclined to take a picture.

By our best guess this is the St. John the festival (Las Hogueras de San Juan) is honoring. It's hard to see, but he has a single tear running down his right cheek.

 This is the church directly to the right of the San Juan figure above. The red and white shapes are all flowers that have been carefully arranged. This is the final destination of the flower-carrying girls in the parades.

 This boy had cotton candy as big as he was.

 These ladies are all dressed up to prepare for a big parade that took place today. Also included in the parade: bands and decorated floats.

 This is una hoguera that I had previously not seen before.

 I don't speak horse but I think this one was down to be friends.

 This fountain is on one of the main roads in Alicante.

Another hoguera that I previously had not seen.












Some members of my group around the fire. I realize our fire isn't as impressive as I might have made it sound, but it was better than others', I promise. I give sole credit to the girl standing up.