a sunny Sunday afternoon in Jerez

The longer I stay here the more comfortable I become. I'm getting past the 'First time at the festival don't know the ropes" stuff.
Settling into a place, and becoming part of the daily life , takes time, and getting out and meeting people.
And to feel that comfortable you need to feel familiar.
I now have my established routes that I find my way around with . it's a small area of the town , that has at it's centre - my hotel. From that point , I extend my territory a little more every day , as I add recognizable streets and landmarks to my world.

I've met some really wonderful people here.
Lot's of people recognize me, and greet me with a freindly Ola!
.....and because I am no stranger to the not so open minded, underside of a small towns' rumour mill...I'm sure there are also some doozy stories going around, about the lady with the bruised eyes staying at the Hotel El Coloso.

Take today for example...I was working away at my computer...and looked out my window - ah...the sun was out!
After yesterdays' cold miserable wheather..it seemed crazy not to take advantage..and sit on the balcony in the sun, with my lap-top...well - on my lap.
It felt so good, as the cold has been no good for my wiplash..the pain in my neck gets worse with the cold I notice. The heat of the sun feels so relaxing...I don't care what anybody thinks on the street....

Anyway...as I sit there , the first thing that happens..is a lady, her husband and grandchildren all dressed for church, stop to get into their car..but not before all looking up disapprovingly.
and very suspiciosly...
Then a few minutes later...
Who walks by , but Jookoo! (of course-that guy is everywhere)
I call to him , and he tells me he was just asking Kasandra about me - how was my face etc etc...

I say I'm just on my way to get something to eat before class...and he says come on over to his place (it's the next street over) we'll eat lunch on the roof. He makes a great aromatic chicken and rice with tumeric, cumin,ginger...YUM.
(sounds glamourous yes?)

No folks - not glamerous - but just plain great. He was very simply generous with me.
So we sat on the roof of his building in the sun ...
eating , talking about where the roots of flamenco come from (Jookos favourite subject) ...the music business (his other favourite) ...dreams (Jookoos's got lots) ....how to best build a web -site with no money...how to print cd's with no money........small town traditional codes and ethics and how easy it is to screw up...........where on earth to get Macintosh support in Jerez (nada )...how to best grind cardamon ...
and then I went to class , not before he gives me advice on how to score scalpers tickets for Los Farruco's show tonight which is completely sold out..