Advent concert and 'Festival de la luz'

On Thursday, our project choir finally performed. After a total of 7 rehearsals, we presented Christmas pieces. There were also soloists. The church was packed, and most stayed for the mulled wine afterwards. It was dark, and a cool wind blew, the so-called Christmas wind that exists here in December.

Yesterday, the “Festival de la luz” took place nearby, a kind of carnival parade with lots of fanfare, glitter, and fairy lights. It was supposed to start at 18:00 – it was already pitch dark. And indeed: it started at 18:00, probably because it was broadcast on television. It was also interesting to observe the many people lining the streets with picnic blankets, chairs, food, and Christmas decorations. Whole extended families gathered together. For many, it is probably a real folk festival.

Now we are really looking forward to the next few days at the Pacific in a hotel. I hope the drive doesn’t take too long.

Our mental state shifts a lot. When we are in contact with people, we feel very comfortable here. Otherwise, we feel, in the truest sense, locked up. Everything is double locked, the courtyard surrounded by high walls; and if you want to go into the small garden behind the community hall, you have to unlock and lock many doors. And going somewhere to take a walk is also difficult. At home, we have made ourselves quite comfortable, but it remains a big temporary solution. We have gotten somewhat used to the noise. However, when there was a party in the neighborhood recently, I moved to the living room with the mattress.

In the evenings, we spend time in front of the TV (computer) watching German movies – if the internet works. We spend more time together here than at home; and that is very good for us.