La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
Everywhere I turn my bright eyes, there’s something wonderful (well usually wonderful) to see here in the city of Córdoba. When I was hanging out alongside the mezquita-cathedral the other day, next to the Estrella de los Deseos (click here), I saw that not one person passing by even noticed the sand dollar fossil. I was tempted to point it out to some of the tourists who seemed to be marvelling at everything they saw when a couple approached, the woman smiled warmly at me, and said in Spanish, “Oh, excuse me. I must make a wish.” I wished her luck and made my own wish after they happily passed.
When San Geraldo and I were returning from the aquarium shop in a taxi the other day, we passed an intersection containing a sign (above) that SG found entertaining, and I could hear The Kid Brother imitating the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz. “Of course, some people do go both ways.” But KB always adds, “Don’t go dis way!”
We went to El Corte Inglés today to pick up printer paper and more ink for my printer. We thought, given that we would be there, we’d go up to the 6th floor and have some lunch in the cafe first. They never have enough staff and the gruff but efficient manager was not there, so we sat for 35 minutes without our order being taken . We told the waiter we were there for lunch. The restaurant was almost full and not one table had been served food in all that time. We signalled the water to take our order (he took our beverage order before he even seated us), he nodded and then never came back. So finally, I caught him and asked for the check. He was so incredibly pleasant. We paid for our water and soda, did our shopping, and went across the street to Goiko Grill where we were welcomed like family and served quickly. An excellent recovery. Even on a good day, the cafe at El Corte Inglés can not be counted on for warm and efficient service.
SG then came home with the supplies and I went for a further walk in what quickly became extreme heat. I had planned to return to the supermarket at El Corté Ingles to pick up more protein shakes, but remembered a new discount store a few minutes down the boulevard. I went there first and found my protein drinks for half the price, plus a big canister of whey protein powder for me to make my own. Both reputable brands. So we may not have seen the total eclipse of the sun (or the heart) but we did turn around a few times (well, I did).
Oh, the fish tank, etc., will be delivered this afternoon. The fun begins! SG is thinking of getting a mass of schooling fish and a couple of centerpiece fish (to stand out and add another visual focus). Nothing is set in stone (or water).
Dondequiera que dirija mis brillantes ojos, hay algo maravilloso (bueno, generalmente maravilloso) que ver aquí en la ciudad de Córdoba. El otro día, cuando estaba junto a la mezquita-catedral, al lado de la Estrella de los Deseos (haz clic aquí), vi que ni una sola persona que pasaba se percató del fósil de dólar de arena. Estuve tentado de señalárselo a algunos turistas que parecían maravillarse con todo lo que veían, cuando se acercó una pareja. La mujer me sonrió cálidamente y dijo en español: «Oh, disculpen. Debo pedir un deseo». Les deseé buena suerte y pedí mi propio deseo después de que pasaran tan contentos.
El otro día, cuando San Geraldo y yo volvíamos de la tienda de acuarios en taxi, pasamos por una intersección con un letrero (arriba) que a SG le pareció gracioso, y pude oír a mi hermano pequeño imitando al Espantapájaros de El Mago de Oz. «Disculpe, ese camino es muy bonito». «También es agradable por ahí». «Claro, hay gente que va por ambos lados». El Hermanito siempre añade: «¡No vayas por aquí!»
Hoy fuimos a El Corte Inglés a comprar papel para la impresora y más tinta para la mía. Pensamos que, ya que estábamos allí, subiríamos al sexto piso y almorzaríamos algo en la cafetería primero. Nunca tienen suficiente personal y el gerente, un hombre rudo pero eficiente, no estaba, así que estuvimos sentados 35 minutos sin que nos tomaran el pedido. El restaurante estaba casi lleno y en todo ese tiempo no se había servido comida a ninguna mesa. Le hicimos señas al camarero para que nos tomara el pedido, asintió y luego no volvió. Así que finalmente lo alcancé y le pedí la cuenta. Fue increíblemente amable. Pagamos el agua y el refresco, hicimos la compra y cruzamos la calle hasta Goiko Grill, donde nos recibieron como si fuéramos de la familia y nos atendieron rápidamente. Una recuperación excelente. Incluso en un buen día, no se puede contar con el servicio cálido y amable de la cafetería de El Corte Inglés.
SG volvió a casa con los suministros y yo salí a dar un paseo bajo un calor sofocante. Tenía pensado volver al supermercado de El Corté Inglés para comprar más batidos de proteínas, pero me acordé de una nueva tienda de descuentos a pocos minutos por el bulevar. Fui allí primero y encontré mis batidos de proteínas a mitad de precio, además de un bote grande de proteína de suero en polvo para prepararlos yo mismo. Ambas marcas eran de buena reputación. Así que, aunque no vimos el eclipse solar total (ni el corazón), sí que nos dimos la vuelta varias veces (bueno, yo sí).
¡Ah, la pecera, etc., llegará esta tarde! ¡Empieza la diversión! SG está pensando en comprar un grupo de peces que naden en cardumen y un par de peces que destaquen (para que llamen la atención y añadan otro punto focal visual). Nada está decidido aún (ni siquiera hay agua).
• Pide un deseo.
• Desconozco la historia de este edificio, pero es evidente que es antiguo.
• Sin duda, tiene un precioso bronceado por haber estado expuesta al sol.
• Todavía en pie.
• This satirical video replaces the video I mistakenly shared. Sorry about that.
• Este vídeo satírico sustituye al que compartí por error. Disculpen las molestias.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
That fossil in the rock is sooooo cool!! What a find!
Kathleen:
It took me more than a year to notice it, but now I make a point of finding it every time.
I think I’m just cut out to live a European lifestyle. Many say my mentality and taste is already so. Lovely pictures!
I sure hope San Geraldo knows what he’s getting in too with this aquarium hobby. It’s alot of work. My gather was always tied up with it when I was a wee one if a recollect correctly.
Mistress Borghese:
The American cities and towns you seem to be drawn to are very European. Do you think you’ll move some day? I hope SG knows what he’s in for, too, although he’s finding the whole process very therapeutic.
YES. Once my mother and small family has all god forbid, been passed on ,Warbucks has already said I need to move to Budapest….and it is a serious consideration if things in this country don’t right themselves.
Mistress Maddie:
And Budapest is again a place to go!
Such a wonderful place for a walk.
David Godfrey:
And so many directions to go. I’ve barely scratched the surface of the city.
Bonnie Tyler just died recently. When I listen to that song it takes me right back to a small heartbreak I experienced once when a guy I was seeing decided not to see me anymore. I can’t even remember what his reasons were. He was what I called a major-minor relationship. I used to grade them. I had my minor-minor relationships which were usually just for a little fun and then the major-minors which were more serious but not worth getting all bothered about if things went south and then there were the minor-majors which were far more serious and finally, the major-major. That would be Mr. Moon.
I hate being in that situation in a restaurant. After a certain amount of time you feel as if you’ve already invested yourself in the situation and it takes a strong person to say, “That’s enough!” and move on.
Sort of like being in a minor-major relationship.
Mary Moon:
YIKES! I just noticed I shared the wrong video. I have replaced it with the funny one I had intended to share.
Except for one woman in my life before I left college, I never before had a relationship that could be described in any way as major. My relationship with SG requires another adjective, but I can’t think what.
That video was hysterical. And very, very clever.
Let us know if your wish comes true.
Kirk:
Fat chance (not that I’ll let you know, but that it will come true).
I really like how somebody adorns the bronze lady’s up-do! It would be interesting to photograph her throughout a year to see her seasonal adornments.
Tundra Bunny:
I do get shots of her hair adornments throughout the year. I’ll put them all together one of these days.
I wonder how a restaurant that doesn’t serve food stays in business. Unless there’s a completely different business going on back there. Yes, I’m cynical. Good luck with the fish. Boud
Boud:
It’s odd that, although the menu is good and so is the food, we’ve never been delighted with the service at any of the El Corte Inglés restaurants. Oh, except for the one near us in Fuengirola… which closed!
Oh, very cool fossil. I don’t remember hearing anything about that when I was there! I would have looked for it.
I’ve always liked that Bonnie Tyler song, but the video is pretty darn weird.
What on earth is going on at El Corte Ingles? You’d think such a major shopping destination could find adequate staff. No wonder the manager is gruff!
Steve:
I knew nothing about that fossil until I simply happened to notice it one day. Then I read all about it. I suppose they don’t want to draw too much attention to it, or it wouldn’t survive.
I loved the Bonnie Tyler song and Bonnie Tyler and, yes, the video is weird. But SORRY I just noticed I shared the wrong one (the original). I think you’ll get a kick out of the corrected version. It satirizes the odd original video. Check it out.
The manager seems proud of his job but a bit too self-important. Staffing at stores is not consistent and I think relies entirely on the personalities and professionalism of the individuals. And that doesn’t say much for management.
I love the fresh flowers in the bronze statue’s hair!
Debra:
I love that, too. I don’t know who does that (maybe many people) but there are always fresh flowers there. Maybe it’s the person who actually maintains the flowers on the wall.
That sign makes me wanna turn around and go back from whence I came!!!
And so does the service in that first café!!!! But first I’d have stopped by the starfish and made a wish, and probably not a nice one!
It’s too hot here to be nice.
Bob:
The sign makes me smile. The cafe service is the pits usually (but the food is good). I made a nice wish, although I don’t believe in that crap.
“Of course, some people do go both ways,” the only bisexual reference in the entire movie. “beautifully bronzed” – teehee. LOVE the photo with the tower!
wickedhamster:
Imagine, that bisexual reference in 1939. And then there was Peter Pan believing in fairies!
I never once thought “of course, some people do go both ways” was a reference to bisexuality, maybe because I’m straight. Learn something new every day.
What size tank was decided on?
Love the little nosegay of fresh flowers in the bronze lady’s hair.
ellen abbott:
It wasn’t a reference to bisexuality but we just like to think that way. I was in my 20s before that interpretation even crossed my mind. I think the tank is a bit under 55 gallons.
I didn’t see the video you posted originally but the literal version of total eclipse is hilarious. I have to send it to Rebekah.
Love,
Janie
janiejunebug:
The original video was simply the official music video for the song. It truly is bizarre and warranted the change in lyrics.
I can’t hear the original song anymore as I put in the funny ones.