The Aquaduct: Segovia, Spain.
Built of over 25,000 mortarless stone blocks, it has stood since the 1st Century.
That cinches it...we just need some Roman Architects. Built to last by the sons of the Roman gods.
And, as someone who collects rocks from EVERYWHERE, is it wrong to want one of these blocks?
Okay, maybe not.
Segovia is beautiful and resplendent with Monasteries and Convents. Ten in all.
Within 63 square miles.
With the coming of Catholicism beginning around the first century, after the defeat of the Arabs, the Mosques were either torn down and the Cathedrals build atop the old site...or in some cases built prominently inside the existing Mosque and the minaret replaced with Church Bells in a classic defiant
"My God just kicked your God's Ass."
Anyway...Saints abound in Spain and Segovia's Patron Saint is Saint Fructus
On October 24th a procession is held in St. Fructus honor called
"Paso de la Hoja"
Or:
The Turn of the Page.
Fructus was a sibling of another better known Saint
Saint Valentine.
A Festival is held in Segovia and pastry chefs have even created a dessert in Fructus' honor.
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| Segovian Fructus Pastry |
It is basically a pastry shell filled with egg cream and topped with sugar syrup and slivered almonds. A small bird figurine is added to remind the buyer that Saint Fructus lived as a hermit and had an affinity for birds.
I'm baking one soon. Probably sans the bird.
Meanwhile...on the political trail:
We've had a back to back Town Hall Meeting (Wednesday) and the New Hampshire Debate (Thursday) and I have to admit...I have no idea how either Bernie or Hillary, in their 70's and 60's respectively, manage to keep up with these hours. I feel like an absolute slacker. These 11:00 and Midnight stay-ups are wiping me out. They require a midday pre-nap.
The Town Hall Meeting was informative and once again showed the stark contrast between the two candidates. It was straight-forward, easy and relatively bloodless.
The Thursday Night Debate...er...not so bloodless.
At one point Hillary was so shrill...so obnoxious...so horrible in her attacks on Bernie that the audience soundly booed her.
To his credit, he refused to sling mud with her- and that seemed to infuriate her even more.
She had the audacity to refer to his facts given in numerous other debates as "Smears"
Honey, it isn't much of a smear when it is verifiable...all true.
Polls are showing that Bernie Sanders beats Hillary 2:1 in New Hampshire. We will see next week after their primary election.
Supporters have brilliantly linked their donations to him to her attacks. When she attacks...we donate. Her negativity becomes Bernie's financial windfall...so there is that.
Honestly, I made my mind up who I am voting for...and it isn't her. EVER. Even if I have to write him in. So I am not entirely sure how may more of these debates I can stomach at this point.
And last, but certainly not least
A Half-Century of Superbowls!
I see they have finally given up on the Roman Numerals.
Both teams have had an outstanding season.
This year
The Carolina Panthers ~vs~ The Denver Broncos.
The Panther's Quarterback, Cam Newton, is a BEAST. And this will probably be Peyton Mannings last season. So it should be an interesting game!
Broncos finished the season 14-4 The Panthers finished their's 17-1
Half-time will include Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Coldplay.
Lady Gaga will be performing the National Anthem.
Out earlier to get fixings for a vat of chili for game day on Sunday!
Can't wait!
