Merry Christmas

Our local cliffs at Guadamia taken 23.12.11 - note the couple of fishermen who come to fish from up high

Asturias, like the rest of Spain is suffering because of the high levels of unemployment and financial uncertainty. Christmas is very low key this year with minimal public decorations, subdued Christmas markets and few community based events. The shops are struggling and hotels and restaurants report low uptake however the people remain optimistic and resolute that change is inevitable and as such will adapt.

Despite the problems, the community spirit is alive and strong. The villagers don't really make any fuss about Christmas and the majority of them see it as another holiday with the 5th-6th of January the main event, the Epiphany. Children look forward to their presents from the wise men and many hope that the ever emerging notion of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve will also be adopted by their parents....two lots of presents...Yay!

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all who take the trouble to read our ramblings about life at La Pasera, a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year 2012. We hope you stay with us at Tales from Toriello and we hope to share many more events and moments in the year to come.