The first days of 2011 have passed in a blur. A strong virus took over on New Years Eve and since then I have been mainly in bed, on the sofa, or occasionally staggering outside to take Duna to the little square across the road.

Life in Granollers appears to be carrying on as normal without us.
Large family groups walk by, first in the direction of the town centre and later, back home again  carrying large shopping bags.  Duna and I burst out of the front door usually at the same moment one of these little well dressed groups pass by and we frighten them – me with my uncombed dazzlingly bright hair wearing some strange assortment of mismatched clothes and  Duna just because she is a lively dog of average size and people here are more accustomed to miniature models.

Tonight the procession of the Three Kings passed very close to the house – a cavalcade of floats and music with  Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar throwing sweets to all the children waiting at the side with lanterns. Tomorrow is  Els Reis/The day of the Kings and they will receive  presents in memory of the gifts brought to Jesus.  I like the idea that Epiphany is celebrated as more than just a day to take down the Christmas tree but I pity poor parents who have to think of and buy yet more presents. The people who walk past with their shopping bags don’t seem to be worried though!
And after tomorrow – the Great Sales start.

I wanted to see the Kings arrival this year in Barcelona where there is a huge procession from the port where they arrive on boats. But it was not to be this year – I didn’t even have the necessary oomph to walk the few hundred yards to see them in Granollers!