walking

Walks round Granollers

~ Kate Wilson ~ 4 Comments

We went for a beautiful walk on Saturday. It wasn’t far away – just up the hill past the hospital and then through the industrial estate and suddenly there was the countryside. When you get to the edge of Granollers or somewhere up high, you realise it isn’t so huge really.
We took the car so Blue could come too and after parking she walked up the hill in fine fettle (what is fettle I wonder?)

In the distance that’s Montseny crested in snow

On the top of the ridge there is a mirador, a sort of folly which was build in the early 20th century. There were wonderful views all around – Montseny on one side and Montserrat on the other.

It was the end of the day and the moon had risen – here visible through the bare branches of this tree.

A figuera, fig tree – such a stout strong tree which is resistant to both dry and salty conditions.
I love discovering these new walks and this one although too far for Blue, could be reached entirely on foot. We had a phone call while up there asking if we wanted some last minute tickets for a Barça game. Somehow I didn’t feel like starting to rush home after this lovely walk so we decided to wait for another time. Also, the cold was beginning to bite and home and the sofa began to seem very tempting.

Dancing Tango with the Dogs

~ Kate Wilson ~ 6 Comments

So, you know I have three dogs and that one is older and can’t walk far?  And the other two need long walks but fight each other so can’t be allowed too much time free and off the lead?
Well, it is a challenge to give each of them what they need or can cope with and still have a life myself.

How many walks can I do in one day without going crazy?

I asked the universe for help and, as so often before, Tango came to the rescue.
Now I go out every day with my ipod and dance with dogs and each and every walk is enjoyable.
Blue and I dance to Canaro. we start with Poema which is the perfect speed for her. Also it allows for many long pauses as she stops to stare into space or smell the deeper tones of each lamp-post. We seem to be completely still but no, we are still dancing.
Bonnie and Duna need to walk fast and rhythmically. We dance to D’Arienzo.  Usually we start with El Flete which is perfect and gets us into the groove. They have no time to look at each other or growl, the music leads us forward without hesitation.  Across the little square, along the narrow streets, down to the new park and over the river and almost of the Granollers. I am the pack leader and allow few stops, they pick up on my energy and trot happily beside me. We steer round other people and dogs and children without getting distracted by them.
Sometimes we waltz and occasionally dance a milonga which keeps them awake and connected as I change my pace and sometimes mark time on the spot or take longer or shorter steps. Perhaps people watching us think I am mad but it doesn’t seem to matter as we are enclosed in our tango world which feels like a private space.
Bonnie and Duna and I now have another favourite – it’s called Tango Brujo and is played by the orchestra of D’Arienzo and sung by Hector Maure. The words are quite wonderful and his voice is deeply satisfying.  The words and music are by Canaro.
I had never connected with this one before but I do believe that tango is a witch and can do magic!
Tango!Tango!
Tango bravo, tango lindo,
Tango noble, tango guapo
Tango hermano
De mis largas noches tristes,
Compañero de mi pobre corazón.
Tango bravo, fascinante,
Tango brujo!,
Tango bravo, combativo,
Tango bravo,
Tango gaucho
Que a pesar de tanta contra
Defendiste con altura,
Tu bravura de varón.
(I wanted to put the music on here without the videos and if anyone can tell me how to do it I will next time! But the Chicho film is interesting – reminded me of having some classes with him in Buenos Aires)