It's Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas

Michael Bublé

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow,

In a one horse open sleigh

Over the fields we go

Laughing all the way.

Bells on bob tail ring

making spirits bright.

What fun it is to ride and sing

A sleighing song tonight.

Chorus

Oh jingle bells jingle bells, jingle all the way!

Oh what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh, Hey!

Jingle bells jingle bells, Jingle all the way!

Oh what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

A day or two ago

I thought I'd took a ride

And soon Miss Fannie Bright

Seated by my side

The horse was lean and lank

Miss fortuned seemed his lot

He got into a drifted bank

And we all got upset

Chorus

Oh jingle bells jingle bells, jingle all the way!

Oh what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh, Hey!

Jingle bells jingle bells, Jingle all the way!

Oh what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

A miracle: the Battle of Empel

The Battle of Empel was a battle fought on December 7 and December 8, 1585 near the place of Empel, in the Netherlands as part of the Eighty Years' War, in which a Spanish force miraculously escaped destruction and achieved victory. In Spain the battle is still remembered as it is believed that the army was saved due to intervention of Mary of the Inmaculate Conception.

After the campaign of 1585, the Duke of Parma decided to go into winter quarters on Northern Dutch territory. The troops occupied the area around Hertogenbosch. Some 3000-4000 men of the Spanish Tercio, including Juan del Águila, under Maestre de Campo Francisco de Bobadilla were stationed on Bommelerwaard, which was supposed to be rich enough to support these troops through the winter. But all farmers had left the island, taking their livestock with them.

To make the situation of the hungry Spanish troops even worse, Dutch commander arrived with a strong land force and 100 ships. The Dutch leader offered an honorable surrender to the Spaniards but the response was resolute: «Los infantes españoles prefieren la muerte a la deshonra. Ya hablaremos de capitulación después de muertos.» Philip of Hohenlohe-Neuenstein breached the dikes of Bommelwaard, forcing the Spanish back over the Rhine to Empel. There they were unable to reach 's-Hertogenbosch, because the terrain was flooded and guarded by the fleet of Hohenlohe. The island was attacked as well by artillery fire coming from a fort, at the other side of the river.

The situation for the Spanish looked desperate. A Spanish soldier who was digging a trench around the church commented "this is more likely to be my grave than a trench". As he dug, he found a painting representing Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Bobadilla interpreted the discovery as a sign from God, and had the painting put on the Spanish flag for worship.

The next day the wind turned, and the intense cold temperature made the water around the island freeze. The Dutch fleet, surrounding the island, feared getting stuck in the ice and had to withdraw to open water. Meanwhile, the exhausted Spanish troops were able to flee the island across the ice. Panic broke out among the Dutch land forces when they heard what happened. A few hours later the Dutch bastion was assaulted and taken by the Spanish Tercios. Althoght many Spaniards died as a result of the weather hardships, the majority of the troops escaped annihilation and in fact achieved a miraculous victory.

That same day, Mary of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed patroness of the Spanish Tercios of Flanders and Italy.

Spanish Constitution of 1978

The Spanish Constitution of 1978 is the current supreme law of the Kingdom of Spain. It was enacted after the country's 1978 constitutional referendum and is a furtherance of the Spanish transition to democracy. The Spanish Constitution of 1978 was preceded by numerous other constitutions.

The Constitution was originally ratified after a referendum on 6 December 1978 and was signed by King Juan Carlos I on 27 December 1978. The signing of the Constitution marked the culmination of the Spanish transition to democracy after the death of the former Head of State, Francisco Franco, in 1975. This led to the country undergo a series of political and historical changes that transformed the Francoist regime into a democratic state. The Constitution states that the King of Spain is the Head of the State. However, the king's function is merely symbolic and does not have any executive power.

The separation of powers is implicitly stated throughout the Constitution, which says that all people have the right to decide the representatives who will occupy the Cortes Generales, constituting of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate; both share the legislative power. The Government, whose president is anointed by the Congress of Deputies, directs the executive power, and the judicial power relies on judges, and the Constitutional Court assures that all laws follow the Constitution.

The last month of the year

December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars. It is one of seven months with the length of 31 days.

December is the first month of meteorological winter in the Northern Hemisphere and in the Southern Hemisphere is the first month of summer. December is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.

December is the last month of the year. 

Christmas Day is December 25th. 

December has thirty-one days. 

In December 1941, the United States was at war.

Don't you think it is rather warm for December?

15 reasons why you should go to Seville

As the capital and largest city of Andalusia, Seville is absolutely one of the must visit cities in Spain. From the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See to Royal Alcazars of Seville, I have rounded up 15 unmissable things to do and see while in town.

1) VISIT SEVILLA CATHEDRAL AND GO UP GIRALDA BELL TOWER

A must see during your stay in Seville, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, best known as Seville Cathedral, is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church all over the world. Built during the 16th century to demonstrate the city’s wealth, here you can also visit Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’s grave. Our hint? Reach the cathedral roof: from the top you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, And don’t miss out on visiting also the Giralda, the bell Cathedral’s tower, once a minaret of the mosque that stood on the site under Muslim rule.

2) FEEL LIKE A KING AT REALES ALCAZARES (ROYAL ALCAZARS OF SEVILLE)

Once in Seville don’t miss out on visiting The Alcazàr of Seville, the royal palace, once a Moorish fort. Best known as one of the most beautiful in Spain, being one of the most representative examples of mudéjar architecture on the Iberian Peninsula. It was the birthplace of Infanta Maria Antonietta of Spain, daughter of Philiph V of Spain and Elisabeth Farnese.

3) LOOK INTO FUTURE AT METROPOL PARASOL

This futuristic wooden structure is called Metropol Parasol and it was designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann, claiming to be the largest wooden structure in the world. The building is popularly known as Las Setas de la Encarnación. Organized in four levels, it houses an Antiquarium, a Central Market, an the open-air public plaza and panoramic terraces (including a restaurant), offering one of the best views of the city centre.

4) WANDER AROUND PLAZA DE ESPAÑA

And don’t forget to take a walk in wonderful Plaza de España (Spain Square). Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, it is a breathtaking example of the Renaissance Revival style in traditional Spanish architecture. Designed by architect Anìbal Gonzàlez, it’s a harmonic mix of 1920s Art Dec, “moc Mudeja” and Neo-Mudèjar styles. By its walls there are many tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain.

5) ADMIRE TORRE DEL ORO (GOLD TOWER)

The Torre del Oro is a military watchtower, built by the Almohad dynasty to control access to Seville by the Guadalquivir river. Built in the thirteenth century, it worked as a prison during the Middle Ages and derives its name from the gleam of lime mortar and straw that the building displayed.

6) EXPLORE SEVILLE’S BARRIOS 

To better enjoy Seville’s spirit, you absolute have to take a walk through some of its most typical and characteristic barrios (neighborhoods). If Barrio de Santa Cruz, once the Jewish quarter of the medieval city, is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys dating back to the old judería (Jewish quarter), El Arenal once housed the city’s port from where you could see ships sailing to the New World. Nowadays it houses freidurias (fried fish takeaways) and lots of bars ad restaurants as well as The Gold Tower. Triana also worth a visit. Why? It is famous for its amazing azulejos (ceramic tiles), made in workshops here using mud from the riverbank. Once here don’t miss out on visiting its market (Mercado de Triana). You must head to Macarena, if you want to see an authentic Seville barrio. Once here, don’t forget to visit the food market on Calle Feria, one of the city’s best and the “El Jueves” Thursday flea market.

7) HAVE A TASTE OF TAPAS WHILE DRINKING SANGRIA

One of the most typical are called tapas, a term which indicates a variety of appetizers or snacks: from mixed olives to cheese tortilla, pulpo a La gallega, but also patatas brava and croquetas. If you want to enjoy some tapas head to Bar Blanca Paloma in Triana’s neighborhood but also Blanco Cerrillo one of the most typical places here to eat tapas in town. While if you are looking for restaurant to eat Sevilla’s most traditional dishes, go to Michelin starred Abantal, or go to Taberna Sol y Sombra. Absolutely delicious!

8) ENTER THE RING LIKE A PRO MATADOR AT PLAZA DE TOROS

When construction began around 1760, little did those involved foresee a construction process that would last over 120 years. Finally, the last detail to this cardinal temple was completed in 1881, becoming hailed as the most beautiful example of bullfighting architecture as well as playing a major part in the evolution of the bullfighting festival. With a gracious mix of late-baroque and early classicism, the grand exposed-stone ring is dotted with curious decorations of men, animals and vegetables.

9) WALK THROUGH HISTORY AT PARQUE MARÍA LUISA

Stretching along the Guadalquivir river, these former gardens of the Palace of San Telmo were opened to the public in 1893, after being donated by the occupant Infanta Maria Luisa Fernanda. Visitors can expect to discover Moorish-inspired tiled fountains, pavilions, wall decorations, as well as various ponds, benches and other hidden gems. the park is famed for the sheer number of doves that have taken residence there. Make time to visit the monuments dedicated to the likes of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, Miguel de Cervantes, and the century old Fountain of Lions.

10) CRUISE DOWN THE GUADALQUIVIR RIVER AND TAKE IN SEVILLE’S SIGHTS

Fancy experiencing the Parque Maria Luisa and the city’s plentiful cityscape by other means? Then hop on a boat tour of the Guadalquivir River, which will show you the most beautiful panoramas and reveal more of the UNESCO World Heritage old town, as well as sailing around the Parco di Maria Luisa. Great stuff.

11) IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PASSION AT THE FESTIVAL OF FLAMENCO IN SEVILLE

Get your castanets out, your dancing shoes on, have a bit of hotel vocal practice, and get yourself ready to annoy the locals at the world famous Bienal de Flamenco, a festival that has been going since 1980. For the 18th addition, Seville becomes a hotbed of activity between 12 September until 5 October and be prepared to discover all the different ways in which flamenco is expressed.

12) HOLY MOLY, SEVILLE’S CHURCHES THAT HAVE GOT TO BE SEEN

First up, there is Salvador Church found on Plaza del Salvador, which began construction in 1674, and is based on the remains of Mezquita Mayor, the ancient mosque of Seville. Next, the Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes, founded in 1676 for the poor and completed in 1695. As well as its inviting courtyard and terrace, its real beauty is found in the adjoining church, the Iglesia del Hospital de los Venerables. The church is decorated from floor to ceiling in the most illuminating and joyful colours, including a golden organ that towers high above its visitors.

13) STEP ONTO THE ‘WRONG’ SIDE OF THE GUADALQUIVIR RIVER IN TRIANA

Located on the west bank of the river, Triana is separated from the main city, classed as an almost-island but narrowly linked to the mainland in the north. Step away from main Seville and you’ll find the ‘trianeros’ are very welcoming and come with a community vibe that isn’t as tight knit in the main city. Along with its eye-catching Moorish Revival chapel, Triana is steeped in as much history as it is bars and places to eat. This colourful old quarter shouldn’t be overlooked and with a little luck, you’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with locals in popular haunts like Las Golondrinas and Altozano de Triana.

14) MARVEL AT DIEGO VELAZQUEZ’S PAINTINGS AT CASA DE PILATOS

Get yourself over to Casa de Pilatos to seek out Diego Velazquez’s painted ceiling, which will be wrestling for your attention over the house’s pristine Islamic tile-decorated courtyard and stuccos. The house alone, with its mix of Europe and Africa, Christian, pagan and Muslim influences, is a force to be reckoned with as well as bearing the stunning ceiling work by Velazquez.

15) A PEEK OF PRIVACY BEHIND THE DOORS OF PALACIO DE LEBRIJA

The Palacio de Lebrija is famous for its collection of mosaics that were rescued from the nearby Roman city of Italica. Here you’ll an eclectic mix of styles, including mudejar architecture that originates from the 12th to 16th centuries and is heavily influenced by Moorish workmanship. The house itself is very unassuming from the outside and is found on one of Seville’s busiest streets, Calle Cuna, meaning that after you’ve doused yourself in history.

Written by Claudia Baroncelli and Ben Taylor

Welcome November !!

November is the 11th month of the year, between October and December, with a length of 30 days.

He was born in November.

My birthday is in November.

We went to Japan last November.

I arrived at the end of November.

Last month was November, right?

The meeting is on fifth of November / November the fifth.

In Tokyo, the cold season starts in the middle of November.

Guy Fawkes Night

One notable aspect of the Victorians' commemoration of Guy Fawkes Night was its move away from the centres of communities, to their margins. Gathering wood for the bonfire increasingly became the province of working-class children, who solicited combustible materials, money, food and drink from wealthier neighbours, often with the aid of songs. Most opened with the familiar "Remember, remember, the fifth of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot".The earliest recorded rhyme, from 1742, is reproduced below alongside one bearing similarities to most Guy Fawkes Night ditties, recorded in 1903 at Charlton on Otmoor:

Don't you Remember,

The Fifth of November,

'Twas Gunpowder Treason Day,

I let off my gun,

And made'em all run.

And Stole all their Bonfire away. (1742)

The fifth of November, since I can remember,

Was Guy Faux, Poke him in the eye,

Shove him up the chimney-pot, and there let him die.

A stick and a stake, for King George's sake,

If you don't give me one, I'll take two,

The better for me, and the worse for you,

Ricket-a-racket your hedges shall go. (1903)

Halloween Symbols 2015

Many Americans celebrate Halloween on October 31. 

Celebrations include costume parties and trick-or-treating.

There are various symbols associated with Halloween. These include the spooks, ghosts and walking skeletons that represent the contact between the spiritual and physical world and between the living and the dead. Human figures that are often represented on Halloween are witches and wizards, who are seen to have the power to contact the spirit world. Bats, black cats and spiders are often connected with this holiday. These animals are associated with the night and darkness and often accompany witches and wizards.

There are also a range of objects associated with Halloween. These include blood, fire, gravestones, pumpkins, bones and skulls. They all have connections with death, the spirit world or protecting property from evil spirits. Many of these objects are now available in stores as decorations for the Halloween season.

Happy October!!!

October is the 10th month of the year, between September and November, with a length of 31 days..

She was born in October.

The meeting is on fifth of October / October the fifth.

We went to Japan last October.

I arrived at the end of October.