Thursday 22 December 2011
Charles hightailed it over to Juan Vitorio’s Discos Amsterdam record store (yes, they have and love vinyl, even 45s) knowing it was their 29th anniversary, for which he had bought a 2 and a 9 candle and stuck them in a cupcake. Juan and long time assistant Miguel seemed genuinely pleased, and once he got back they had only a few minutes to dress up for the party.
Dian put on make up. She wore a belt over a close fitting black top with a velvet knee length skirt (from Sonia’s store) and Don’s cowboy boots, which fit perfectly. The jewelry selection (though limited) was just the right touch -- the Piegaro glass pendant and matching earrings. Charles and Nicole “cleaned up well” and the threesome walked across town carrying their precious entry (and the cowboy boots because NO WAY was Dian going to try those out on a cross town walk.)
This was the much anticipated Solstice Sandwich Party day!!! We did some blogging, laundry, emailed Nicole’s friend Myles’ parents about flight schedules to Spain, and made guacamole.
Charles walked over to Claire and Bill’s and had a coffee with Bill then bought some exotic cervezas (pronounced ther-vay-thas in Castilian) and a secret Christmas gift or two. Upon his arrival back at Don’s he helped Nicole and Dian make Christmas tree bacon and guacamole open-faced sandwiches with tomato ornaments and anchovies as garlands as their entry for the “most original sandwich.” While they were aware that Nicole was to be one of the judges, they decided to throw caution to the wind and let her build one of her own.
Charles hightailed it over to Juan Vitorio’s Discos Amsterdam record store (yes, they have and love vinyl, even 45s) knowing it was their 29th anniversary, for which he had bought a 2 and a 9 candle and stuck them in a cupcake. Juan and long time assistant Miguel seemed genuinely pleased, and once he got back they had only a few minutes to dress up for the party.
Being the first to arrive, we helped set out the wine and even gave Claire a hand with her spaghetti sandwiches (surprisingly delicious and quite original). Pilar (whose flat was our first place to stay in Valencia) and her brother Enrique were next to arrive and it was a great pleasure to meet up with them again and see what a festive spirit they brought.
As the sandwich entries mounted up Nicole and her fellow judge Enrique (the youngest and oldest) were SUPPOSED to start sampling in the private chambers but Uncle Enrique begged off saying he was not an apt choice since he was on a diet. The replacement was Frances McLure, a 30 year-plus resident of Valencia and Scottish mermaid who, as Nicole put it, “didn’t like any of them.”
As the sandwich entries mounted up Nicole and her fellow judge Enrique (the youngest and oldest) were SUPPOSED to start sampling in the private chambers but Uncle Enrique begged off saying he was not an apt choice since he was on a diet. The replacement was Frances McLure, a 30 year-plus resident of Valencia and Scottish mermaid who, as Nicole put it, “didn’t like any of them.”
Finally the moment arrived for the announcements and since judge Nicole had liked everything it was a hard decision, but Emparo won for best homemade sandwich, someone else (we forget!) for best meatless sandwich, and the Andrews family won for MOST CREATIVE!!! With Nicole conducting the “drum rolls” the various winners got their prizes from Claire. Dian accepted the colored pencils with a tearful speech and after lots more conversation the party wound down.
Before catching a ride home with Frances, the Andrews family got to tour the next door neighbor’s flat that had gorgeous Moorish floor tile designs and the gypsy musician who stayed there told us some fascinating stories. We played guitar and Frances sang a beautiful Scottish ballad, then we bade our hosts goodnight.
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