Singing Men of Texas
Spain Journal
Monday the 26th
Today we began our second week in Spain. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and cold and hot foods, including corn, asparagus, and mushrooms for those who like their hot vegetables in the morning.
One bus left at 10 a.m. to go to the shopping district. The other bus went downtown to the city hall. We saw yet another beautiful, formal building with huge paintings and ornate chandeliers. The mayoress' assistant told us that Cádiz was founded 3000 years ago, making it the oldest city in western Europe. Also, we were told that three of the four ships that originally sailed to America left from this port, so that gives our country a special bond with this city. Teofila Martinez Saiz, the mayoress, entered for our ceremonies. She was very gracious, and we had another time of exchanging gifts. The mayoress loved the cowboy hat we gave her! A reception was given for us, after which the rest of our group went shopping. This was really our first free afternoon, and it was enjoyed by all. We are getting used to using the peseta instead of the dollar.
Our diplomatic crew had another televised forum with the mayoress, the deputy mayor, the Dean of the Cathedral, and the pastor of the Baptist church here. David Borgan said that the forum was a great success. The mayoress contributed many interesting ideas on the family. She is also one of the leaders of her political party for the southern part of Spain, and is very influential.
In spite of strong winds and temperatures in the 60's, some of our group braved the ocean this afternoon. Those who went swimming said that it was REALLY cold!
We had two evening concerts today - one at 6:30 at the Iglesia de Santa Cruz, and the other at 8:30 at Gran Teatro Falla. (The local Baptist church here provided a nice sack supper for us to eat between the concerts.) The cathedral concert was all a cappella; part of the concert was aired on TV tonight. The Gran Teatro Falla is a beautiful old theater! It is decorated in red, with large box seat areas on the different levels. It was very full tonight, with an enthusiastic audience that gave our group several standing ovations. The deputy mayor came backstage after the concert to tell Don Blackley and Bruce Berry how much he enjoyed the concert and appreciated the group's coming to Spain.
We got back to the hotel at 11:30; many walked across the street to McDonalds for a burger. Some things never change. Thanks to the Lord again for another great day.
Click on picture to see the large version.
Our virtuoso accompanist, Charlie MeLeod
Director Don Blackley - Cracking the whip or cracking up?
Singing Men at Gran Teatro Falla in Cádiz
President elect, Trent Blackley directing traffic
Statues in the Iglesia de Santa Cruz in Cádiz
Orange trees full of fruit are in abundance