Cannot stop that

Not even crisis can stop spring for coming and people trying to enjoy this time of year.
These days, everything around is about Martisor. Stands selling them everywhere, people fussing, choosing, buying, even starting to wear them, even if it's one or two days too early. I got my first one today and I had to pin it to my blouse, because the kid who gave it to me insisted I put it on.
Going shopping for martisoare on this first sunny warm day in weeks is a good way to change your thoughts. And you can find anything you want, from cheap but nice ones hand made (many students or old people have been working on them months before) , to gold ones. One for every pocket, even in times of crisis. An inexpensive joy of giving.
Regardless of the price, the small thing with the white and red thread always has a meaning, a feeling or a wish attached to it: love for a heart, luck for a horse shoe or a chimney sweeper, hope for an anchor or a key, wisdom for an owl or a dolphin, freedom for a butterfly or a bird, even "good-bye" for a pair of slippers. Simple well-known symbols. And the wish will come true if you tie it to a tree after wearing it.
Have a sunny spring! Happy March 1st!

Spring cleaning

Whenever you look in old town in Ávila there is a church, a convent with its bell tower. And this moment in the year, most of them get old inhabitants. Storks. By itself, like this one.

Or in a band as these other ones. Look at them, trying to figure out the best way to clean their old nest.

Do not think they are the symbol of the town. But they are much loved.

Dragobete

Tomorrow is the Romanian version for Valentine's Day, Dragobete, the day for both people and birds to find their mates.
The Village Museum organized a festival and invited its visitors to songs, dances, sweets, souvenirs.
It's a day for kindness to all the living creatures, of peace and understanding. A day without violence. Hopefully. It's also considered the beginning of spring, just before March 1st, the season's celebration.
May all of you find place for love, spring and hope in your hearts!

Not much in crisis time

Carnivals have always meant creativity, transgression, joy. People try to impersonate their dreams. A way to escape routine.
But this year, perhaps because of crisis, festivities aren't the same. There's an official programme based on popular parades and people collaboration.

Disguises are even related to the lack of money, of work, of home. These homeless people carrying their things in trolleys are a symbol of the situation.
Hippies are also much in fashion these Carnivals. I don't exactly know why. Perhaps, the idea of getting rid of material things.

And then, these soldiers as a counterpart to the peace movement. There is not "Sardine Burial Parade", at least not an official on. There will be a parade in a neighbourhood, but not much.
Situation may not be for jokes.

Waiting for the Spring

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