Yesterday was another day with the mountain group, this time it was their Belén de cumbre. A belén is (apart from being a fairly common girl's name) a nativity scene. The group head up to their little cave on the Naranco (it's got a plaque and everything), place a new nativity scene and then sing a few carols (which is a bit like playing 'one song to the tune of another' for us, with the exception of the one about how much the fish in the river are drinking, no idea about that one). As the nativity scene is being placed, a few cakes are passed around, casadiellas, fizzy cider (pommagne really, but nice).


We had every type of weather too, from warm sun to hailstones and lightning, oh and snow on the top.

After the walk we headed to Casa Gervasio for what the president of the group had called 'comida seria' (serious food). It was too: fabada followed by carne gobernada (which is like carne guisada (stewed meat) only with the addition of red peppers) and puddings, which kept coming. The folks we were sitting with were very keen that we tried everything, and there was much refusal citing 'I'm full', 'I can't eat any more'.

And of course there was sidra, wine and orujo... Then trophys for all those who had done 80% or more of last year's walks (so not me then)... then dancing.

This was all finished off with us all in a circle, holding hands and stepping forward and back, raising hands and (those who knew the words) singing along to a tune of Asturian pride.  ¶ 11:37 AM