Several people brought "gambas" (shrimp), but Scott couldn't eat any because he is highly allergic to them:
Everyone was in a party -- and somewhat silly -- mood, as shown here by Bro. Salas:
Even the normally serious Brother and Sister Conesa were in a silly mood:
The Eastmans and the Ebys were somewhat more serious:
Scott, Beverly, and Sister de Schweinitz tried to liven things up by wearing brightly colored wigs, a Spanish New Year's tradition. (Earlier in the evening, when we were at Puerta del Sol, the center of Madrid's New Year's Eve festivities, we saw hundreds of people wearing these crazy wigs, and we couldn't resist joining them):
All the sisters at the party enjoyed being with each other:
As midnight approached, we all followed an interesting Spanish New Year's Eve tradition. We took a cup of grapes, and then at midnight, we watched on TV as the bells in the tower at Puerta del Sol chimed twelve times. With each chime we tried to eat a grape (actually we ate half a grape). According to the tradition, everyone who eats a grape with all twelve chimes will be granted their wish for the new year:
After eating the grapes, everyone hugged and kissed and wished each other a Happy New Year. Wearing crazy wigs and counting down the New Year by eating grapes are a fun Spanish tradition that we plan to take back to Utah when we return.
I loved reading this. and YOUR food looks much better than our Tongan fare! Loved the wigs. Former Elder Serrano paid us a visit a couple of weeks ago in the VC. He had grown a straggly beard and had a (sort of) girl friend with him! I didn't recognize him at first! Your mission sounds wonderful! You are such a blessing to those people you serve!
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