Saturday nuptials

This afternoon I officiated at another wedding blessing at San Miguel. Sixty friends and family members came to join them. In addition to Jo one of Nerja's organists playing hymns, they had a local classical guitarist Nicolás Leguizamón to play during the ceremony. There was a delay in getting started due to with transport problems, so the guitarist took us through some of his concert repertoire. He was very good, and I was delighted to listen to him play while we waited.

Most of the guests came from Northern Ireland, except a few from England and Scotland, and one from Canada. I'd been invited to join them for the reception afterwards, and transport to the venue was provided. We were all meant to be shipped out by coach, but it didn't turn up, so an emergency fleet of taxis was arranged instead. I was under the impression that it wasn't far from the town centre, and soon discovered it was in the hill country to the north west of Nerja. 

We went out of town, as if making for the Autovia, and then off down an old country road I didn't know, which leads to a small hill village, in order to reach a small country hotel and restaurant with an expansive terrace and a swimming pool overlooking a valley full of orchards leading down to the sea at Nerja Ouest, visible in the distance. The weather was good with a cooling breeze, a perfect late afternoon and evening for outdoor socialising and dining. I met many interesting people and had some good conversations. I got the impression they were from communities still used to having a priest in social gatherings. It's an unusual experience for me these days attending gatherings where few seem to know how to make a cleric feel included. I just enjoyed being a pastor at the party.

The guitarist showed up again and played even more of his repertoire, without repating himself during the pre-supper drinks. I was still listening with delight. The best man's speech was hilarious and had everyone in hysterics. The groom was funny and eloquent in paying tribute to his bride. He mentioned they'd received a good wishes card for the day from his beloved Nan, who died last year. She wrote them something special in advance, knowing she'd be unlikely to make it. It's the sort of thing grandmas do. There were lots of young children there, and in between eating and drinking they all played together, happily running around barefooted, mostly freeing their parents to enjoy each others' company. Both bride and groom are from large families, and this double gathering was an occasion all were enjoying.

Once the sun began to set, and the dancing started, I took my leave, having ordered a taxi to take me back to Nerja, crossing my fingers that I'd have enough cash on me to pay for an evening ride, as I'd neglected to top up my wallet. In the event, it wasn't a problem, as I got the driver to take me just as far as the bus station, so I could get some exercise walking off the fine festive food and drink. I even managed to converse with the taxi driver in Spanish without difficulty, which felt like a triumph, and arrived home before ten, in good time to ready myself for tomorrow's services.