celebració

Yesterday was a celebració! Jaume's 45th birthday and his parents' 50th anniversary, coinciding on the same Sunday. So naturally there were festivities.

We went (invited ourselves, really, but I don't think anyone minded,) to mass at Mont Serrat up the mountain with the whole family. The church was SO crowded, standing room only, and even then people kept coming in after the service had begun. Jaume's family had reserved the first 2 pews, so there was a place of honor-- and I am told they were mentioned during the service-- on their special day. Of course the mass was in Catalon, but I like to imagine that I understood more than I could have been expected to. 
Universal church, right?

I wish I had pictures to share. I hope to get back up there with a camera (and maybe fewer people). The church and monastery are at the top of the mountain, where the air is always cooler and the view overlooks all of what is left below. It's a complex, really, the things that have been built up around this place on top of the mountain. There is a cafeteria and dorms where if you were so inclined you could check in to meditate for a while. And the art. Really all quite overwhelming.
We have plans this week to take the "Jaume tour" of a handful of Romanesque churches in the region-- difficult to get to by bus and generally off the beaten path. I think it should be fantastic.


Back at the ranch, supper was being prepared for 23, give or take. 
Starting with cava and appetizers on the patio, the rain did not seem to put a damper on the good mood. Mussels in some deliciousness that could not be revealed, capers still on the stem, cheese, and some new version of bite-sized ham delights. Mmmmm. (I have found that this sound seems to be universal.)
Then the party was moved into the bodega where tables where arranged to best advantage of at least making faces at one another (in the case of the English-speakers), if not for talking.
The dinner started with Shrimp with vegetables in a coconut sauce (not coconut milk-- sauce, that was perfect for sopping). Then a mixed salad with a soy sauce dressing. Interesting, right? Finally we had lamb with garlic and leeks, etc. There was a sauce on the side that I could have eaten straight out of the container. I was obliged to share, though. The best way it can be described is something similar to a garlic mayonnaise made with the fat of the lamb? Holy wowza. Super-good.
But then there should be cake, right?

Freshly made tiramisu, folks. and either coffee to accompany dessert or more cava, (or both).
Then speeches all around! Not, I did not give a speech, but they appeared to be quite touching, which is something you pick up despite the language barier. Family appreciated, all by all.

I am awfully grateful that we were included in such a celebration. I was promised that if I bring all my friends to Can Serrat for my birthday, it will be the same.
Who's in?