Our very own ‘Casa Campana’ translates literally as ‘Bell House’. We named it thus for two reasons: Emma’s surname is Bell; you can really catch the sound of the St Peter’s church bells from here. If you’d like to know more about St Peter’s church (and hear what the bells sound like) click this link.
While we are not familiar with the bell ringer of St Peter’s, we are lucky enough to know Dolores - Emma’s friend and fellow dance student - whose task it is to ring the bells of St Mary’s.
Dolores actually lives in the church. If you come to Arcos, look out for her lounge window to the left of the belltower. You might even catch a glimpse of her washing hanging out!
One man fixated with bells is Andy, Emma’s Dad. On his most recent visit, he sought out Dolores. Here’s part of his account of what happened.
“Well, we met the famous Dolores at La Fiesta de Los Mujeres one afternoon and she thanked me for bringing the shoes. As a sort of throw away she asked Emma if there was anything she could do for me. I saw this as too good an opportunity to let go so I asked if it were possible to have a list of the names of all her bells and the rings she is required to perform. Dolores obviously thought this a very strange request however, with the resigned stoicism often displayed by such women she agreed and said she would call in to Emma’s casa the following day about 12.00 noon.”
Click here to read the rest of Andy’s account on his blog entry, which includes some interesting pictures from his encounter with Dolores.