Was going to Spain from start to finish but now I, Luca have taken over

Last week Linda & Alan invited me to a “sort of fiesta” in Almachar, a lovely village of some 2000 inhabitants. I say fiesta but to be correct it is la Romeria de San Isidro & is to honour the village’s Patron, “Ntra. Sra. del Amparo”. 

Then there was the Spanish band with the Flamenco dancers & singers & they were terrific, I could have followed them around the grounds all afternoon.

All while this was going on copious amounts of drink, (alcoholic & none alcoholic) & food (especially by me - just loved the sausages!) was being partaken, but we were waiting for the main event of the evening.

Right back to the event and what an event it was with the wonderful horseback riders of Almachar. Using the dry river bed they galloped at full speed to again spear furled ribbons from line above. No crash hats, flat caps or no hat at all were the order & no riding crops either, control was either a double bridle or heels they were in complete control.

Just before I talk about the week I think I should explain briefly about Phet, my wife.

Linda & Alan have a super property with even better views, up into the Nevada’s & down into the long valley. After a super dinner cooked by Alan we again repaired to the patio to listen, then watch the sheep & goats. I say listen, as you can hear the goat bells clanking a long time before they come into view. Each day the Herder walks miles with the herd which also has about 20% sheep mixed in with the goats. We were very lucky that day as he brought them straight under the patio on their way home. There are actually two herds utilising the valley one going left the other right. Their paths do not cross at any time. I find this. fascinating that they get on so well.

 

Hola,

I think its time for another EoS friends get together. The last one in early March was super.

So, what about one of the restaurants beside Lake Vinuella on Friday 24th May (2 weeks tomorrow) & I hope as many as possible with get in touch so that I can lay foundations for something more concrete. I know of about 6 definates so far so please let me know by either email or private message as soon as you are able.

This place seems fairly central but if anyone has any other ideas for anything different please  let me know.

Well the serious shopping went for a Burton the minute I saw the street market in Caleta. Not only was it an enjoyable hour or so, but a pair of sunglasses various vegetables & salads later and heading for the car I noticed the harbour. So of course I had to wander around and have a good look at the various vessels on view. Isn’t it strange how one can get so easily side tracked in Spain, especially when you have all the time in the World.

A couple of mornings ago I was sauntering down the mountain when ahead of me I noticed a young mule in the centre of the road. Leaving my car on the side of the road I walked down to “have a chat & ask him to move over”. He was tethered to the crash barrier, but he allowed me through. I found out afterwards he was their “to get used to the traffic, yet another oddity of Spain.

Today I am off to do my first serious shopping & I intend to complete a list & try to stick to it. For too long I have wondered around supermarkets randomly taking things off the shelf then wondering just why I have bought it when at home putting them away.

Yesterday I climbed the mountain behind the village to look on it from a height. On the way I passed mules, looking decidedly fed up in small smelly paddocks, goats with several kids dancing around fenced in rocky areas, crickets jumping fantastic heights & the most amazing trail of ants running in the thousands to and fro. Some of the worker ants were quite large & a little fearsome.  I carefully stepped over the trail as they are things I don’t want to annoy. They looked innocent enough but having been many times to hot foreign lands & knowing the ire of fire ants of Florida USA treated them with respect.

Goodness this climbing takes it out of me, having a very unfit body & my legs & lungs were complaining bitterly. It’s a good job I’m on my own at least I could have the several stops I needed.

The view is astonishing, as it was early one morning several days ago. The sun was blazing & it was beautiful, but looking down the valleys they were totally hidden by mist & you can see it in the picture below It could best be described as sitting on an aircraft above the clouds with the sun shining but seeing nothing below, yet another amazing sight. This land is so full of surprises to a newly arrived immigrant.

Here’s another “it could only happen in Spain” As I was driving, then walking around Torre de Mar I noticed that they have a superb tram rail system. It covers miles & is able to bring people from a long way away into the centre of the town. The larger towns in the centre of England & probably elsewhere, are absolutely falling over themselves to have such tram systems installed. Clean, efficient, cheap, smart & eco friendly they are much coveted. So, I waited with great expectation to see just what the trams looked like. I waited and waited – no trams!  It transpires that the trams are on the way to Australia on a 4 year lease – it could only happen in Spain!

So I am now driving home when I receive a call from Tamara. Now I have been pestering her that we meet up again soon.

She invited me to a choral concert in Puerto don Manuel that evening. This then became early dinner on the side of beautiful Lake Vinuella followed by the concert & both were delightful. I’m certain that we must do this again.

Whilst their we talked about me learning to speak Spanish, and we (or is it she?) decided that my England purchased “Learn to Speak Spanish in 12 Weeks from only 15 minutes per Day” would be my goal. So be it, & lesson 1 starts tomorrow so I must be disciplined. I’ll keep you informed.