Tuesday 13 February 2018

Hearts for St Valentines Day.


A few weeks ago after we'd done our shopping in Ugíjar, we drove via Cherín and then turned onto a small road ALP603 which hugs the side of the hills and passes 2 villages on the way to a reservoir called Embalse de Beninar.

It was a gorgeous day so we took our lunch with us,  to sit by the side of the lake enjoying the view.

The first village on the road is called Lucainena,  we passed through here many years ago when we were exploring the area and remembered it as being empty and in need of some love and attention.  But not now:   it's pretty and well maintained.












The main reason for delaying showing you these pictures is because of the lovely hearts molded into the Church wall...... and tomorrow is Valentines Day.  So now very appropriate!

Further down the road we passed another village but lower than the road and we didn't go down to it,  it is called Darrical.  The road narrows somewhat then and drops down to the reservoir.

 The water level is very low,  there are retaining walls in places - maybe a metre high per step - all exposed.  We think these walls are normally under water.




Thursday 25 January 2018

San Sebastian, Yator Fiesta


Another fiesta, another sunny weekend!  Enjoy the video which John has put together from my photos and filming. 





Saturday lunchtime:

Tapas,  1 euro for your drink, whether it's wine or beer or a tinto de verano,  this includes your tapas which was a slice of tortilla / spanish omelette in a roll, or a slice of lomo / pork loin drizzled with garlic oil in a roll.  Plus olives.


The start of Saturday's meal:

120 kilos of chicken,  slow cooked with vegetables, in a very large pan.
 

Sunday morning we stopped just above the Ermita de San Sebastian to take this picture of the frame with the rockets ready for sending up after the church service and the procession up to the Ermita / Chapel.


Horse and chariot sounds a bit grand,  pony and trap maybe?  We thought it was for rides for the children but  some adults had a ride too.


 
Sunday lunch:
Chicken and squid,  plus lots of rice and stock...


 

On the tables were platters of cold meats and cheeses, baskets of bread,  crisps,  and jugs of beer and wine, plus 2 litre bottles of soft drinks.  All replaced when you ran out.  Funding is on a donation basis,  the committee come round with their book,  you pay what you feel is appropriate,  they might try and sell you this years extra fundraiser - a Yator calendar this time for 3 euros - but it all goes towards the next event.  The expectation is 5 euros a person, for each day of fiesta.




Great Grandma and her great grand-daughters watching the horses..