soaking it up . . .

21st Oct. 2010

Today has been a relaxing one, less travelling, more photography…..Mom had an at-home massage treatment for 1.5hrs, and was thoroughly de-stressed, while enjoying the bougainvillea outside our bedroom window.





Decided we didn’t like evening meals so late (restaurants open at 8pm, as the locals enjoy their afternoon siestas from 3 to 5), so drove to Lanjaron and the Alcamida Hotel for their 3-course dinner at 2pm. Sat all afternoon on the outdoor patio, overlooking ancient castle ruins, and took pixs between bites…..we were the only customers!! Picked up a brochure on the hotel; gardens and pool looked too nice to leave.













Wandered around the town, taking in the ambiance and shops (ham hocks everywhere….dad wants to bring one home, of course), and bought postcards and stamps.





Returned to our casita via the local pottery shop







and photographed one of our favourite homes (check out the upper “roof garden”)



The olive orchards beg to be included







as well as an overview of our “home”

New heights . . .

20 Oct 2010

I don’t think we were quite prepared for just how spectacular the scenery is in Andalucia. Central to the province is the Parque Natural de Sierra Nevada, the highest peak at 3,477 meters. In the upper reaches of the mountains, snow is clearly visible tucked away in spots less exposed to the daytime sun.

Our casita is just on the edge of the park, in a location much favoured by mountain bikers and hill walkers. A number of ancient villages are perched or nestled amongst the foothills, and it was towards them we headed today.



Fortunately the car hire company had upgraded us to an Audi A4, which has a lot of oomph, certainly enough to drive in comfort through the white-knuckle, toe clenching, sweaty palms twists and bends of the mountain roads we travelled.

We were aiming for the towns of Capileria (the highest), Bubion and Pampaneira. With their whitewashed walls, they stand out starkly against the olive terraces and arid landscape.



We decided on heading above and beyond them first, to take in the views, and crisp, fresh air. Way down in the valley lies Orgiva, and our casita.







Capileria seems to drape itself over the ridge, and spill down the side, clinging to it by means of ingenuity and lots of concrete.





Regardless where you walk in the town, you’re always overlooking flat roofs and chimneys that crowd the foreground.



The main street offers temptingly attractive souvenirs, until you look closer, and discover they’re made in India or Equador.



Bubion offered much the same, but we weren’t there on a shopping trip. We were there to soak in the local ambiance.





Pampaneira is a little larger, and perhaps a little less remote than Capileria, but just as full of sights to fill the eyes and memory.



Home after a long day, dinner at the local pizzeria (excellent thin crust!) in Orgiva, and tucked up for a good night sleep.

relaxed, and exploring our environment!

Our first full day here, and we slept through to 10.30a.m., a sure sign we needed a rest from travelling.
So no rush to go anywhere today, and time to explore our immediate surroundings.

We’re staying is a small self catering property, one of three renovated farm buildings nestled in an olive grove, tucked away in the Sierra Navada mountains. Olives, almonds and pomegranates in abundance all grow within an arms reach of our terrace.







Our own front courtyard leads our the gate to the yard connecting all three casitas, where collecting firewood gives Mar the chance to chat with one of the local residents.













Inviting to look at, but the swimming pool is a little chilly to take a plunge this time of year. A little different in the summer, where the temperature climbs towards 40 degrees.



But the views are magnificent,



and the olive groves fascinating.



A leisurely drive through the hair-raising mountain roads through more spectacular vistas





to Langaron



for a late lunch, accompanied by the inevitable furry company.

Europe - here we are!

Gosh!

It’s been so long since writing up a travel blog, I’ve almost forgotten.

Almost . . .

Paris and the AFCB meeting was a blast. As I did last year, I took the EuroStar train under the Channel Friday from St. Pancras to Gare du Nord in Paris. What a service - comfortable, efficient and quick.

Mar saw me off, and away I went. I met up with the boys from Belfast later in the day at Gare du Nord, and we traveled to Rungis together, in preparation for the AFCB meeting. Saturday morning we headed back downtown to Les Invalides and the Musee du Armee for a tour.







If only we can control Colin's curiosity . . . .



Back to Rungis in the p.m. for the AFCB swap meet, then dinner at the Ibis Hotel with the members, for meet and greet, and get to know new friends. Not only guys from the UK, but Belgium, France of course – and Italy. Plus me from Canada! A true international gathering.

Sunday morning, and up early for the Rungis antique arms fair. Ugh! Too early really. But nevertheless, there for the doors to open at 9a.m., and the whole morning trolling the tables for little treasures. No, I didn’t find one sufficiently tempting for myself. I came away only with a book, in French!

Then back to Rungis station, train to Gare du Nord, Eurostar to London, home to the flat, pack for tomorrow, to bed, sleep.

Up at 5a.m., Peter drives us to Stansted, flight to Malaga, hired car through the mountains to Orgiva, three hours driving winding roads, find the farm, and now . . . . . five days of blissful peace and quiet . . .. sunshine and heat.

My gosh - I'm glad we're here at last . . .and sooo glad to stop travelling!



More to come

Summer fades . . . .

What a summer! Hot, humid and great for the garden and veggies. No need to water the lawns, enough rain for all.
Now we're slowly fading into Fall, my favourite time of year. Most of the veggies are harvested, the lawns cut for the last time this year, and clean-up for winter started.
The chickadees know it. They're loading up to put some fat on for the winter.

Still a few apples on the tree . . .

Colours turning . . .

. . .and the leaves will really need raking when we return . . . because we're off to Europe!

So, stay tuned!