The Spanish Fly - Travels in Spain

I haven't done this trip for a few years, so I was looking forward to our excursion last Friday. Starting from home in Ronda we headed for the start of the Genal Valley, which begins with the pretty "Enchanted Forest" (El Bosque Encantado) in Parauta.

Genal Valley map [Ayuntamiento de Juzcar]    

We then continued on to Cartajima, the Village of Murals (Pueblo de Murales); to the Smurfs' village of Juzcar, mostly still painted blue; past Farajan; and on to Alpandeire, which celebrates Fray Leopoldo, a recently created saint. Alpandeire was our lunch destination. After a leisurely lunch it was back to Ronda on the Algeciras Road. A total of 86 kilometres.

The idea for the trip came about when our Maltese friends, John and Lorraine, owners of a house in Montejaque, invited us to join them for lunch at La Casa Grande in Alpandeire. I'd eaten there some years previously and remembered it being very good. For Rita it was to be a new experience.

Hotel La Casa Grande [Photo: Paul Whitelock]    

Parauta

I always liked Parauta. I went there with Maude, a girlfriend, some 20 years ago and we nearly bought a place in the centre of the village.

Now it has all changed. Vehicles are no longer allowed into the village and this ban is enforced with GPS technology.

Parauta [Photo: Wikipedia]    

Parauta has invested heavily in a major upgrade in an attempt to halt population decline.

It is now the Enchanted Village, with a visitor attraction, guided walks and other activities.

The aim is to attract more visitors and to provide employment for young people who are leaving the village in droves in search of work. 

    [Paul Whitelock]

    [YouTube]                                                                                 [Paul Whitelock]

Cartajima

"El Pueblo de Las Murales", as it is known nowadays.

Cartajima has become famous in the last few years for its many murals painted on walls, gable ends, buildings and other surfaces.

As with Parauta, this is part of a strategy to attract more tourism to the village and to halt population decline.

Cartajima at sunset [Photo: Europa Press]    

   [Photos of Cartajima by Paul Whitelock]

Juzcar

Famous since 2016 as "El Pueblo Azul" or "El Pueblo Pitufo" ("The Smurfs Village"), Juzcar arrived with a bang on the tourist map and money has poured in from the pockets of visitors keen to see where the Smurfs movie was filmed by Walt Disney Enterprises of Hollywood.

Juzcar [Photo: Rustica Estates]    

    Signs as you enter the village

   Juzcar village centre                         Rita and Paul (selfie)

   [All above photos by Paul Whitelock]   

Farajan

The name of the village, Farajan, comes from the Arabic language and means "pleasant location".

It is without doubt a most apt denomination as its geographical position at the head of the River Genal gives it a singular charm.

Farajan is situated among deep ravines traversed by streams flowing into the River Genal, the dominant feature in the area.

It is small in size and has a populaation of just 284 (INE 2024). At 645 metres above sea level, it has stunning views all around.

On this occasion, we did not linger long, but it is definitely worth a visit.

Farajan from afar [Photo: Wikipedia]    

Alpandeire

    Our arrival [Photos by Paul Whitelock]

The birthplace of Fray Leopoldo, a recently created saint. There are frequent references to him throughout the village, as well as a signposted walk. Guides are available for this and other activities.

    [All photos by Paul Whitelock]

However, we weren't there because of this worthy monk, but to dine at the restaurant attached to Hotel La Casa Grande.

Our friends John and Lorraine dined there a week ago and were so impressed they wanted to eat there again before heading to Portugal to catch their flight home to Malta from Lisbon airport.

The meal:

John and I chose the same starter, but apart from that we all enjoyed different dishes.

    The Dining Room                          Lorraine, Paul, Rita and John       Puerro                                Ensalada / Carpaccio

    Confit de pato                            Canellones                         Garbanzos                                Offal stew

    [All photos by Paul Whitelock]

Endword:

Our day out did not disappoint. It was fascinating to revisit the villages of the Genal Valley after a significant time gap and to see all the changes that have been made.

Our lunch at La Casa Grande was also a treat. We enjoyed the food and the occasion immensely and we were delighted at the warm welcome from owner Jesus, his wife Maria and their outstanding chef, local boy Antoñito.

"We'll be back!"

© The Spanish Fly (aka Paul Whitelock)

Pictures:

Ayuntamiento de Juzcar, Europa Press, Paul Whitelock, Rustica Estates, Trip Advisor, Wikipedia, YouTube

Acknowledgements:

Ayuntamiento de Alpandeire, Ayuntamiento de Juzcar, Diputacion de Malagaa, John Saliba, Karl Smallman, Paul Whitelock, Secret Serrania, Wikipedia

Tags:

Algeciras, Alpandeire, Ayuntamiento de Juzcar, Cartajima, El Bosque Encantado, Europa Press, Farajan, Fray Leopoldo, Genal Valley, Juzcar, La Casa Grande, Maude, Montejaque, Parauta, Paul Whitelock, population decline, Pueblo Azul, Pueblo de Las Murallas, Rita, Rustica Estates, Serrania de Ronda, Smurfs, The Spanish Fly, Trip Advisor, Valle del Genal, Wikipedia, YouTube

This publication, originally American, has been showing readers the rest of the world for decades, with fabulous photos and well-researched write-ups.

The Spanish version, "Viajes" has recently published its 306th edition.

I was attracted by the front cover which promised features on Munich and San Sebastian (Donostia), cities I used to know well.

So, I bought a copy!

[Front cover by Tienda RBA]    

Pre-amble

Imagine my surprise when I flicked through the magazine, while I partook of Sunday morning breakfast in a café in Ronda.

There were also articles about Asturias, where I spent a week in 2003; Barcelona, which I had visited often in the past; Ibiza, where I spent my first honeymoon; Cantabria (Spain), where I have been quite a few times; Gran Canaria (a week's family holiday back in the late 1980s); Luxembourg, the Grand Duchy, which I have visited regularly over the years, the last time being a three-month sojourn in 2008, when I enjoyed a summer romance (I was divorced and single by then, and she was a widow, so it was legitimate).

    Map of Asturias [Centro Asturiano de B A]      Sagrada Familia, Barcelona [The Independent]

    Ibiza Town [Club Villamar]       

    Santander [Turismo de Santander]

    Colourful boats in Gran Canaria [Hostelworld]      Luxembourg Ville [Outdooractive]

The magazine also had features on the Dolomites (Italy); Turkey; Japan; and Namibia. I have not been to any of these countries, but judging by the photos, I've missed out!

So, Italy and Turkey are now on my "bucket list". Namibia and Japan, probably not - I don't enjoy long-haul flights.

Donostia (San Sebastian)

This elegant Victorian seaside town was the first place I went to in Spain back in 1970.

I and some 20 other undergraduates studying for a degree in Spanish were sent to the Basque city for six months as part of our course.

Bahia de La Concha, San Sebastian [Civitatis]    

I was smitten. I fell in love with the town straightaway. I loved the people, the lifestyle, the ambience, in short, I fell in love with Spain, despite the country still being a fascist dictatorship under General Franco. He was to live for five more years, dying of natural causes in November 1975.

You can read more about my San Sebastian story here:

The Top Dozen MIPs in My Life – Part 1

Munich, Germany

I was sent to Germany immediately after my six months in San Sebastian. I had a placement at Daimler-Benz AG in Stuttgart. My pal Roger also had a placement in Stuttgart at Bosch. We decided to go a bit earlier to take in the Munich Oktoberfest, the beer festival, which, despite its name, takes place in September.

[Photo: La Voz de Galicia]    

What a culture shock (and a weather shock!).

I've been to Munich a couple of times since.

After I "hooked up" with Rita, a German "traffic warden" living in the Ronda area ("Lovely Rita, Meter Maid" by the Beatles), we went to Munich to visit her former sister-in-law, Ulrike, for a week.

I also visited briefly with Rita's daughter's family, following our marriage in 2010.

Here's the Beatles song:

youtube lovely rita - Búsqueda

Epilogue

So, I was very pleased with my Spanish National Geographic "Viajes" edition 306. It reminded me of some fabulous places I've been to and gave me a couple more, Italy and Turkey, for my "bucket list".

©  The Spanish Fly

Links:

My Special Places in Spain

The Top Dozen MIPs in My Life – Part 1

Working for free? Why? Er… why not? Part 2.

youtube lovely rita - Búsqueda

Pictures:

Civitatis, Club Asturiano de B A, Hostelworld, La Voz de Galicia, Paul Whitelock, Tienda RBA, 

Thanks:

Paul Whitelock, Wikipedia

Tags:

306th edition, Asturias, Barcelona, Beatles, Bosch, "bucket list", Cantabria, Civitatis, Club Asturiano de B A, Daimler-Benz AG, degree in Spanish,  Dolomites, Donostia, German "traffic warden", Gran Canaria, Grand Duchy, Hostelworld, Ibiza, Italy, Japan, La Voz de Galicia, "Lovely Rita, Meter Maid", Luxembourg, Munich, Namibia, National Geographic, Oktoberfest, Paul Whitelock, Rita, San Sebastian, Stuttgart, summer romance, The Spanish Fly, Tienda RBA, Turkey, "Viajes", Wikipedia

We had to go to the coast early on Thursday for medical appointments. Coincidentally our English friends Ian and Christine were staying in Nerja, where they have been holidaying regularly for some 30 years. As always since I have lived in Spain (17 years and counting) they invited us to come and stay.

[Photo courtesy of La Verdad]    

Marbella

After our "blood-letting" at hospital Quirón in Marbella, we headed to Fuengirola to our favourite breakfast cafe, Granier, on the seafront.

There we hungrily scoffed a classy, if somewhat expensive, breakfast. But, hey, we were at the seaside!

[Photo courtesy of Wecake]    

From Fuengirola we took the A7 motorway around Malaga City, then exited at Rincon de la Victoria in order to pick up the coast road heading east to Nerja.

After a coffee and loo stop in delightful Torre del Mar, we got to Nerja just after 1.00 pm.

Nerja

I parked opposite Ian and Christine's rental apartment by the parador de turismo in a loading bay. According to the sign private cars could park there from 2.00 pm until 5.00 pm. It was 1.15 pm. The other car parked there had already received a ticket. 

I put my hazard warning lights on and laid my Press pass on the dashboard, hoping for the best.

[Paradores]    

After lugging our stuff up to the 2nd floor apartment (no lift!) we had drinks on the enormous roof terrace before going out for a couple more libations in local bars.

I paid the bill. It was by now gone 5.00 pm and I was interested to find out whether my Press pass had worked .....

It had! 

Then it was back up to the roof terrace for a late barbecue lunch, courtesy of Ian.

Dorada con ensalada. Marvellous!

On the next-door terrace was a whole bunch of Irish people. I had a good natter with them about a range of topics dear to their hearts and mine.

Siesta time! I went for a lie-down. I was tired and I'd drunk a fair bit!

[Photo courtesy of the New York Times]    

After around half an hour it was time to go out again! We walked to the "West End" of Nerja, where there are fewer tourists.

We went to three bars - La Rienda, La Casa de Ana and another place, the name of which I can't remember - each different but very good. The "free" tapas went down extremely well and were more than sufficient for our evening meal.

On the walk back to the apartment the other three wanted a dessert, so they went to an ice-cream parlour. I was "stuffed" so opted out.

Back at the flat we retired straightaway.

Friday

I was up early as usual and went for an early morning coffee.

My car was still "unticketed" but I thought it wise not to push my luck, so by car I went to my cafe bar of choice, El Camionero, up on the main road. 

I found a free parking spot nearby and spent a very pleasant hour during which I caught up with the latest news on the TV, had two coffees, a chupito, and a breakfast of ham and cheese on a pitufo.

[Cafe Bar Camionero by Trip Advisor]    

Then I headed back to the apartment and managed to park legally and free nearby. I needed to go to the bank to check whether my pension had arrived, so I walked down to the Balcón de Europa, where the banks are all located.

Yes, my money was in my account.

I headed back to the cafe - Treból - where we had agreed to meet for breakfast, arriving before the others.

We breakfasted well (I had my customary second breakfast, recommended by my doctor for my diabetes) before we got ready for the day ahead.

    [Facebook]

Almáchar

This was where I had been a week earlier on a Press Trip. The other three had never been there before so that was our plan for a couple of hours.

Almáchar was hot and shut. Apparently, weekends in the Axarquia are no big deal.

So, after some refreshment in a cool bar we discussed where to have lunch. I suggested the seafront in Torre del Mar. Ian and Chris had never been there, so that's what we did.

We parked and chose the Chiringuito El Boquerón. We snaffled a table overlooking the splendid beach and each ordered what we wanted. We all had fresh fish of some kind.

    [Photos: Trip Advisor]

I indulged in some great beers - El Alcázar (Jaén) and El  Águila (Madrid) and Rita, who stuck to her cerveza 'sin' tostada, agreed to drive our hosts back to Nerja.

***

We dropped Ian and Christine off, said our farewells, and hit the road for home. Rita drove all the way and we got home around 7.20 pm, where we learned that our terminally ill next-door-neighbour, Manolo, had passed away and been "buried" while we were on our break. He was just 66 years old.

What a shame!

At home the cats were there to welcome us, so we fed them and then I went to my local, the Ronda Valley Hotel, to meet up with our cat-sitter Ollie and pay him.

Then I started to write this up .....

And, finally .....

A great couple of days were over. I have known Ian and Christine since before kids and our oldest children, theirs and mine with Jeryl, are now in their 40s, so that's a long relationship.

They have known Rita since 2008 when she and I had just met and were courting.

Thank goodness everybody gets on fine!

Links:

Early morning coffee in Spain - Secret Serrania de Ronda

Nerja - a little gem - Eye on Spain

The best and worst of the Western Costa del Sol - Eye on Spain

©  The Spanish Fly (Paul Whitelock)

With thanks to:

Facebook, La Verdad, Paradores, The New York Times, Trip Adviser, Wecake, Wikipedia

Tags:

A7 motorway, Almáchar, Balcón de Europa, CaixaBank, Christine, chupito, El Camionero, Facebook, Fuengirola, Granier, Ian, Jaén, La Verdad, Marbella, Nerja, Parador de Turismo, Paradores, Paul Whitelock, pitufo, Quirón, Rincón de la Victoria, The New York Times, The Spanish Fly, Torre del Mar, Trip Adviser, Vélez-Málaga, Wecake, Wikipedia

According to a recent survey the number of open air swimming pools in different parts of Spain is rather interesting. In a study by Cadastral / Instituto Nacional de Estadisticas (INE), the province with the most pools is Comunidad de Madrid with 145,881.

    [Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor]

Second is Alicante province with 130,813 and third is Barcelona province with 106,681.

Given that Alicante and Barcelona are on the Mediterranean coast, this is somewhat surprising.

Malaga province comes in fifth with 82,559 open air pools, despite having a lengthy coastline (Costa del Sol).

Preamble

One of the pools in Malaga province is mine. I live in inland Ronda, over an hour's drive to the nearest beach, so my pool is a "must".

With the high summer temperatures I am in and out of the pool all day, in an effort to keep cool.

My pool [Photo: A1 Inmobiliaria]    

Pools by municipality

Madrid city comes out top with 14,757 pools. Located in the geographical centre of Spain this is hardly surprising. It's a long way to the coast whichever direction you choose!

Second is Cordoba, which surprises me. There are 12,053 pools there. Another surprise is Murcia City, which has 10,852, despite being on the coast. Fourth on the list is Chiclana de la Frontera (Cadiz), also on the coast (Costa de la Luz - Atlantic).

    Madrid [Photo: Time Out]

Pools in Malaga Province

Marbella is number one with 11,296 despite being right on the coast. Number 2 is Mijas with 8.770. Malaga City is third with 6,549, also on the coast.

Ronda apparently has 1,729, of which one is mine (see above).

Benahavis, a well-to-do town, has 2,181 pools, and Frigiliana, also an expensive village inland from Nerja, has 1,048.

    Marbella [Colliers]

Endword

I am the only British ex-teacher I know who has a pool. Then, most British ex-teachers live in the UK. Who needs an open air pool there?

My first property in Spain, Piso Blanco purchased in 2001, had a shared pool in a comunidad de propietarios of 12 dwellings.

My second, Casa Blanca, didn't, nor did my fourth, Casa Real. But we survived. 

The pool at Piso Blanco [Photo: Trip Advisor]

My third property, our domicilio, has its own private pool. Which is perfect! We've even been known to "skinny-dip", when we don't have family staying, although our German visitors are quite partial to a bit of FKK (Freikorperliche Kultur) also!

I have to say that a swimming pool is a "must". It's not even a luxury down here in Andalucia.

©   Paul Whitelock

Photos:

A1 Inmobiliaria, Colliers, Karl Smallman, Paul Whitelock, Time Out, Trip Advisor

Tags:

A1 Inmobiliaria, Alicante, Barcelona, Benahavis, Cadastral, Casa Blanca, Casa Real, Chiclana de la Frontera, Colliers, Cordoba, Cristina Vallejo, Diario Sur, Frigiliana, INE, Instituto Nacional de Estadisticas, Karl Smallman, Madrid, Marbella, Mijas, Murcia, Nerja, Paul Whitelock, Piso Blanco, SUR in English, swimming pool, Time Out, Trip Advisor

The Camino de Santiago

I first heard about this pilgrimage route when I was an undergraduate studying Spanish in the north west of England. Then The Camino kept cropping up.

    [Map courtesy of Facebook]

Several writers on Spain referred to it. I went on a course through the European Union Socrates programme which was held in one of the starting points, Jaca (Aragon).

Two parishioners from my local church in Cheshire did the walk and gave a talk in church one evening with slides, which I attended.

Hollywood star Shirley MacLaine wrote a book after she had walked the route.

There was a TV series and several films. As it happens I live not far from the approved southern route. 

Why this article now?

Today at my libreria in Ronda, I stumbled across a great illustrated book on the Camino. At just 19,95 euros I couldn't resist it. A belated birthday present from me to me.

I regret not walking The Camino when I was younger and fitter. Now, aged 75, I will not be able to manage it. Covid-19 left me with issues of balance, mobility and breathlessness, so, unless I do it by car, which I shan't, I will have to continue to enjoy The Camino vicariously.

Indeed the book I bought, "Atlas Ilustrado del CAMINO DE SANTIAGO", stated on the back cover:

"Es una obra para disfrutar de la cultura y los pueblos del Camino, tanto si se piensa en hacerlo como si ya se ha hecho o solo se desea conocerlo desde casa."

[Photo by Paul Whitelock]

The Camino at 20

When I started to study Spanish ab initio at Salford University in 1968, I knew very little about Spain. That changed quickly once we got into the course and even more so when we were sent on our six months to San Sebastian.

I started to hear about the Camino de Santiago and realised it was a big deal. The cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the ultimate destination and endpoint, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Europe. There are six official routes starting at different points around Spain.

More on the Camino

Washington Irving, Laurie Lee and George Orwell all mentioned the Camino in their writings.

[Photos (L to R): Wikipedia; Paul Whitelock; Wikipedia]

Jaca 1998

A quarter of a century into my career in education (15 years as a languages teacher and then as a schools adviser and OfSTED inspector) I got the chance to attend a European Union Socrates Programme Spanish course in Jaca, Aragon. The course was a refresher course for professional linguists from across Europe.

Those two weeks over 25 years ago remain amongst the highlights of my life. I went with my girlfriend at the time, a languages advisory teacher based in London. Anne was predominantly a French expert with some Spanish and needed to improve her level of Spanish. I had been "out of the classroom" for nearly 10 years, so I had become somewhat rusty and needed a refresher. 

We flew from Gatwick to Tarbes in France, hired a car and headed off to Aragon via San Sebastian and Fuenterrabia. A night in the Hotel Niza on the bay of La Concha in the elegant Victorian resort followed by a night in the Parador in Fuenterrabia, arguably one of the best paradores in the near-100-strong chain.

When we got to Jaca and checked in to the training centre of the University of Aragon, we learned that this Pyrennean town was the starting point for one of the northern routes of the Camino de Santiago. The place was heaving with pilgrims/walkers.

"We should walk the Camino one day," I pronounced. Of course we never did, as our relationship sadly ended the following year.

   Jaca, Aragon [Facebook]

Oviedo 2002

My next "contact" with The Camino came when I took part in a EU Study Visit to Asturias to look at early years  foreign language provision. A foreign language, usually English, is compulsory in Spanish schools from the age of three.

On of the northern pilgrimage routes passes close by Oviedo, the town in which we were based.     

Apart from the course which was excellent and the visits to schools, I drank cider in the traditional way, enjoyed a different part of Spain and - ahem - had a little dalliance on the side. With a very open-minded German headteacher.

Oviedo [Turismo de Asturias]

Thelwall, Cheshire

John and Joan Arthurs, neighbours of ours, walked The Camino the year they both retired from work.

They gave a presentation with slides, anecdotes and not a little humour at All Saints Church in Thelwall.

I attended and felt inspired by their achievement.

   [https://allsaints.org.uk]

Shirley MacLaine

Her book "The Camino" was, for me, a disappointment. It was more a book about her mental state at the time.

   [Photo: Paul Whitelock]

TV Series

In a 2018 three-part travelogue series for BBC Two, seven famous faces were stripped of their everyday comforts to live as modern day pilgrims as they set out on the famous medieval pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago.

L to R: Kate Bottley, Raphael Rowe, Neil Morrissey, JJ Chalmers, Ed Byrne, Debbie McGee and Heather Small [BBC]

With just over a fortnight to tackle this ancient path, actor Neil Morrissey, entertainer Debbie McGee, comedian Ed Byrne, singer Heather Small, priest Kate Bottley, journalist Raphael Rowe and TV presenter JJ Chalmers hiked through France and northern Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the shrine of St James.

The group - made up of a variety of faiths and beliefs, including Christian, atheist and humanist - lived as simple pilgrims. But did this journey of a lifetime change the way they thought about themselves and their faith?

The pilgrimage sorted the seasoned walkers like Ed and JJ from the strollers, such as Neil, who soon realised he might not be prepared for the task ahead. As a former Catholic, and now atheist, Neil soon discovered that the arduous experience was not bringing him any closer to God.

Meanwhile, Kate’s faith took a knock as she struggled to keep up with the group, while Raphael refused to be swayed by anything religious - in prison he clung to hope, not God, after serving time for a crime he did not commit. For Debbie, she found solace in a fellow traveller after opening up about the loss of her husband, the late magician Paul Daniels.

As they moved along the route through vast mountain ranges and stunning landscapes in France and Spain, the group explores their differing religious beliefs, bond over the physical task and find humour when they realise what living like a simple pilgrim entails.

The Film "El Camino" (The Way)

This was a fictional Hollywood film from 2010, which starred Martin Sheen and was directed by his son Emilio Estevez.

A father (Sheen) heads to Spain from the USA to recover the body of his estranged son, who died while walking the "Camino de Santiago", and decides to complete the pilgrimage in honour of his son.

I've not seen the film, but I will have a look sometime soon.

[Image courtesy of Amazon.es]    

Me and the Camino

On my bucket list for 2025 is a visit to Galicia, the only one of Spain's 17 regions I've never visited. That will include a visit to Santiago de Compostela, the ultimate destination of all the pilgrimage routes along The Way of St James.

Otherwise, as I indicated earlier my experience of The Camino will be vicarious, ie at a distance.

Photo of Santiago Cathedral [Turismo de Galicia]    

© The Spanish Fly

Links:

BBC 2: 'Pilgraimage - The Road To Santiago'

The best movies and series based on the Way of St. James - I Love Compostela

Photos:

amazon.es, BBC, Facebook, IMDb, Paul Whitelock, Turismo de Galicia, Wikipedia

Thanks:

Paul Whitelock, Wikipedia

Tags:

All Saints Church Thelwall, amazon.es, Aragon, Asturias, "Atlas Ilustrado del CAMINO DE SANTIAGO", BBC, Camino, Camino de Santiago, cider, Debbie McGee, Ed Byrne, Emilio Estevez, European Union Socrates programme, EU study visit, Facebook, Fuenterrabia, George Orwell, Heather Small, Hotel Niza, IMDb, Jaca, JJ Chalmers, John and Joan Arthurs, Kate Bottley, La Concha, Laurie Lee, Martin Sheen, Neil Morrissey, Oviedo, Parador, Paula, Paul Daniels, Paul Whitelock, pilgrimage, Raphael Rowe, San Sebastian, Shirley MacLaine, "The Way", Turismo de Galicia, Washington Irving, Wikipedia, YouTube

At the last minute it fell to me to take our German friends Iris and Heidi to Jerez airport for their Condor flight back to Hamburg.

We left Ronda at 06.00 am with the aim of getting to this delightfully small airport by 08.00 am.

Jerez Airport [andalucia.com]    

To Jerez Airport

We only took 90 minutes, as there was very little traffic at that ungodly hour. I thought I might get sleepy at the wheel, so we had arranged that Iris would take over. As it turned out she kept me awake - we didn't stop talking for the entire journey.

At Jerez Airport, you can park right by the Terminal Building, so I went in and had a coffee with them while we queued and helped with their luggage.

My car park charge was a mere 1.85 euros.

Then I headed off to El Puerto de Santa Maria, to spend a day in this delightful area. I'd been there once before in 2024 and liked it a lot.

El Puerto de Santa Maria

It was still early when I got there, just before 09.00 am. First I went to ALDI to buy some provisions before setting off to find somewhere to park.

I found a spot near the canal, but it was early and nothing was open.

So, I headed into the Old Part to look for somewhere to leave the car. I put it in an underground car park and then went for breakfast - I was starving!

I found an agreeable looking cafe with a table on the shady terrace and ordered a breakfast to die for.

Strolling around I took a series of photos to compile a photo essay on the town.

Then I stumbled on a Solidarios charity shop where I got two pictures, a belt and a cuddly toy for a mere 10 euros.

Later, after I had retrieved my car, I headed off to La Puntilla beach for a siesta.

La Puntilla

La Puntilla beach is divided into six zones. There are no chiringuitos on the beach and no hamacas to rent. It's all very natural.

I chose Zone 1, which was not busy and had a wide beach backed by palm trees. I was able to indulge my passion of nude sunbathing. I don't think I was the only one!

It was rather cloudy, which was a good thing. I drank a beer, ate some snacks and had a snooze.

Then, I went to the quiosko for a beer and had a great chat with the owner, Paco.

    [Photos by Paul Whitelock]

Home time

I left the beach around 18.00 pm and headed off home to Ronda via Median Sidonia and Arcos de la Frontera.

What a great day!

© The Spanish Fly

Links:

With thanks to:

Paul Whitelock, The Spanish Fly

Tags:

Arcos de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Paul Whitelock, The Spanish Fly

The other weekend I went on a journey into the unknown - to the East. To East London, to Stratford. To visit my daughter in her new home there. I still hadn't seen it since she moved last year.

    Stratford, East London [Photo courtesy of Time Out]

She was away on school camp with her youngest, (Hey!) Jude, my grandson.

    (Hey!) Jude at camp [Photos: Amy Gibbs]

Arrival in the unknown

So, I had to find her flat and get in, as it turned out, without the aid of Google Maps, since my mobile had no signal and then it ran out of charge.

My UK bank card was constantly declined so I popped into a local branch of said bank, Santander UK, the biggest bank in Britain, by the way, to try and resolve the problem.

"Sorry, sir, your card has been blocked, We'll have to issue a new one."

I explained my situation, ie that I don't live in the UK and I was only in the UK for a short family visit.

The nice lady said they would send a new card to my home address in Spain.

"That will take ages and won't solve my current problem. Can't I pick one up here, say tomorrow, Saturday morning or Monday?"

"Sorry, sir, it isn't that fast."

  [Santander Bank UK logo]    

I was beginning to hate my bank with a passion ..... until the nice lady said I could get cash from her if I could ID myself.

I handed her my passport and Spanish residence permit and she gave me 500 pounds in cash.

500 pounds [Image courtesy of FinSMEs]    

First things first

I was starving. I had eaten a very small and very early breakfast on the plane, but now needed something further.

Nowhere was open, until I discovered a Bulgarian cafe which was doing a roaring trade in breakfasts and also had a range of beers from that former eastern bloc country.

So I ordered a fry-up, which I washed down with two different beers from Bulgaria.

    My Bulgarian breakfast [Photos: PW]    

When it came to paying I had a choice of cash or my Spanish credit card.

No such luck when I boarded a bus. I had no Oyster Card and, I thought, no functioning UK bank card. 

"Sorry, sir,  we don't take cash!" the polite West Indian bus driver informed me. So I tried tapping my cancelled bank card. It worked! Or so the driver said. I think he had taken pity on me.

Finding the flat

Having acquired some cash, all I had to do was find Amy's flat without a mobile to lead me there.

Well, I managed it in the end, but it had taken a while.

I settled in, then went for a walk to The Westfield Centre, where I bought some little gifts for the grandkids and Amy and Tom. I could pay with my Spanish credit card.

I had left my 500 quid at the flat, but I had enough small change for a half pint of Beavertown at The Crown and Anchor, before heading back to Icona Point.

Icona Point [Photo courtesy of PW]    

Amy's flat is in an excellent location with views of The Olympic Village from its two balconies. West Ham United FC has taken over the former Olympic Athletics Stadium and the highest tunnel helter-skelter in the world looms large.

Between The Olympic Village and Amy's flat lies Stratford International Railway Station, a noisy junction for trains to the continent, Southern Rail, the DLR, and the London Underground.

But you soon get used to the constant noise. Let's face it, big cities are noisy places.

The Olympic Village [Photo: PW]    

The East London Beer Scene

The East End is a veritable real ale drinker's paradise, with a range of cask ales from various brewers, as well as a few brew-pubs.

I knew Tap East; King Edward VII; Ye Olde Black Bull; The Bow Bells and a few others from previous visits.

    The Bow Bells, Bow

    Tap East Brew Pub, Stratford Centre

    King Edward VII, Stratford [CAMRA]                   Ye Olde Black Bull, Stratford [CAMRA]

    All the above photos by Paul Whitelock, unless otherwise stated.

Thursday night in Stratford

In the evening I went for a stroll in the Olympic Village area looking for something to eat. Can you believe it? Everywhere was shut or in the process of closing. So I had to dine on good beer!

Then I found somewhere open, another pub with its own brewery, the quirkily named Jim &Tonic.

    Jim & Tonic, Stratford [Photos by Paul Whitelock]

Friday  Fun

Amy got back from camp late morning, so after she had freshened up went for lunch at Riverside East.

We sat outside and had a nice time, "great bantz", tasty food and quality beers from the US and Italy.

    Map: GoogleMaps              Photo: Paul Whitelock

Then it was time to go and pick up the boys from school.

School 360, very soviet-sounding, but a great school with an amazing OfSTED judgement - well deserved, in my opinion.

I had been an OfSTED inspector during my career and was very impressed with what I saw on a prior visit to the school a few years ago, when Felix first started there.

   [logo courtesy of school360.org.uk]   [Photo courtesy of e-architect]                            Jude, Amy and Felix [Photo: PW]

After school we went to the nearby shop for ice creams and drinks, then headed home via the park.

    [All three photos by Paul Whitelock]

Saturday down south

I had offered to replace Amy's en-suite shower, which was yucky and loosely fitted, so I went out early to a nearby branch of Travis Perkins to buy what I needed.

When I returned I got Felix to be my plumber's mate. This entailed him passing me things, while I explained what we were doing.

I think he could turn out like me, his grandad, and like my son Tom, his dad. We are both competent DIY-ers/amateur builders who learned from our dads.

    [Cartoon courtesy of Facebook]

After breakfast we got ready for our trip to Hastings on the train, where we were going to stay with Tom and Su to celebrate Buckley's birthday at a BBQ/garden party with extended family .....

..... and Father's Day on Sunday.

    'Standing room only' [PW]

You can read about that experience, the second part of my journey, here: 

Long weekend in the UK - Eye on Spain

Other links:

Hey Jude (Remastered 2015) - YouTube

The Building History of a 72-year-old DIY Fan - Eye on Spain

The “Crazy Guy” gets his house finished just in time - Secret Serrania de Ronda

© The Spanish Fly

With thanks to:

Eye on Spain, The Beatles, The Spanish Fly, www.help-me-ronda.com, YouTube

Pictures:

Amy Gibbs, e-architect, Facebook, Santander Bank, Susannah Austin, Time Out, Tom Whitelock, Tony Gomersal, Paul Whitelock, school360.org.uk, 

Tags:

amateur builder, Amy Gibbs, BBQ, Bow, Bow Bells, Buckley's birthday, DIY-er, East London, Edward VII, en-suite shower, Felix, garden party, Hastings, "Hey, Jude!", Jeryl Burgess, Jim & Tonic, journey to the east, Jude, Paul Whitelock, Riverside East, school 360, school camp, Stratford, Stratford Centre, Stratford International, Susannah Austin, Tap East, The Spanish Fly, Tom Whitelock, Tony Gomersal, Travis Perkins, Ye Olde Bull's Head

Can the local Spanish tell the difference? Or is it only we foreigners who struggle?

These are all names of villages round here, but which is which?

Jimena de la Frontera

Jimena is a spectacular hill village in Cadiz province, on the way from Ronda to Algeciras.

I know it well. Years ago I used to visit every fortnight when I was a "paper boy" for The Olive Press. I loved it. To find out why, read this:

   Diary of a paper boy in Andalucia - Olive Press News Spain

   [Photo: www.jimenadelafrontera.es]

Jimera de Libar

I know Jimera de Libar even better than its near-namesake. Just 20 minutes away, Estacion de Jimera is the home of Bar Allioli (now Bar Allioli y Mas), a bar with food and live music at the weekends and bank holidays, located by the railway station and with a spectacular mountain backdrop.

Owned for years by Paul Darwent and his Danish wife Synnove, it built up a reputation for quality live music and "international burgers".

    [Photo: www.andalucia.org]

After Paul's retirement it was taken over by a local Spanish restaurateur, who continues to offer live music events (with Paul's help).

Jubrique

A tiny village in the hills above Genalguacil, Jubrique (Cadiz) is small but has great views and a couple of great little restaurants.

We like it a lot.

    [Photo: Blog]

Ubrique

Ubrique (also Cadiz) is a different kettle of fish. A large town, whose main industry is leather goods.

We've been a few times but it's not in our top ten.

    [Photo: Turismo de Cadiz]

Alcala

My first experience of a town called Alcala was in Alcala La Real (Jaen). It was 2009 and I was working for The Olive Press newspaper. Boss Jon Clarke sent me there for a week to sell advertisements (The OP is a free paper) and write stories for a "special" The OP had planned for the area.

I stayed in a hotel free-of-charge and got to eat, also for free, in several restaurants in the area in return for favourable reviews.

    [Photo: Traveler]

During my time there, I also got to know the staff of Olive Country Life magazine and ended up becoming a regular columnist for them.

Other Alcalas

Closer to home in Andalucia, there are a few Alcalas. Alcala is from the Arabic word for a citadel or fortess.

The first Alcala ever to enter my consciousness was:

Alcala de Henares

Located 50 km to the east of Madrid. It's the location of the parador de turismo closest to the Spanish capital.

Although I've visited/stayed in some 50-odd of the paradores, I haven't managed this one yet.

    [Photo: Spain.info]

Alcala de los Gazules

I've seen this on many a signpost while travelling in Cadiz province, but I've never been there.

Alcala del Valle

Also in Cadiz province, I`ve been there once.

Not much to recommend it, so I shan't be going back.

Alcala de Guadaira

[Awaiting text]

Photos and Images:

andalucia.org, Blog, Paul Whitelock, Spain.info, Traveler, Wikipedia, www.jimenadelafrontera.es

© The Crazy Guy

Links:

Diary of a paper boy in Andalucia - Olive Press News Spain

Alcalá la Real.- Conexiones, un proyecto para la integración entre culturas

With thanks to:

Secret Serrania, The Olive Press, Wikipedia,

Tags:

Alcala, Alcala de Guadaira, Alcala de Henares, Alcala de los Gazules, Alcala del Valle, Alcala la Real, Diane Dennett, Jimena de Libar, Jimera de la Frontera, Jon Clarke, Olive Country Life, Paul Darwent, Synnove, The Olive Press, 

The missus and I have just enjoyed a week's holiday in the south of France, in beautiful Provence.

I'm a keen Francophile yet, because of circumstances, I haven't been to the land of Asterix the Gaul for some 15 years. I am loving it.

There are positives and negatives about wherever you go, but the negatives haven't spoilt it at all for me so far.

[Image of Asterix courtesy of Amazon]    

The negatives were:

Having to turn the car round and return home to retrieve my wallet and phone charger, which caused an almighty row with her indoors.

Problems with our car hire at Marseille airport. I shan't go into detail, suffice to say that we were at the desk for well over an hour to pick up our PRE-BOOKED car. I had a row on the phone with the booking agent (Auto Europe) and we ended up paying double the price we had originally agreed to and paid for in advance. After the holiday is over, they'll be hearing from my lawyer. There was a positive which came out of this disaster, however, when the nice man at Europcar upgraded us to a higher category car, an automatic no less, at no extra charge.

Photo of our upgrade [PW]    

Only Rita was permitted to be a driver, because my Spanish driving licence is due to expire in mid-May. Inexplicably, I may not use it, even though we are only in April. So, in Spain, you pay for a licence for a period of time, but it's not usable for the three months prior to its expiry date! Is that not some kind of institutionalised theft or fraud? I rest my case.

More negatives have been the high prices, eg drinks and restaurant food more than double what we would pay in Spain; supermarket prices for just about everything "through the roof".

No pensioner discounts on tickets to museums, art galleries and other sites. Worst of all: the cost of our accommodation. We got basic at luxury prices; in Spain it's the other way around. We always find luxury at basic prices.

    A typical menu [Photo: Paul Whitelock]

Poor internet access and brittle WiFi (although that could be a positive, of course).

I could go on …..

The positives were:

EVERYTHING ELSE

The always pleasant and polite French people; breakfast (pains au chocolat, croissants, great coffee); the beautiful landscapes and villages of Provence; no TV; and so on and so forth.

Un petit pain au chocolat [Wikipedia]    

What have we done in Provence?

Our hosts are Rita's daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren from near Heilbronn in Germany. This is their third time at this same campsite near Avignon. They love it! Camping, Provence and this campsite.

They invited us to join them this year, so we did, although we don't lie on the ground at our age - we prefer a bit of luxury, ie a house with proper beds and ensuite bathroom. Not that we got luxury - we just paid luxury prices (see above).

Our spot on the campsite [Photo: PW]    

It's all very relaxed, we breakfast apart, but sometimes share lunch and dinner. We've planned a barbecue for Easter Sunday and a meal in a restaurant on the evening before we fly back home to Spain.

So far we've visited some enchanting Provençale villages passing through gorgeous scenery and vegetation, much of it similar to where we live in the Serrania de Ronda (Malaga, Andalucia). The villages remind me of the pretty pueblos blancos near us in Spain - except they aren't white in Provence, but a terracotta colour.

For those readers interested in names we were in Ceuvet, Gordes, L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Roussillon.

   Photos of Provencale villages we visited (L to R): Gorges, Ceuvet, Roussillon x 2 [Paul Whitelock]

Today it's dancing on the bridge at Avignon! ("sur le pont d'Avignon, on y danse, tout en rond")

    Le pont d'Avignon [Images courtesy of Wikipedia and YouTube]

Change of plan

My right Achilles tendon is playing up - after all the walking we've been doing, probably - so I decided to have a day off and rest it.

I snapped it over 30 years ago playing squash and after lengthy physiotherapy to get me mobile again after the operation to mend it, months in plaster and in a wheelchair, I've only ever had the odd twinge, usually in very cold weather.

Until now!

[Wikipedia]    

Knowing how much I wanted to see Avignon, the others kindly decided to postpone our visit till after the Easter weekend, and they went off to Le Beaux instead.

I had a quiet day at the campsite, spending most of the day writing.

When the others got back they told me what I'd missed and showed me photos and videos. Later they painted boiled eggs, which will be hidden around the campsite by Katrin and Gero for the children to hunt for and find on Easter Sunday morning (a very German tradition).

Easter Sunday …..

…. and we're over halfway through our stay here. All the eggs were found before we sat down together for an Easter breakfast.

That was quite international in content. The Germans all had a traditional German breakfast with bread, cheese and Wurst (except Katrin and Madita - they're vegetarian).

I stuck to my French petit-dejeuner of pain au chocolat and croissant, washed down with hot coffee.

Painted eggs [Photo: Wikipedia]    

Then Lotta, Katrin and Omma went climbing. Well, just Lotta and Katrin, as Lotta has become an enthusiast. Omma  was happy to watch.

When they returned we had a sandwich for lunch before they all went off to walk to the source of the river that flows through the campsite. I was going to go too, but then I decided to save my sore ankle, so that I could take part in the postponed trip to Avignon.

In the evening we went ahead with our planned BBQ.

The weather was pleasantly warm so we were able to sit outside together by the river and have a relaxed meal with lots of banter auf Deutsch.

I brought a bottle of the local rose to help wash it all down and a good time was had by all.

[Photo courtesy of Joom]    
 

Easter Monday

Up at 6.00 am for tea and typing. The tea is Tetley - proper stuff, mmm! Typing, yes just typing - there is no internet in our "luxury" wooden hut. I get access only when I go to Reception to collect our pre-ordered bread, croissants and pains au chocolat.

That's at 8.00 am so I'll squeeze in an hour online before the missus wants breakfast.

The revised plan for today is ….. a relaxing, flexible kind of day which might include revisiting L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for the flea market alongside the water. The Germans also want crepes again. "A load of crepe", I reckon!

A bit of food (and beer) shopping too. We've run out!

What actually happened

Gero and I went shopping to SuperU in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue but we didn't linger.

Katrin had baked a cheesecake, which we enjoyed with a coffee, then we all went off to Lagne. Some walked there and rode back by car; others swapped. Anton (disabled), Wuki the dog (disabled) and I (old and lame) rode both ways. We were disappointed that the only two cafes/restaurants were shut! On a bank holiday? Don't they want to make money?

    Photos of Lagne [Paul Whitelock]

So, we settled for an ice-cream back at the campsite.

After an early dinner - fresh white asparagus again for us - we all did our own things. Katrin and Gero walked to the nearby aqueduct to see the sunset, while the rest of us studied (Madita), played games (Rita and Anton) or worked on the free internet only available outside reception (me). Lotta read and Wuki slept.

    Three generations of Rita's family [Photo: PW]    

Tuesday

Avignon today. The place I really wanted to see. I'll probably be disappointed, because what we've seen so far has been "out of this world".

    Le Pont d'Avignon and the city wall [Photos: Paul Whitelock]

Well, I wasn't at all disappointed. The bridge is so interesting and the city is a walled city, like Avila (Spain), Carcassonne (France), Chester (England), Salamanca and Segovia (Spain), Trier (Germany) and York (England).

Le Palais des Papes (The Popes' Palace) was stunning. I didn't know previously that seven Popes had  chosen Avignon as their "home".

This was during the period when Avignon belonged to the Italians and Rome was a bit of a dodgy place to be.

    Le Palais des Papes [Photos: Exterior (Wikipedia); others (Paul Whitelock)]    

______________________________________________________________________________________________

STOP PRESS: We learned that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday morning aged 88, which added a certain poignancy to our visit.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Avignon is very touristy, of course, and expensive, but we had a great day.

We had a super lunch at a pizzeria in one of the pretty, traffic-free squares. Quiche Lorraine, three sorts of pizza and a vegetarian lasagne, washed down with cokes and a quality beer from the region. 180€ with tip for seven people. Not a bad price and the food was delicieux.

After a stressful drive back to the campsite, which coincided with rush hour, we were glad to "put our feet up". Rita started packing, while I attended to a few things on the internet. Then it was something to eat, a shower and early to bed (we need to leave the campsite at 2.15 am in order to get to Marseille airport for our early flight back home to Malaga).

Lunch at Le Milano in Avignon [Photo: PW]    

Wednesday

We got to the airport in good time, topped up with fuel, parked at the Europcar depot and posted the key in their box (no staff were there at this ungodly hour). Trekked to Terminal 2, went through security and in no time at all we were on board and in the air. 

This time, the international Ryanair cabin crew included two Portuguese men and a statuesque African lady from Cote d'Ivoire.

We landed 25 minutes early and headed off to Leroy Merlin the DIY store to pick up something we needed which we can't get in Ronda, and before we knew it we were home after a scrummy breakfast at Casa Diego near Teba.

Our voyage en France had been a delightful experience, but now we were back in Spain to the reality of everyday life and the shattering news that a young Spanish friend from Montejaque, Cayetano Postigo, 30, had suffered a cycling accident and died the day before and was to be interred today.

But that's another story for another day ..... (although there are a couple of links below).

Useful links:

Bienvenidos a la Provenza - france.fr

Pope Francis live updates: Vatican may extend hours to pay respects due to turnout - ABC News

La Terraza Mark II – Interview with Borja Tornay - www.secretserrania.com

Hallan el cadáver de un ciclista en una zona de difícil acceso en Montejaque | Diario Sur

Vive la France! - I've missed you! - Eye On Spain

© The Spanish Fly (Paul Whitelock)

Photos and images:

Amazon, Joom, Palais des Papes, Paul Whitelock, Wikipedia, YouTube

Acknowledgements:

ABC News, Diario Sur, france.fr, Wikipedia

Tags:

Achilles tendon, Amazon, ABC News, art galleries, Asterix the Gaul, Avignon is very touristy, Avila, back in Spain, banter auf Deutsch, BBQ, basic quality at luxury prices, booking agent Auto Europe, brittle WiFi, Carcassonne, car hire at Marseille airport, Casa Diego, Cayetano Postigo, cheesecake, Chester, climbing, cost of accommodation, Cote d'Ivoire, cycling accident, Diario Sur, double the price we had originally agreed to and paid for in advance, drinks and restaurant food more than double, Easter Monday morning, England, Europcar upgraded us, Eye on Spain, france.fr, Francophile, high prices, institutionalised theft, Joom, Katrin, Lagne, Le Beaux, Le Palais des Papes, Leroy Merlin, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, local rose, Lotta, luxury at basic prices, Montejaque, months in plaster, my Spanish driving licence is not usable for the three months prior to its expiry date, no pensioner discounts, Omma, Palais des Papes, Paul Whitelock, physiotherapy, pizza, pizzeria, playing squash, Pope Francis passed away, Portuguese, quiche Lorraine, reality of everyday life, relaxed meal, rush hour, Ryanair cabin crew, south of France, poor internet access, Salamanca, scrummy breakfast, Segovia, seven Popes, shattering news, statuesque African lady, supermarket prices, SuperU, tea and typing, Tetley, they'll be hearing from my lawyer, Teba, tickets to museums,Trier, vegetarian lasagne, voyage en France, walk to the source of the river, walled city, wheelchair, white asparagus, Wikipedia, York,  young Spanish friend, YouTube 

I am currently in France for the first time in 15 years, and it's great to be back in the land of frogs legs, snails and smelly Gauloises!

By the way, I like cuisses de grenouilles, escargots and, before I saw the light and gave up smoking, Gauloises.

[Wikipedia]    

La France "et moi"

I started learning French at Grammar School in 1961 aged 11.

I subsequently did French for A-Level and got a B, in the days when a B was the second-highest grade (no A* back then).

Although I applied to study French and German at university, I was persuaded at interview for my first-choice, Salford University, a pioneer of "modern" modern languages degrees, to start Spanish ab initio instead of French. That decision changed my life. How? See the link below.

After graduation with a BSc Hons. in German and Spanish, and a subsequent post-graduate teaching certificate (PGCE), I became a secondary school languages teacher.

Salford University original building [Wikipedia]    

In my first and third schools I taught Spanish, German and French and in my second school, a Roman Catholic Grammar School, mainly Spanish with a bit of German.  

As head of modern languages I led several school trips to France, namely to Rouen, the Loire Valley and Paris.

Later, as a LEA advisor/inspector for MFL, I organised several projects through the European Union Socrates programme, eg work experience for sixth formers in Chalon-sur-Saone and a study visit for young workers to Brussels.

Chalon-sur-Saone [Wikipedia]    

My family and France

As a family we travelled frequently to French-speaking countries (my then wife, Jeryl, was a graduate in French and Russian).

I recall Charente-Maritime; Lyon; Valence and La Voulte (Ardeche); Belgium; Luxembourg and the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean.

Post-retirement

After early retirement I spent three-summers-running with my pal Alan, also early retired, to work on the garden of his French father-in-law in Metz (Moselle).

By this time my spoken French had apparently become very good, or so I was told, by Alan, who ought to know, being bi-lingual himself.

Metz [Photo: Lonely Planet]    

After meeting German Rita in Ronda, and "shacking up" with her in Montejaque (Malaga), where she'd been living as a divorcee for a couple of years, we passed through France twice on our way from Germany to Spain, but by then my fluency had deserted me after five years of no contact with the country next-door.

By the way, "I made on honest woman" of Rita when we got married in 2010, in Maulbronn Monastery in Germany.

Kloster Maulbronn [Photo: Minube]    

Back to the present day

Now, after another 15 years speaking French is a struggle (French and Spanish are not that similar, even though they are both Romance languages, ie derived from the Latin spoken by Roman legionnaires as they advanced on several European countries to establish the Roman Empire - long since defunct, of course, like all empires.

Putin's Russia must be due to collapse any day! (We wish!)

Map of the Roman Empire [Wikipedia]    

Speakers of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian can communicate rather more easily.

***

This is my third day back in France after that 15 year break. I am in Provence in the Marseilles, Avignon area on the Cote d'Azure, where we are "glamping" with Rita's daughter and family.

They like to camp. We don't!

So we are staying in a wooden lodge, with beds, a kitchen and ensuite toilette.

Our pitch [Photo: Paul Whitelock]    

So far I've enjoyed being back in France, in that expensive, grubby, secular (Good Friday is not even a Bank Holiday!) and increasingly anarchic country, that is full of 'orrible "Frogs".

But I'm loving it!

© The Spanish Fly

Photos and images:

Camping La Couteliere, Lonely Planet, Minube, Paul Whitelock, The Spanish Fly, Trip Advisor, Wikipedia

Sources:

Camping La Couteliere, Paul Whitelock, The Spanish Fly, Wikipedia

Tags:

ab initio, Alan, anarchic country, Ardeche, Avignon, BSc Hons. in German and Spanish, Bank Holiday, beds, Belgium, bi-lingual, Brussels, Camping La Couteliere, Chalon-sur-Saone, Charente-Maritime, Corsica, Cote d'Azure, cuisses de grenouilles, early retired, early retirement, enjoyed being back in France, ensuite toilette, escargots, European Union Socrates programme, expensive, France, French, French father-in-law, French-speaking countries, frogs legs, Gauloises, German, German Rita, Germany, "glamping", Good Friday, graduate in French and Russian, graduation, grubby, head of modern languages, "I made on honest woman", I'm loving it,  Italian, Jeryl, kitchen, Kloster Maulbronn, Latin, La Voulte, LEA advisor/inspector for MFL, Loire Valley, Lonely Planet, Luxembourg, Lyon, Malaga, Map of the Roman Empire, Marseilles, Maulbronn Monastery, Mediterranean, Metz, Minube, modern languages degree, Montejaque, Moselle, 'orrible "Frogs", Paris, Paul Whitelock, Portuguese, PGCE, post-graduate teaching certificate, Provence, Putin's Russia, Rita's daughter and family, Roman Catholic Grammar School, Romance language, Roman Empire, Romanian, Roman legionnaires, Ronda, Rouen, Salford University, school trips, secondary school languages teacher, secular, snails, Spain, Spanish, speaking French is a struggle, spoken French, study visit, The Spanish Fly, Trip Advisor, Valence, Wikipedia, wooden lodge, work experience for sixth formers, work on the garden