An impromptu Basque Feast
Idio, Inigo and Laia came our way Sunday for beach and food.
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Nude Swimming
We did a bit if this while at our own pool. But Bells found a full-on (full-off!) Nudist beach outside Sopela. Most of us partook.
A Stop in Larrabetzu
On our way north from Madrid, we sponteneously stopped in one of our favourite places. While there, we ran into our nanny from 2010- Jone. And her Dad, whose house we stayed at on another trip. It felt great to be back. But we missed the fiesta by one day.
To The Bullfights!
In a small village nearby, they staged a bullfight. Seeing the banners, Grand-Dad, C and I had to go and see it first hand, for the first time. It was fairly traditional- costumes, horses, some well dressed people. And in a small stadium that I'm sure had been around for 100 years. But it was more gory than we expected. The death of the bull is bloody and tragic. The three of walked away from it grateful for the experience, but not inclined to go again.
Pig's Ear!
On our way home from dinner, we walked past the village butcher. Earlier in the day, Bella sent Grand-Dad in to buy a pig's ear. He had to order in Spanish. We then boiled it with beans for a lovely stew. And then we had one as a tapas at dinner.
Segovia- Home of a Roman Aqueduct
After a hot walk around the town, we find ice cream and with the Roman Aqueduct in the background.
Outside a Vermuth bar in Madrid
We all journeyed into Madrid for the day. Some walked around street markets, others took tour buses. And some stopped to sample vermuth- a typical Madrid day drink- at 1pm.
A hike up to Valle del Los Caidos
Through the pines, about 3 miles. This is a very impressive Franco Memorial to the Spanish Civil War. The basilica is dug out of the granite mountainside, and is about the size of St Pauls in London.
After paella, before a swim
We ordered a huge paella from a local restaurant, ate well in the middle of the afternoon and then all jumped into the pool.
Oh No! Car Trouble!
...and the battery dies 50 miles north of Palencia. Two hours later, we were into a rental car and back on the road. The kids were troopers!
Day 2: The Ancient Cave Paintings
The original cave paintings are off limits now, but the museum is worth the trip. Then off to the playa.