In search of Sun, Sea and Sangria! (1 Viewer)

[Robert Clark]

We left Bodeaux in the rain and headed towards the Spanish border. It continued raining until we got into Spain, then like a preview of things to come, the sun came out and the world looked a happier place.
Chose to stay at a campsite in Burgos because their restaurant was open all year - as stated in their website. However it's closed tonight, cos it's New Year, Dohhhh !

Thankfully Mrs C had another treat in the freezer - namely her Lamb Tagine. Whilst it cooked, we took a walk along the river towards the old town.
When we returned, the van was filled with the inviting aroma of dinner.

The temperature in Burgos dropped to a chilly 7 deg today with an overnight low of just 1 deg, it certainly feels colder than when we left France.

The journey so far has been a pleasure, and much more fun than staying at home. We're looking forward to the promise of warmer days to come - and to enjoying an evening without cooking.

Happy New Year!

 

[scousebird]

Happy new year Mr & Mrs Smiley.

 

[Fenman]

You're not having a lot of luck on the restaurant side so far.
Sitting at home, having just watched the BBC prog of Gareth Malone's choirs singing and I'm no music expert or enthusiast but that finale had a tear running down my cheek.
Happy New Year to you both.
And for God's sake find an open place as I'm suffering withdrawal symptoms here.

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[tonyidle]

We left Bodeaux in the rain and headed towards the Spanish border. It continued raining until we got into Spain, then like a preview of things to come, the sun came out and the world looked a happier place.
Chose to stay at a campsite in Burgos because their restaurant was open all year - as stated in their website. However it's closed tonight, cos it's New Year, Dohhhh !

View attachment 87887

Thankfully Mrs C had another treat in the freezer - namely her Lamb Tagine. Whilst it cooked, we took a walk along the river towards the old town.
When we returned, the van was filled with the inviting aroma of dinner.

The temperature in Burgos dropped to a chilly 7 deg today with an overnight low of just 1 deg, it certainly feels colder than when we left France.

The journey so far has been a pleasure, and much more fun than staying at home. We're looking forward to the promise of warmer days to come - and to enjoying an evening without cooking.

Happy New Year!

View attachment 87888

You two look far too happy ...................... and you've aged far too well. Have a good one!!

 

[ianthebuilder]

Hi mr and Mrs speve ! Lol Glad to see you got away safely ready for the adventure!! Your mh looks lovely and I'm sure it will take you safely through the journey, when I have finished here in a couple of weeks I will be back on the road and hope to come across you for a chat and update! All the best. Happy new year. Ian xx

 

[DavidG58]

I was starting to write a reply to above, confused myself attempting to unconfuse Ian, gave up

Glad to see progress is good if not rapid, you cover too many miles a day for my liking

Hopefully by now you have found a restaurant, or have you stayed at Borgos to be sure you do

Based on current daily mileage if not still there you must be in Morocco

Happy New Year to you both

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[Robert Clark]

Hopefully by now you have found a restaurant,
Based on current daily mileage if not still there you must be in Morocco

Hi David - we've left Burgos and have arrived in Puerto Lapice, south of Madrid.

We've managed to find a local restaurant and have made a reservation for tonight - or at least I think we have! The place was packed with Spanish people when we arrived, all talking as loud as possible. My Spanish is a little rusty having not spoken much since we left here 12 years ago. The waitres I spoke to wasn't really paying attention as she was making coffees and serving at the bar, and talking to her workmates , all at the same time.
Anyway it could be a great night - or Mrs C will have to create another culinary marvel from very little as we're starting to run short of supplies, everywhere being closed.

Hoping my Spanish was sufficient to be understood

Will report back later !

Happy new year to you too

 

[Robert Clark]

Left Burgos this morning just as the campsite bar/restaurant was opening. People were sat outside in the morning sun, sipping coffees and brandies - which looked very tempting. However we decided to carry on with our journey as we longed for a little warmth.

We travelled down to Puerto Lapice (Campercontact 26582) where there is a free Aire, complete with free dump station too. In the distance you can see the famous windmills, and the town itself, although small, makes a living from Don Quixote

At last !!! We found a bar/restaurant which was open
It served basic Spanish home cooking, and we both found something on the menu which reminded us of when we lived in Spain

We orderd a bottle of the local red wine

Which was served with a bowl of pork scratchings

Mrs C had Lamb chops with salad

I had Sepia Plancha ( fried cuttlefish) served with garlic mayo and potatoes.

For after we had Profiteroles

Followed by coffee and Rum - priceless !

Viva Espana

 

[DavidG58]

we stayed there last October (14) brand new then, we arrived on a Sunday couldn't find food anywhere, nice bread from shop on right on way south though

I think it was on the right, if not try left it was on the main road anyway

Funny thing is we drove from Biarittz to there in one day, 420 miles, vowed that would be the furthest we ever drove in one day again

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[Chockswahay]

Awesomenal !

 

[moulin 87]

We stopped south of Madrid in mid December, went to the local restaurant for an evening meal, the function room had a wedding on, while the main restaurant was empty except for us two.....until 150+ revellers appeared for a works xmas party!!!! When our food arrived, it was really good but we felt we were there hours waiting & waiting.........watching everybody else having a good time...

 

[scousebird]

That's a lot of lamb chops

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[Robert Clark]

That's a lot of lamb chops

There were a lot, but they were only small and cut very thinly. They were really tasty and tender

 

[Judge Mental]

Have you used tolls or N roads Robert

 

[StanandShirley]

Have good and safe trip we are heading out on the 19th

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[Robert Clark]

Have you used tolls or N roads Robert

We used the toll road as far as Burgos and are using Free roads now

 

[MitchandJenny]

We are" living" your trip vicariously.
Thanks and enjoy...
Next year (sigh).
Mitch. .

 

[DavidG58]

Your next section of road has to be about the most boring I have driven, mile after mile after mile after mile straight and flat, I ended up counting the monotonous joints in the concrete to keep awake

The one thing we did find to talk about were the regular and enormous car park refuge areas, the only thing we could come up with was snow related issues, putting all vehicles in controlled safe areas maybe

Hopefully you wont need them, presuming our verdict on their purpose was even correct

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[gus-lopez]

Your next section of road has to be about the most boring I have driven, mile after mile after mile after mile straight and flat, I ended up counting the monotonous joints in the concrete to keep awake

The one thing we did find to talk about were the regular and enormous car park refuge areas, the only thing we could come up with was snow related issues, putting all vehicles in controlled safe areas maybe

Hopefully you wont need them, presuming our verdict on their purpose was even correct

Same on the Huesca down to Zaragoza & on to Sagunto. It doesn't bore me though as I play 'guess the decoration' at the exits .All of them have some sort of giant sculpture. St George & Dragon , A giant Serrano ham, Don Quixote, etc.
& yes the huge parking areas normally with a petrol station/hotel ,like something out the wild west, are for snow .

 

[Robert Clark]

We've arrived in Córdoba (Campercontact 10741), it's only a car park, but it's situated right next to the historic quarter. No facilities now, but they were installing a dump station today

Córdoba is a fantastic city. The cathedral is an architectural wonder, formerly a mosque, which itself looks to have been built using recycled Roman pillars

We walked across the Roman Bridge

Had a great afternoon simply wandering around - taking in the sights

After a modest lunch of beans on toast and all that walking, we're ready for a decent dinner tonight and will post a report for the food lovers later!

 

[Chockswahay]

Hi @Robert Clark you might not agree but I thought Cordoba was better than Alhambra (don't flame me)

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[Robert Clark]

Hi @Robert Clark you might not agree but I thought Cordoba was better than Alhambra (don't flame me)

We haven't made it to the Alhambra yet, but it's going to have to be pretty darned good to beat Cordoba. Personally I don't like visiting cities, but you can't come all this way without visiting Granada.

 

[Robert Clark]

For the 'foodies'
Dinner tonight was spent at The Taberna Puerta Sevilla (The Sivelle Gate Tavern)

The inside was an open courtyard, which was very attractive
We ordered Perol Cordobes which was like risotto, in that it was rice, chicken and veggies in a rich broth

We had a bottle of local red wine

And for desert we shared a Flan De La Abuela (grandmas creme caramel, which was served with a glass of local prune flavoured wine - I know it sounds yucky, but it tasted like it would keep you regular!

A great end to a busy day

Tomorrow we continue our journey to the coast

 

[DavidG58]

The red wine is a little 'fresh' compared to your normal choices did you chose it, like I do, on alcohol content

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[Robert Clark]

The red wine is a little 'fresh' compared to your normal choices did you chose it, like I do, on alcohol content

No !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe I did, but it was very nice

 

[Scout]

liking the pud....

 

[BreweryDave]

Robert - nice trip!
If you land anywhere on the coast between Malaga and Motril I'm sure you owe me a beer

Or if you're feeling brave take a drive up to Competa and wild it for a night!

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[mariner]

Madinat al Zahara is just outside Córdoba, if you haven't been, you should!

 

[mariner]

Hi @Robert Clark you might not agree but I thought Cordoba was better than Alhambra (don't flame me)

IMO Toledo is better than both of them.

 

[Robert Clark]

I'm sure you owe me a beer

Shouldn't say things like that Dave - makes you sound like a wino

Have you found any decent beer in Spain?

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