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Published: October 21st 2016
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Franco-Spanish border
What a view for lunch Hello from Casas Nuevas!
When I last wrote we were just arriving in Biergas on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. The campsite at Gavin was in a nice setting and as it was quiet we parked across two pitches to get some space. There were lovely views across the mountains and magnificent kites and gryphon vultures soaring on the thermals. Chris had done a huge amount of driving and some of it not straightforward so when he suggested we move on I insisted we stay till Tuesday.
Sunday we did some jobs on the van, more sealant required on the aircon unit and a change of bedding and cleaning then we just chilled in the sun. We ate in the restaurant attached to the campsite. We had a delicious meal with some local dishes Chris’ starter of goat’s cheese and fig salad and my baked cheesecake were the highlights.
Monday we walked along the track and into Biergas which is a lovely little Alpine style town. We popped to the pharmacy, the bakers and the grocers and then sat and had coffee and watched the world go by. We enjoyed the afternoon sun and ate our evening
In full song
A visit from Charlotte..........Idg and Amy xx meal outside.
Aragon is not a part of Spain we know very well and we decided to visit Albarracin a fabulous old town, some think it is the most beautiful in Spain. We had a steady drive down and were underwhelmed when we arrived, the campsite had small pitches and some had low trees but eventually we got sorted.
In general there are quite big differences between the various campsites on offer in France and Spain and there are always pros and cons. In France the size of pitch is usually quite generous whereas in Spain you sometimes feel packed in (heaven only knows what the summer is like!). The facilities are far better in Spain the toilets are usually separate and not unisex and there are no open air urinals. They are also so much cleaner; the French sites have a certain unkempt feel. If you want Wi-Fi in France it is often an extra cost whereas in Spain there is usually at least a free zone around the reception/bar/restaurant. The availability of food and drink differs too and in Spain there is often a bar, serving food and used by the locals as well. On the
downside the Spanish are not a quiet race and weekends can be lively.
We wandered down from the campsite to the little bar beside the municipal swimming pool. It was pretty basic but we sat in the sun and enjoyed a beer which was only €2.50 compared with €6 in France. Spain is noticeably cheaper than France, diesel €0.99li against €1.07, two coffees €2 against €5-6 and wine €1 a glass rather than €3-4.
One of our basic principles about travel is that we try and spend our money locally where we can. If we use a free aire or wild camp we will always buy in the local shop. It might just be a loaf of bread or a meal or a few drinks or some meat from the local butcher. We appreciate the fact that the local council has provided the facility in the hope that it will bring revenue to the town or village.
Wednesday we set off to walk to the old town and our early misgivings were soon swept away as the old town emerged. A walk up a steep narrow street brought us to the Placa Mayor and a cup of
coffee in the sun to enjoy the splendour of the old buildings. We spent several hours just wandering round but sadly very few buildings were open. When we found ourselves back in the square we had tapas for lunch and some local wine and Chris said Ah Spain! We had lunch with an English couple who lived in France who were checking out what Spain had to offer.
Thursday we set off for a long day and drove to the house in Casas Nuevas. It took us about an hour to sort out the house and the van and then wandered down to Bar Theresa to see what had been happening since our last visit in July.
So back into a Spanish routine and enjoying the life here. I am back at school, on Thursday this year and shared some photos from Sri Lanka with the children. The motor home needs looking at, might be the alternator. We are investigating whether we can alter the house and create more outside space. We have found a lovely gym in Mula which we plan to use and there are classes for me Monday (Pilates) and Friday (espalda sana). It has
a Jacuzzi to use afterwards and all for €40 for 12 sessions about £3. The staff are young and friendly and I enjoyed a whole Pilate’s session and managed to keep up with the Spanish. Chris has a friend visiting next week and then we hope to go to the coast for a few days. Imogen and Keith are coming out in November. We are off to the jazz festival in Cartagena to see Gregory Porter at the end of November. I have a trip to the UK the first week in December. So quite a busy few weeks for us.
Finally I must mention the weather!! Last year at this time it was hot and dry and the fields were parched. In the last week we have had quite a lot of rain, almost got stranded in the bar the other night! There was a huge storm forecast for yesterday but it missed us and hit Pliego and Mula. The trees look so much greener and all sorts of plants are emerging and the reservoir will be topped up.
So till next time
Norma x
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