tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22834793295207060132024-03-18T09:48:01.055+00:00What the Butler sawThe wine in my life and the life in my wine.The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-54812616229114724802023-09-02T07:28:00.001+00:002023-09-02T07:29:09.750+00:00Con:Fusion <p> On my first day in Santiago, having finished the walk and completed my ablutions in the hotel, I walked into the city. </p><p>Passing a trendy restaurant, called Con: Fusion, I was able to spy on the menu that they were serving a Prawn Curry. </p><p>The restaurant name is a clever play on words in Spanish. Con meaning with fusion, and taken together confusion.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLo9tkbYDfsxv55KFdSD6FdWvAfKptAUxQ1QXoNmFT6UC87U5kuyPYXfpsQs6ORxyrczntfoeVuHcGmDkPvmkkGg-A4nDeAHA2WIssvGT-VF9HmhPFmVwf46azzTegaGtAd4U9dDscHvJ1bS9jnyEeX55YW0CxOVYWZ2TJtN0wnuQjoHdLcCRiMAbAAbi/s4032/IMG_7033.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLo9tkbYDfsxv55KFdSD6FdWvAfKptAUxQ1QXoNmFT6UC87U5kuyPYXfpsQs6ORxyrczntfoeVuHcGmDkPvmkkGg-A4nDeAHA2WIssvGT-VF9HmhPFmVwf46azzTegaGtAd4U9dDscHvJ1bS9jnyEeX55YW0CxOVYWZ2TJtN0wnuQjoHdLcCRiMAbAAbi/s320/IMG_7033.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>Sending a message to my friends, asking if they wanted to join me for dinner at 8.30pm, I got no response. However the prawn curry looked to good to miss, so I resolved to dine alone. </p><p>That evening, Juan, my friendly waiter with a tidy beard and apron to match, asked the damning question, « have you eaten here before? ».</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ47Q0X3RnQz8Mgdak5gkK8yeH9n5-2eHPb78yxY_oNWLh8RRbIVLVIpvA1b8a-Yp1yiXJwRuL0cfjX2sYMMAGrYF7KgPXg5t32tTu7M4ZMLE6S1vn6og8LI6PCbo0KnHww1mqJCQyjoILQY10PInU6m1aziTom2a7F_MM70fk_nXI3SZ5waPAFoOcevNR/s4032/IMG_7034.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ47Q0X3RnQz8Mgdak5gkK8yeH9n5-2eHPb78yxY_oNWLh8RRbIVLVIpvA1b8a-Yp1yiXJwRuL0cfjX2sYMMAGrYF7KgPXg5t32tTu7M4ZMLE6S1vn6og8LI6PCbo0KnHww1mqJCQyjoILQY10PInU6m1aziTom2a7F_MM70fk_nXI3SZ5waPAFoOcevNR/s320/IMG_7034.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I explained that I had just finished the Camino, was new to the city, and really wanted a prawn curry and a bottle of locally produced wine. Juan was very helpful with the wine, a beautiful white called Fanrel, from the Orixe region in Galicia. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDwULboDrWz07nQo0rh78F3rM70ByVH3p3vevLbI_gFq2eg79FYG7miFjzg_FJtHoWga1eedVq7XvmGYFArEILg8WOCHAQlpqLKHgRlvF6esM667fnntOYo1DfU5bLG2uddOC81wrfdRpbJQbIHXUVHqj_Xy8nt5QFsdOIMr8BByqn8ydHKB0w6aLWT8c/s4032/IMG_7038.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDwULboDrWz07nQo0rh78F3rM70ByVH3p3vevLbI_gFq2eg79FYG7miFjzg_FJtHoWga1eedVq7XvmGYFArEILg8WOCHAQlpqLKHgRlvF6esM667fnntOYo1DfU5bLG2uddOC81wrfdRpbJQbIHXUVHqj_Xy8nt5QFsdOIMr8BByqn8ydHKB0w6aLWT8c/s320/IMG_7038.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p>The confusion came when I tried to order. Juan informed me that he was keen to get me to try the local specialities, and sadly prawn curry was not on the list. My starter was going to be Ceviche de Bonito, a raw tuna dish, which I discovered later originated in Peru. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDfyEWjI2clsIw2wEHKM4pNA296GlL_4tLo5yaBOQmGRC_cri4aFlzMHFVku47VeWOxp0ekwo4GfvmIFdEEMo2_8kR6vrXRkC76u5IZgLN86xQQQIcZrMccBftJMWTY9LHt1atN-iVn04tCcQDrNUQrPxwZciHGnuqxRtbC7UBb1npef1gzSsdQexjgX0/s4032/IMG_7040.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDfyEWjI2clsIw2wEHKM4pNA296GlL_4tLo5yaBOQmGRC_cri4aFlzMHFVku47VeWOxp0ekwo4GfvmIFdEEMo2_8kR6vrXRkC76u5IZgLN86xQQQIcZrMccBftJMWTY9LHt1atN-iVn04tCcQDrNUQrPxwZciHGnuqxRtbC7UBb1npef1gzSsdQexjgX0/w150-h200/IMG_7040.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoe7L77taqzDB1sCmxp6V-RHGO93VEtS97d_wyehtF1B-sc7OLZvJ1cKR1SZjgI_2DAL3QvEfbUNoOorhHxTEFOGogRYEkvw68nn5iIEunVLcHXeOhQm_0ocaLnzn6F8-4vpEvQL5gQ0kD22nxMi4WlPx50QGWqOJus6xn3LXRdDsLVJNxK8cxQZpEMhY/s4032/IMG_7037.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoe7L77taqzDB1sCmxp6V-RHGO93VEtS97d_wyehtF1B-sc7OLZvJ1cKR1SZjgI_2DAL3QvEfbUNoOorhHxTEFOGogRYEkvw68nn5iIEunVLcHXeOhQm_0ocaLnzn6F8-4vpEvQL5gQ0kD22nxMi4WlPx50QGWqOJus6xn3LXRdDsLVJNxK8cxQZpEMhY/w150-h200/IMG_7037.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>Finishing the Ceviche, Juan returned to the table, beaming when I told him how great it had been. « Now for the prawn curry? » I said. Juan had other ideas. « Have you had Galician Octopus ? » he inquired. I pointed out that yes I had had octopus on the trail, and dépité Galicia spelling it differently to the rest of Spain, it didn’t hold the same allure as the prawn curry. Clearly that was where I was wrong, because octopus it was going to be. </p><p>During this time Konstantin had asked for my location, to join me for dinner. Incredulously, when he showed up, he asked Juan for a prawn curry, which the waiter brought him without a whimper. It just was not fair. </p><p>I asked for a prawn curry, despite feeling full, determined not to be beaten. This was turning out to be an expensive meal. </p><p>No luck, they forgot to cook it. Konstantin was keen to move onto a bar he had found, so we paid up and left, sin gambas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBBZwUccnLsC4GBcj33GTFPeDnb43mTYkeYhbhhLuvD4wpSKkrJssiujDbIH-B0xrtvvOVERP1TeAwZsnmlr-xmMciiYnLd0VAo4e3OEZ64YaTEFT6cum27hRWmAVKh7rchMIrOZPJcu60q7CR5lpTI55lODAhXb-PKEbHcTfJTG4QrzvzZZFZ1i8VYkQ/s4032/IMG_7091.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBBZwUccnLsC4GBcj33GTFPeDnb43mTYkeYhbhhLuvD4wpSKkrJssiujDbIH-B0xrtvvOVERP1TeAwZsnmlr-xmMciiYnLd0VAo4e3OEZ64YaTEFT6cum27hRWmAVKh7rchMIrOZPJcu60q7CR5lpTI55lODAhXb-PKEbHcTfJTG4QrzvzZZFZ1i8VYkQ/s320/IMG_7091.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkIgDgvS2P4aerF-TYv1Wd5MrRkx2Njb8HsrDZNUktR2t-zVvE6x-GxZrt9CNlh23cQJFK_iRhbujvxE3sLwID6zWbmRoRjKmgbOa1MvXVTeA8JQqu50Q9R3bn3SvsrP3ba4OLEpcwHQFNk02II16rOQ1t33F_1HJ3AILdlBzvO8g__IzEwi2YYfV4ZgL/s4032/IMG_7095.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkIgDgvS2P4aerF-TYv1Wd5MrRkx2Njb8HsrDZNUktR2t-zVvE6x-GxZrt9CNlh23cQJFK_iRhbujvxE3sLwID6zWbmRoRjKmgbOa1MvXVTeA8JQqu50Q9R3bn3SvsrP3ba4OLEpcwHQFNk02II16rOQ1t33F_1HJ3AILdlBzvO8g__IzEwi2YYfV4ZgL/s320/IMG_7095.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The following night, having fortified ourselves with a few Bombays and tonics, we returned as a four, for our last supper together. Curry de Gambas we sang as one. Juan looked sheepish, but knew he was beaten. Confusion was over, I got my prawn curry, and boy was it worth the wait.</p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-41415761826933595622023-08-27T04:13:00.007+00:002023-08-27T04:19:39.256+00:00The end of the World as we know it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq7M-7fZUV5HPbDuAWvfn2Zcc1dIxuLbsDHyG1q6woIQXSoaMgbh2TJWGG0S2qzAouiJdTQx3PouubXMBCndCgTIJn3ZoYrBKb6dT59bWq519Nu6ZJsOom5HaqXa49SB0KC83m2aVLoofXkD3W88pZr5NpipU5jh1H5PnK7SqNLGYw1eBP-joI5ZcLxdH/s3088/IMG_7060.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq7M-7fZUV5HPbDuAWvfn2Zcc1dIxuLbsDHyG1q6woIQXSoaMgbh2TJWGG0S2qzAouiJdTQx3PouubXMBCndCgTIJn3ZoYrBKb6dT59bWq519Nu6ZJsOom5HaqXa49SB0KC83m2aVLoofXkD3W88pZr5NpipU5jh1H5PnK7SqNLGYw1eBP-joI5ZcLxdH/s320/IMG_7060.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Camino, for some pilgrims, does not finish in Santiago, but journey on to the end of the world. The Romans believed that Fisterra, was such a place.<p></p><p>I knew that my Summer holiday, would not allow me to walk this part of the journey, so with my friend Konstantin, we caught an excursion coach, that would take us there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb-i7irut5b0E_7Bd0DjXVd9iN-Y7ycsCxvVyVpd2qRzD_raDnvSaGcduGFvDHtLo5-q04NW_IVWOjh7S-ER74bRaim4-FTOZrJL-MPYFsp9I1kgAFQ9Oyyz2ozNWbTkUEHq-0D6-QQthqUeevvnDrrtds_8JoIwI8ElPrAnpaaaQOJjfpuknZRoNz_zc/s4032/IMG_7047.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb-i7irut5b0E_7Bd0DjXVd9iN-Y7ycsCxvVyVpd2qRzD_raDnvSaGcduGFvDHtLo5-q04NW_IVWOjh7S-ER74bRaim4-FTOZrJL-MPYFsp9I1kgAFQ9Oyyz2ozNWbTkUEHq-0D6-QQthqUeevvnDrrtds_8JoIwI8ElPrAnpaaaQOJjfpuknZRoNz_zc/s320/IMG_7047.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>To validate the 45 euros, that would also show us some other stuff too. This Horreo is one of the longest. We have been spotting them all over the Camino, either made of wood or stone. They are used to store and air food, keeping humidity and rodents away. This record length was the result of a competition between two towns, looking to show off their wealth.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3KBUeYZXqPQCn-N6xGTVs7Vun_FPPdA9LB9L20Iy-utrT330ozVcmqZhzMeLDIdmdn2S8QKZI6ayQ6Amfuybm5B3cEtISopD1NIW9BioiQehVROz4iSbB_4ixTOzzAhACb0Vf7JKz2hHXXuCku-ZKp1pTeOAYxtBFeuXouLvcmvZinRQQFcup0r0IUaN/s4032/IMG_7056.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3KBUeYZXqPQCn-N6xGTVs7Vun_FPPdA9LB9L20Iy-utrT330ozVcmqZhzMeLDIdmdn2S8QKZI6ayQ6Amfuybm5B3cEtISopD1NIW9BioiQehVROz4iSbB_4ixTOzzAhACb0Vf7JKz2hHXXuCku-ZKp1pTeOAYxtBFeuXouLvcmvZinRQQFcup0r0IUaN/w150-h200/IMG_7056.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>The waterfall at Ezaro, is unique because it is a fresh waterfall, that falls into the sea. At Fisterra, the next stop on the trip, we had fantastic seafood for lunch in town. The light house is the point, where you can't see any land, just blue sky and sea. Konstantin and I had an impromptu swim in the Atlantic, at worlds end. It has the 0,00km marker stone for the Camino trail.<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJFC6HbymEViiMwnoxMf8sP-YdDonxPv1CsVgCLz6RYKR22rzgMlyz19W8j54ewyYfDEcpYpCYtTpJ3eN3GIIPfDeHoT2qY0r_yU9foqKr4nFULO6Xhrao6O3v3D6N-E-Hr9AkVSKytcNGyVnOcRaqzFdGIQS59dwmKs3vbnMYyRtJjkEWvTbt_yYnnxt/s4032/IMG_7066.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJFC6HbymEViiMwnoxMf8sP-YdDonxPv1CsVgCLz6RYKR22rzgMlyz19W8j54ewyYfDEcpYpCYtTpJ3eN3GIIPfDeHoT2qY0r_yU9foqKr4nFULO6Xhrao6O3v3D6N-E-Hr9AkVSKytcNGyVnOcRaqzFdGIQS59dwmKs3vbnMYyRtJjkEWvTbt_yYnnxt/s320/IMG_7066.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse at the end of the world</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Muxia</span></u><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItT5cHnYnOkTxWV0KGHjtgwNLbQH1rjNiOvzGtKdmZbWe_tGAebSON0bXquu43kK3GTPmtSYzuByFqlyqZVsBxcRktOXdjqcY6OFOXA461p_t9Cu9O-UPBdU7sB00ygxz99WyfrE77mgCa2JVvkzq53LjUE-YKXdH3M5Hm1esZTPdGdQhr1D5MSwh-XNE/w200-h150/IMG_7071.jpeg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItT5cHnYnOkTxWV0KGHjtgwNLbQH1rjNiOvzGtKdmZbWe_tGAebSON0bXquu43kK3GTPmtSYzuByFqlyqZVsBxcRktOXdjqcY6OFOXA461p_t9Cu9O-UPBdU7sB00ygxz99WyfrE77mgCa2JVvkzq53LjUE-YKXdH3M5Hm1esZTPdGdQhr1D5MSwh-XNE/s4032/IMG_7071.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwg25LEV4Fb1-bnY1RX9woQsUVrQ90H-3DpadcHpOZfR7WCuT6ttNA29ps36uIinWkz4KfDUWs9fUU9RuMJoQzd-51wKtMUiJhXkmRrfbs9sUudzJe2ULsJ_MHXmyXj1dhvvRIYZNCB-Y_aQj0gzHUeE_GPxY1ja6UqwE1PtYyE_U686jI3qoZ5swlQZC/s4032/IMG_7073.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwg25LEV4Fb1-bnY1RX9woQsUVrQ90H-3DpadcHpOZfR7WCuT6ttNA29ps36uIinWkz4KfDUWs9fUU9RuMJoQzd-51wKtMUiJhXkmRrfbs9sUudzJe2ULsJ_MHXmyXj1dhvvRIYZNCB-Y_aQj0gzHUeE_GPxY1ja6UqwE1PtYyE_U686jI3qoZ5swlQZC/w200-h150/IMG_7073.jpeg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofbF0OF0r6lr4MV7iet__rzGSNsuPS8sOgg3VWdsOrllTiBtkZg8R3rnkiiEFZByMTC5bGNLNBUmL5J3yF74FccJmbgsd13A4JD3tpUyJmPuVZjASDgkXwUORg31-R5rpBrCjado7rSEmSoIAW-gZpnt1uqiuSqHKlqwmpopgxtYfCQgiSfhva4hAkn6d/w200-h150/IMG_7074.jpeg" width="200" /></p><p><br /></p><p>The next stop on this magical mystery tour was to Muxia, famed for the shipwrecks, it is a choppy part of the coast. It was here too that the film "The Way" concluded, with him scattering his sons ashes into the sea.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNp8JBHB7V6-8isPBpEC6-8ndfjPo7fnKlyt1ALnS2_KHLXwGT3avhikg9FieLCIy5giBwAzixjW7KPKe1y-brn-C-wV097tfK_PTjug0B6LJJYooQv3ex6snrGmP7FqXpN1DYkv9KCyrSewNNs6UUuAwmi1IIbYbkHZMN3ECY2kTAPiBdDgnPr-VMsyT/s4032/IMG_7077.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNp8JBHB7V6-8isPBpEC6-8ndfjPo7fnKlyt1ALnS2_KHLXwGT3avhikg9FieLCIy5giBwAzixjW7KPKe1y-brn-C-wV097tfK_PTjug0B6LJJYooQv3ex6snrGmP7FqXpN1DYkv9KCyrSewNNs6UUuAwmi1IIbYbkHZMN3ECY2kTAPiBdDgnPr-VMsyT/w200-h150/IMG_7077.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><p>There is a fable about a stone boat that appeared here. The stone sail is all that is left, and as legend has it, if you crawl through the smallest hole and appear at the biggest, all you troubles leave you. Konstantin and I gave it a go!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnWJfjB5edUhtuGchm7Ysb3rM-QlKVY_HiQSwEhPIEXzzFgi6poDm-O9tlhgsyHUKE2yRCSQFm3NKREKIut0eMs8pvPrilho1nH7OS7ugx4wohkkU6TTLGlLC8nE1XMQ2mKD2fa7pZARhZSXfEIFzZ8xT9NFQjTcxXj0njOUtsmRB4Voc_ueEuXAN4odT/s4032/IMG_7086.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnWJfjB5edUhtuGchm7Ysb3rM-QlKVY_HiQSwEhPIEXzzFgi6poDm-O9tlhgsyHUKE2yRCSQFm3NKREKIut0eMs8pvPrilho1nH7OS7ugx4wohkkU6TTLGlLC8nE1XMQ2mKD2fa7pZARhZSXfEIFzZ8xT9NFQjTcxXj0njOUtsmRB4Voc_ueEuXAN4odT/s320/IMG_7086.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This is the bridge at Ponte Maceira, on the Camino way, were disciples of Saint James, evaded capture by the Roman army. The story goes that they crossed the bridge, before it fell into the river, halting the army in it's tracks. It is also one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, winning prizes. <br /><p></p><div>The trip was very good, the tour guide was excellent. She gave all announcements in Spanish, English and then Italian. </div><div>And so this is the end of my Camino world as I know it.</div>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-83010662839939056862023-08-24T15:23:00.000+00:002023-08-24T15:23:01.342+00:00Santiago de Compostela<p>Reaching Santiago, I wanted a number of things. I wanted closure on a walk, I wanted the certification that validates what I have done and I wanted the whole Cathedral experience. What I got was lost; physically and mentally. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIHIz4o7MFY3_NrkAL2286-BlqzqCvJwJq1zmnT-sv_q9x4sCYv7e4cczP6EE8fRJ_abd_PvBgrHgZGQ9xzqEC8HRYDgL0x1tQ8Wh7f8pgGepHfJuU2WdbfMa_DLLG1U7hQbXbs4niNHT5RNZPTpyuWCpD71Hxh3sM3F8aJnRLnivPAB1FWRsQ0ELHUfb/s4032/71456244272__D6978FE3-8E75-4130-8B6F-0C9E5599BB08.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIHIz4o7MFY3_NrkAL2286-BlqzqCvJwJq1zmnT-sv_q9x4sCYv7e4cczP6EE8fRJ_abd_PvBgrHgZGQ9xzqEC8HRYDgL0x1tQ8Wh7f8pgGepHfJuU2WdbfMa_DLLG1U7hQbXbs4niNHT5RNZPTpyuWCpD71Hxh3sM3F8aJnRLnivPAB1FWRsQ0ELHUfb/w150-h200/71456244272__D6978FE3-8E75-4130-8B6F-0C9E5599BB08.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6148HcuhR6DvCY6wjp0_X41m03fcPT6RwaVjvMqgf_b1mop_RGSwEPP2dKPQBaxJ31kttIGL6t7c_HzSnd-AP3MJ_9FJYPNIPABN7nK9GfzGlupD8WT_kBlwrE_joAZXmHXAoC-BpLVOaxD1t375stsRD6gXj_PvYdQTJOyifoDc8pVBhaPkfjDkhz3mL/s4032/IMG_7004.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6148HcuhR6DvCY6wjp0_X41m03fcPT6RwaVjvMqgf_b1mop_RGSwEPP2dKPQBaxJ31kttIGL6t7c_HzSnd-AP3MJ_9FJYPNIPABN7nK9GfzGlupD8WT_kBlwrE_joAZXmHXAoC-BpLVOaxD1t375stsRD6gXj_PvYdQTJOyifoDc8pVBhaPkfjDkhz3mL/w150-h200/IMG_7004.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>It took me a while, and tourists information, to find the Peligrino Offices. The man I saw was gentle and impressed I had come all that way, on my first Camino. With certificate done, I knew that Mass at noon gave me plenty of time to explore the Cathedral. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfA8f64z9_QSn0LFgPZi88zzbYbHrrSf-auohPd-q9Ll0kYaxDkj_LXDUYTYWld4VBiqJjMEGjr33b0zUQkhIhRTQXA_JT3D-0-9vxWhZuCQuneTCmSMTwMHlgY1bDLXUe_Xf2dIrNgg_4UWzMjQ5KFiD6VWl_bbG8LMFWFnpgpUPQJJEdsYo6FfeVTw4/s4032/IMG_7005.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfA8f64z9_QSn0LFgPZi88zzbYbHrrSf-auohPd-q9Ll0kYaxDkj_LXDUYTYWld4VBiqJjMEGjr33b0zUQkhIhRTQXA_JT3D-0-9vxWhZuCQuneTCmSMTwMHlgY1bDLXUe_Xf2dIrNgg_4UWzMjQ5KFiD6VWl_bbG8LMFWFnpgpUPQJJEdsYo6FfeVTw4/s320/IMG_7005.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovU3I5VsgZu3RjltRqzSKwaeIW1KXcX-YnodwCd6_BfeW76ZjAWbu92UcKOeiL-zKk-HK5CDp8v6wqBMTUG0V0aC0Q5k--_Bgjb151Y0kj3gOgks-n2OOGIw8TbhTDWIRyXsZeUJ1uEZoEdCZRNrUlFARWhQ38Eqyewys6I2FDNVtV5qFvog4lx5nFcdB/s4032/IMG_7007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovU3I5VsgZu3RjltRqzSKwaeIW1KXcX-YnodwCd6_BfeW76ZjAWbu92UcKOeiL-zKk-HK5CDp8v6wqBMTUG0V0aC0Q5k--_Bgjb151Y0kj3gOgks-n2OOGIw8TbhTDWIRyXsZeUJ1uEZoEdCZRNrUlFARWhQ38Eqyewys6I2FDNVtV5qFvog4lx5nFcdB/w150-h200/IMG_7007.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>It was on this tour, that I saw a priest sitting alone, offering confession in English and German. It was here that I had been adrift mentally. Giving my confession, I broke down and cried. He asked about my Camino, and I told him what a journey it had been. While saying my penance, I prayed for all the people I said I would. It was very emotional. </p><p>I found a seat at the front, for Mass. There were twelve priests giving communion, and it was a beautiful service.</p><p>Suddenly eight men appeared in burgundy coloured capes, adorned with the shell of Saint James. They took up the ropes to the thurible, filled it with lit incense and then proceeded to swing it, almost touching the roof. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzLql8KNaIaYLbXaj19EhzXGTnqi4S_TfQM46dMQkHCFmLOaQF27c2Uqca8_jcbTJ2cXfXn08CEEPPkq-0yvQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw63HqUENn4RX3iC46vqxMJAzhTsu74WmZY4czx8BKQDHROj1EzzVG0LuZVsY0J-1jshsY6m7064K1v4bViLQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>Just the perfect moment to be found, and now hang up my scallop shell.</p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-61388771723530713612023-08-23T14:53:00.004+00:002023-08-24T14:52:31.196+00:00Apostolising with Peregrino <p> Now on the penultimate day, I am walking between Arzúa and O Pedrouzo. I meet up with Carlos, who was at dinner last night, in a family run restaurant, in Arzúa.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzCqJeFdTBnEhrnIoLy9xybLnFVA7Mas5ERp5_K4-DTANEbSiA12v5mwVA-A0XyOxtWnoAKftx3-gpNnjFDYckBwybao07-oN0DEhVMd_VVkkLtwog38kwjiW_Zmn6fhQhmkPmKOTLsjWRtZhcm1LVWneFulo-OVembyK89QkVPCQkSjNa7lDhh74vcyt/s4032/IMG_7231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzCqJeFdTBnEhrnIoLy9xybLnFVA7Mas5ERp5_K4-DTANEbSiA12v5mwVA-A0XyOxtWnoAKftx3-gpNnjFDYckBwybao07-oN0DEhVMd_VVkkLtwog38kwjiW_Zmn6fhQhmkPmKOTLsjWRtZhcm1LVWneFulo-OVembyK89QkVPCQkSjNa7lDhh74vcyt/s320/IMG_7231.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Carlos has a holistic approach to his beliefs, especially that everything is connected to everything else.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF2Ln8oCZ8UsFadM5362hU0ZnKa1E_OqdbPorx0Dsa1TUcAJFq6JCkGdkYAcvRi3T_srdtWZhfnyFFHPY0VUXEKnDD7hGXYFKjOxcAwVaiwMvNANWgvtnXqXWhfdLslSMjvizBdsjj_TpiAPomwovbE5cACU1e2__KpZ7x81_Kqr7kJHimdRX1ZRFRzLM/s2048/57ec6e4b-05b3-4f6a-ad2e-b4afb514b7fc.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF2Ln8oCZ8UsFadM5362hU0ZnKa1E_OqdbPorx0Dsa1TUcAJFq6JCkGdkYAcvRi3T_srdtWZhfnyFFHPY0VUXEKnDD7hGXYFKjOxcAwVaiwMvNANWgvtnXqXWhfdLslSMjvizBdsjj_TpiAPomwovbE5cACU1e2__KpZ7x81_Kqr7kJHimdRX1ZRFRzLM/w200-h150/57ec6e4b-05b3-4f6a-ad2e-b4afb514b7fc.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQov6Ct-dKf9N7KZKVBM4n3NiB_Nn52ehiUIiL_63G3UFSVQsZ5dEcpl-mjXYVzzR9BTieY-qLtwPBsDIjV8xH6McDZ9qc0WIHWN68XPyWN1opUAjBpAmJ170KKXd6Z1zyV4W_5gkiZADGKoKAaXhGoyclc9cY6fQVZN7DtL3UKY9CpIOOtQFGXSgmXaqu/s4032/IMG_6941.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQov6Ct-dKf9N7KZKVBM4n3NiB_Nn52ehiUIiL_63G3UFSVQsZ5dEcpl-mjXYVzzR9BTieY-qLtwPBsDIjV8xH6McDZ9qc0WIHWN68XPyWN1opUAjBpAmJ170KKXd6Z1zyV4W_5gkiZADGKoKAaXhGoyclc9cY6fQVZN7DtL3UKY9CpIOOtQFGXSgmXaqu/w200-h150/IMG_6941.jpeg" width="200" /></a><p>This is in stark contrast to the my walking companion from yesterday, Bernard, a Catholic Seminarian from Brussels.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC4I9qLt3t0O_CkewNp9UEJTsDfnx5ABxNcc6WpFxE2hrWF0zbo7Wy5my5OMvwD62dNa3JFSlxv6L0N1Q-yzGGijquvkGvdIPuALCuIxcSqfDDKSAKxdBHDIqG46DMM86mQn_QCuojAhzyXr_3a6yUyYg1HIar3lODMk3o5TVkxSpOAoP-7K_AkMrWwQk/s4032/IMG_6936.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC4I9qLt3t0O_CkewNp9UEJTsDfnx5ABxNcc6WpFxE2hrWF0zbo7Wy5my5OMvwD62dNa3JFSlxv6L0N1Q-yzGGijquvkGvdIPuALCuIxcSqfDDKSAKxdBHDIqG46DMM86mQn_QCuojAhzyXr_3a6yUyYg1HIar3lODMk3o5TVkxSpOAoP-7K_AkMrWwQk/s320/IMG_6936.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p>However, there were plenty of ideas all three of us shared, and I would like to share with you. </p><p>Firstly, when faced with a mountain to climb, it is important to look back, to see how far you have come. On the Camino, I reflect that taking crossing the Pyrenees as a bench mark, then you can achieve anything. Suddenly the mountain does not look so big, and the kilometres will fall away. </p><p>Secondly, when carrying your pack so far, it tends to focus you on what you need and what is frivolous. The less you have, the lighter the load. Carlos expanded this idea to our heart, and the pain we carry. He promotes self-healing, and clearly has an ability to teach this. Reflecting on getting rid of what you don’t need, I look forward to attacking my wardrobe, as I have treated my pack.</p><p></p><p style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; font-family: -webkit-standard; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDo_jJKsiE3aaRcQ3MOkjnmJT_mr0nJNVzk87pxWIeIwKnfpTCuQF0liEdbdxyjpkW_6JR7VHDMtEcM66Jvbcn-PzEsp14JGeXdyGNAtpwYrODjXCSeprShlp_0eBJny0QPZhc8OTEWv1ll_P4X1aQtfs5fXifrAblcnD5wsdCa8VIVxQXHZYTuVEPSzQ/s1600/56a6ae09-f95b-47e4-86cd-ef5ee6fbe906.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDo_jJKsiE3aaRcQ3MOkjnmJT_mr0nJNVzk87pxWIeIwKnfpTCuQF0liEdbdxyjpkW_6JR7VHDMtEcM66Jvbcn-PzEsp14JGeXdyGNAtpwYrODjXCSeprShlp_0eBJny0QPZhc8OTEWv1ll_P4X1aQtfs5fXifrAblcnD5wsdCa8VIVxQXHZYTuVEPSzQ/w113-h200/56a6ae09-f95b-47e4-86cd-ef5ee6fbe906.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="113" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlos watching the kilometres decrease </td></tr></tbody></table><p>The next point was universal in it’s agreement, that you can’t change people, you can only change yourself. There are relationships on every level, in my life, that I need to improve. Love will resonate, and things will get better in time. Control your actions and don’t reflect others people’s anger by becoming angry yourself. Remember that family is paramount, work is in second place.</p><p>Finally, a number of Perigrinos have commented, that nobody lies on the Camino, there is no reason to. You walk, you share your life, you listen and talk. Why waste that precious time and energy on something not true?</p><p>It was refreshing how honest Bernard was, when he wanted to pray rather than talk. </p><p>In truth, I write these things down, so I don’t forget the lessons I have learnt, and to remember the people who made my Camino so incredible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-63860705500598907452023-08-22T15:37:00.004+00:002023-08-22T15:37:42.663+00:00The Naked Chef ( or Dinner Party on the Camino)<p> Arriving at Palas de Rei, after an enjoyable 25km hike through woods and farms, it was great to hear that my friends were there too.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTHw8ERs3nsSx0JK9gF5QWE1KWLXM45YEUsbDvkXZIZQsjXJ-tHJwyQi4zaww3-epGRtgAnLJC81XnU5f7qhOGLkFySPqtOdk9TRpd96PckgCLDLSZPyo4ShhmfDaGmoVtFHTrXZ-p-8dDB3z3-5XN1otIyepqBpsW6COg94kLPy9Lm6Uiz_3w_5pVrxJ/s4032/IMG_6832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTHw8ERs3nsSx0JK9gF5QWE1KWLXM45YEUsbDvkXZIZQsjXJ-tHJwyQi4zaww3-epGRtgAnLJC81XnU5f7qhOGLkFySPqtOdk9TRpd96PckgCLDLSZPyo4ShhmfDaGmoVtFHTrXZ-p-8dDB3z3-5XN1otIyepqBpsW6COg94kLPy9Lm6Uiz_3w_5pVrxJ/s320/IMG_6832.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The naked Chef, fortunately clothed in this library picture </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Erik called me and was excited, because their Albergue that night was equipped with a kitchen and dining area. He wanted to find a butcher’s, and demonstrate his professional skills as a chef. As an after note, he wanted to borrow a shirt, because they had washed everything in the Albergue laundry.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKE9s7lTJwNI2tzMnWBD4S3d3-hS4CWipxT7Qng1t_E8n11Zg_l-3lb7FKpG5QNr1aJdsIDW_R-PZjiaDYBIlJlWqgHWULuOAYjxJOHXOCS0IkofM5bNbJiPfru2FyPOq-pw6XUb0jg9WV6-LLYUdrKX5YxSg-qwfYBbAv_MWSQM4bbBwEpA_-HxKP0nc/s4032/IMG_6925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnwG9Q32O38XFJhyIj71Di9yunydED3LwZejH2Q4z3k5ysI9C5qrI2BV5h7n_u2EQhOktxXuHOTvYrvdg7PRjSa2rBtBFYBudFHCd32Ia9uskSwnbFnwixGdgIdBDS80jEqWGVBQpCwe6dvhbvrfh127fS8egr-gLtPxsiDcfHovUJ2SOvRKkNmi0IHzP/s4032/IMG_6926.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnwG9Q32O38XFJhyIj71Di9yunydED3LwZejH2Q4z3k5ysI9C5qrI2BV5h7n_u2EQhOktxXuHOTvYrvdg7PRjSa2rBtBFYBudFHCd32Ia9uskSwnbFnwixGdgIdBDS80jEqWGVBQpCwe6dvhbvrfh127fS8egr-gLtPxsiDcfHovUJ2SOvRKkNmi0IHzP/w150-h200/IMG_6926.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqp1aXb39qgpIaHO7Bmj5F3_9VIgZN7xkPguJrZ15b6pvutqiXmFySRnpArOXDb69lg6nnHOLuPMj1GWJxIs3EgUMw6_a1ChEd22puIT__kJ6DVBu8sBErBlfGw2llXwRLg-_0TgvHREJj4jHOmvp7qe6A-Q0ZR0hAWR4G_f2puCrmggWKpd1CAKIFQ4S/s4032/IMG_6927.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqp1aXb39qgpIaHO7Bmj5F3_9VIgZN7xkPguJrZ15b6pvutqiXmFySRnpArOXDb69lg6nnHOLuPMj1GWJxIs3EgUMw6_a1ChEd22puIT__kJ6DVBu8sBErBlfGw2llXwRLg-_0TgvHREJj4jHOmvp7qe6A-Q0ZR0hAWR4G_f2puCrmggWKpd1CAKIFQ4S/w150-h200/IMG_6927.jpeg" width="150" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>And so Erik, Orsi and I went into town on a quest for ingredients, Konstantin was to join us later. Erik clearly knew his meat, and was very masterful in acquiring Entrecôte and shoulder steaks for tonight. Melon, Parma ham, onion and broccoli purchased, I offered to provide the wine. </p><p>Back at the Albergue, with laundry still not finished, Erik striped my shirt off, to prevent it being splashed with oil. He and Orsi then got to work preparing this impromptu dinner party.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKE9s7lTJwNI2tzMnWBD4S3d3-hS4CWipxT7Qng1t_E8n11Zg_l-3lb7FKpG5QNr1aJdsIDW_R-PZjiaDYBIlJlWqgHWULuOAYjxJOHXOCS0IkofM5bNbJiPfru2FyPOq-pw6XUb0jg9WV6-LLYUdrKX5YxSg-qwfYBbAv_MWSQM4bbBwEpA_-HxKP0nc/s4032/IMG_6925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> </a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKE9s7lTJwNI2tzMnWBD4S3d3-hS4CWipxT7Qng1t_E8n11Zg_l-3lb7FKpG5QNr1aJdsIDW_R-PZjiaDYBIlJlWqgHWULuOAYjxJOHXOCS0IkofM5bNbJiPfru2FyPOq-pw6XUb0jg9WV6-LLYUdrKX5YxSg-qwfYBbAv_MWSQM4bbBwEpA_-HxKP0nc/s4032/IMG_6925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKE9s7lTJwNI2tzMnWBD4S3d3-hS4CWipxT7Qng1t_E8n11Zg_l-3lb7FKpG5QNr1aJdsIDW_R-PZjiaDYBIlJlWqgHWULuOAYjxJOHXOCS0IkofM5bNbJiPfru2FyPOq-pw6XUb0jg9WV6-LLYUdrKX5YxSg-qwfYBbAv_MWSQM4bbBwEpA_-HxKP0nc/w150-h200/IMG_6925.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>The Parma ham was wrapped around the melon for starter, served with two bottles of Lembranzas, 2022, from Albariño. </p><p>The Entrecôte steak, that had been hung for 35 days, were cooked to perfection. The broccoli was accompanied by a Hungarian salad dish made with onions and dressing. The steaks were served with three bottles of Coto de Imaz, 2018, from the Rioja region we had walked through. A fantastic time was had by all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1bKCHcNptddO3dJiWhdbTjOZRHYamOA59Kt-TghJE5VzIzMI9zWq8oxJNuaNBhQW3PJJgae7Ynzgoc9r2_MEHYsoNcXOZ6IrzHX5lW_5nOQG-8vt3s08ex1OtXNkNYPBRukP4KocAtJTt9mT6uFSXD7S4ZgQa2QpRfI29mGqT1Zrrbl-m7V8SjImxJea/s4032/IMG_6924.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1bKCHcNptddO3dJiWhdbTjOZRHYamOA59Kt-TghJE5VzIzMI9zWq8oxJNuaNBhQW3PJJgae7Ynzgoc9r2_MEHYsoNcXOZ6IrzHX5lW_5nOQG-8vt3s08ex1OtXNkNYPBRukP4KocAtJTt9mT6uFSXD7S4ZgQa2QpRfI29mGqT1Zrrbl-m7V8SjImxJea/s320/IMG_6924.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-24581221753391006712023-08-21T14:10:00.005+00:002023-08-21T15:11:19.013+00:00The Tower of Babel <p><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> There is linguistic etiquette on the Camino. Everyone is greeted in Spanish, either with a Hola or a <span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); font-size: 14px;">Buenos días. This is then followed up with Buen Camino. </span></span></p><p><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: black; caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: white; font-size: 14px;">After this you can try your own mother tongue, or try and speak theirs. Walking with an Italian women called Christina, from Milan, we began our exchange as above. It then became like the Tower of Babel, with Italian, English, Spanish and French all being used. At one point I fell back on my Latin, thinking that it must be close to the Italian words. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRgQZ_TccTI9KoKvsMzKa0sCpG_03ZzYPGvXF_0U0d0OrEZ9CbwODHMqnRTO1AyQpxv_sEBlyswkKxC6uTJM_5vyLe09Azg6iK8zryPZHBDl_O7jCn7O507UhoA6O9opGi9s2pgUsg_wvLFlQARTnh-Jw5r9ldGIBz1e9x0wwo_BYQY4Ly8JEvoBoIIzC/s259/IMG_6917.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="259" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRgQZ_TccTI9KoKvsMzKa0sCpG_03ZzYPGvXF_0U0d0OrEZ9CbwODHMqnRTO1AyQpxv_sEBlyswkKxC6uTJM_5vyLe09Azg6iK8zryPZHBDl_O7jCn7O507UhoA6O9opGi9s2pgUsg_wvLFlQARTnh-Jw5r9ldGIBz1e9x0wwo_BYQY4Ly8JEvoBoIIzC/w320-h241/IMG_6917.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Caecilius et Metella thermas Romanas visitant cum Quinto filio eorum. Eheu, mons erupit!</span></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la" style="background-color: black; color: white;">There is only so far your conversation will go, with GCSE Latin. In fairness, Christina didn’t give a monkey’s who was going to the baths, or that they were about to be covered in ash.</span></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3Lp1Tlmw-1H3e7xrsHrhS11YlBDNLIqH4kWm1qzA2TDSCx-K76G2vT3yiFkMHwXR5LavCA71IMfMeKBZq7UTRQZZnZeg1ekvy6fZWCEvRckcFS_phQYS6379V4_9BbImMFG3VF5VqjIsi7qtK5LniGFdet7Ul2kF55N5vvRQlRH-58w-vEtAKe75kj-N/s4032/IMG_6730.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3Lp1Tlmw-1H3e7xrsHrhS11YlBDNLIqH4kWm1qzA2TDSCx-K76G2vT3yiFkMHwXR5LavCA71IMfMeKBZq7UTRQZZnZeg1ekvy6fZWCEvRckcFS_phQYS6379V4_9BbImMFG3VF5VqjIsi7qtK5LniGFdet7Ul2kF55N5vvRQlRH-58w-vEtAKe75kj-N/s320/IMG_6730.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Other friend who come from Germany and Hungry, speak English so perfectly amongst themselves, it is staggering how linguistically capable they are, particularly when we are tasting wine. </span></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Walking with Danny, from Madrid, his English is incredible too. He still beats himself up, when he can’t find a word, however our conversation's are deep and varied. It all puts me to shame. </span></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la" style="background-color: black; color: white;">In my defence, when passing a group of French people, I did speak French to the lady. She was stunned but pleased, questioning how an English person was able to speak French, in Spain.</span></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la" style="background-color: black; color: white;">My point is that the Camino is the best of the Tower of Babel, where fellowship and friendship communicate above all. </span></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la" style="background-color: black; color: white;">To confuse thing further, last night, after a gorgeous meal of Octopus and beer with Danny, I watched regional dancing and bag pipes in the town square of Palas de Rei. Please tell me that this could not be similarly passed off in the Trossachs?</span></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la"><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sWovK8EPWvlEpx-1edMTNan096LsuiM9p3CuCRnZGCbzuI8rkD9hLp4v4Jr87jHhwEReptodcO-0oJ36EOBkMVWicp7AFzLr5sisgFQIIfl7GW1UfYA2bfeMJLxl9gJP2VKI7TZtAu1v1SWzlE3jfmaFeYJVOXvOitJVAt8m0K1jVBE96qxtxgZg1nob/s4032/IMG_6902.jpeg" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sWovK8EPWvlEpx-1edMTNan096LsuiM9p3CuCRnZGCbzuI8rkD9hLp4v4Jr87jHhwEReptodcO-0oJ36EOBkMVWicp7AFzLr5sisgFQIIfl7GW1UfYA2bfeMJLxl9gJP2VKI7TZtAu1v1SWzlE3jfmaFeYJVOXvOitJVAt8m0K1jVBE96qxtxgZg1nob/s320/IMG_6902.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbmdI33l1JwDdAWlXjMnoMCMEh0qxr0jbXv2kRqkGyihYTIxU5519cOtrXx33M2r0em56KyBhffJiTPi8yiVlPqEBKOxUJvty7tEclPA_2JvEH370uV1Z6G2FfaHvfvLiE6JCojca-AP_Iry4qwR0zj_iCHH_xcqIhAaA0u8jw3dSHqfPNZmlXG4zg1VG/s4032/IMG_6900.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbmdI33l1JwDdAWlXjMnoMCMEh0qxr0jbXv2kRqkGyihYTIxU5519cOtrXx33M2r0em56KyBhffJiTPi8yiVlPqEBKOxUJvty7tEclPA_2JvEH370uV1Z6G2FfaHvfvLiE6JCojca-AP_Iry4qwR0zj_iCHH_xcqIhAaA0u8jw3dSHqfPNZmlXG4zg1VG/s320/IMG_6900.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2JNzo4pQp4_aC2q-BIJ_NPewsqbFHUFVmd0JOxeD_7kH5qu2OSy9Iu_QOrt-60L7IB0YeSY2pXTIop6-LcYRebmmTH04glf0GHjEN6iKK1nALerzGpZfEXDmDlU1HBW-dZh8B7WZ0IacIyLWTHhbElUNnANjkeTDwTYisIha9sx0zBcu4PhPCJoJ6FOF/s4032/IMG_6901.jpeg" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2JNzo4pQp4_aC2q-BIJ_NPewsqbFHUFVmd0JOxeD_7kH5qu2OSy9Iu_QOrt-60L7IB0YeSY2pXTIop6-LcYRebmmTH04glf0GHjEN6iKK1nALerzGpZfEXDmDlU1HBW-dZh8B7WZ0IacIyLWTHhbElUNnANjkeTDwTYisIha9sx0zBcu4PhPCJoJ6FOF/s320/IMG_6901.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></pre></span></pre><pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large JgzqYd RES9jf tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" dir="ltr" id="tw-target-text" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: medium; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: -10px; margin-top: -10px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 0.14em 10px 0px; position: relative; resize: none; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 382px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nKw7gFp6W-g" width="320" youtube-src-id="nKw7gFp6W-g"></iframe></div><br /><span class="Y2IQFc" lang="la"><br /></span></pre>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-14906079866811710202023-08-20T14:29:00.009+00:002023-08-21T15:00:10.053+00:00Stones <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74WCVbM6pag4DqujPerxBA-FyZsyNvKf0qqEN2qYf_pW-73mOgDRsFluyQO2SvqaErwo-C0GIEipHcSsgT191vzl4LrBTuA7DlIxGrAbLSjh98UsQlSRXCa6lLnYmehNo5gbX4r3h5GBZV0sk4LaGdFnR6CRdcmjJ1gIC10kjoHRUiVblM2qGkDJ9nSJO/s4032/IMG_6884.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74WCVbM6pag4DqujPerxBA-FyZsyNvKf0qqEN2qYf_pW-73mOgDRsFluyQO2SvqaErwo-C0GIEipHcSsgT191vzl4LrBTuA7DlIxGrAbLSjh98UsQlSRXCa6lLnYmehNo5gbX4r3h5GBZV0sk4LaGdFnR6CRdcmjJ1gIC10kjoHRUiVblM2qGkDJ9nSJO/w150-h200/IMG_6884.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">A month ago, I began my journey in Saint Jean Pied de Port, crossing the Pyrenees. The night before we started, while walking around the old town, we came across an impromptu concert being given on the cobbles. Sitting on the stones, at the beginning of the Camino, listening to the music play, was fantastic. Sadly I could not upload the whole video.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzmCs6X4dyvOn4ofdmiqw3V7uMhalWO_Jt4j4jimiFR02OfDrg6I7jLStXmeO7zZvZakxOt7OrdYXmysC7aHA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Stones have then continued to mark the path. You will find huge arrows made from smaller stoned, pointing you on. They make up the very fabric of the path, they form bridges to cross rivers, like today into Portomarin. Castles, churches and Cathedrals. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WycpJXa0VDfcbobyTZnIB0HPDA5virmyV1zamvrSpNB2jdQJ5KFjKdEeklt9BMzRAcQsz_npHdeN_Uf7big1HjxTCeglro_IiFcxNkyZs5zReoQ9qf1hWj6yMIu_1RR5xZE43_JiN7xBSfOWb-qpXuxeQj_jF7iudQjl2qn5e37XqJR0eRxArSvXekOs/s4032/IMG_6893.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WycpJXa0VDfcbobyTZnIB0HPDA5virmyV1zamvrSpNB2jdQJ5KFjKdEeklt9BMzRAcQsz_npHdeN_Uf7big1HjxTCeglro_IiFcxNkyZs5zReoQ9qf1hWj6yMIu_1RR5xZE43_JiN7xBSfOWb-qpXuxeQj_jF7iudQjl2qn5e37XqJR0eRxArSvXekOs/w150-h200/IMG_6893.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ1zxHxwmfmJi7QVfObqv8qmbzKFgllUrgefey87nzJJX1nWsB7D1f2Rn67-6on1uan1t_-K7LosX65z-Rdnfrb2WSxQwwFKq-wVMypF6yATsWear0jpqM0E9ek7Tyh7Dy_63HTSwCTF8pat6XEi9YrXgGZG1himhzSoycpvovkW22tjj-1CJQSgBxMrF/s4032/IMG_6894.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ1zxHxwmfmJi7QVfObqv8qmbzKFgllUrgefey87nzJJX1nWsB7D1f2Rn67-6on1uan1t_-K7LosX65z-Rdnfrb2WSxQwwFKq-wVMypF6yATsWear0jpqM0E9ek7Tyh7Dy_63HTSwCTF8pat6XEi9YrXgGZG1himhzSoycpvovkW22tjj-1CJQSgBxMrF/w200-h150/IMG_6894.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p>Let us not forget the stones in my pack, that I carried to the Iron Cross, that came with such emotion, when laying them down. But also the stones becoming a permanent connection with the Camino and my family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzOtBg5v8kpXoYXbH4iiGUlDpC_YcdAiB4KMqlU_2M1xzbu8fi43m_hV2IgjPa_ey-dqn97e7fh3D8H9bqQV0-_ARD3i1iTM7fQ8TkZ5k_DAroRGzN5M1NV46m0GTcHd7xtRCEvXhlK3mvh3qOK6xL2cmWu8S3mrz0d9nW4cpvm0VwzEKFzbeHQxd7KCB/s4032/IMG_6723.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzOtBg5v8kpXoYXbH4iiGUlDpC_YcdAiB4KMqlU_2M1xzbu8fi43m_hV2IgjPa_ey-dqn97e7fh3D8H9bqQV0-_ARD3i1iTM7fQ8TkZ5k_DAroRGzN5M1NV46m0GTcHd7xtRCEvXhlK3mvh3qOK6xL2cmWu8S3mrz0d9nW4cpvm0VwzEKFzbeHQxd7KCB/w150-h200/IMG_6723.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>Pilgrims pile stones on markers, showing you are on the right path. Apostolising, as is my want, this can be verification that you are on a correct spiritual journey, as well as clarifying you are on the right path to Santiago. Today I crossed the marker, telling me I have 100km to go. Sonya Camino, my ace advisor, warned that the path from here on in would become busy, filled with pilgrims just doing the final 100km.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoRSxtKgiUNfniJUkBCCKjNIRZgyW2fXIfwJMwtxL8cVQElbQB5ZreSrbr1gLkSTl6qIGkuYHm3SQHyhHWzDFBVe5CdIRyVnX342lI7h7YJdUuoK6DuLH002DeaRFLVFa3PoaKfNbn2zefw2x1XEAghkDoIN7FXja1icJNIMsmzYsrHouO6xcJ8VE4N9V/s4032/IMG_6886.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoRSxtKgiUNfniJUkBCCKjNIRZgyW2fXIfwJMwtxL8cVQElbQB5ZreSrbr1gLkSTl6qIGkuYHm3SQHyhHWzDFBVe5CdIRyVnX342lI7h7YJdUuoK6DuLH002DeaRFLVFa3PoaKfNbn2zefw2x1XEAghkDoIN7FXja1icJNIMsmzYsrHouO6xcJ8VE4N9V/w150-h200/IMG_6886.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwBjKyZiwY370dASEEP4oAOcNztp-0mqsoj7zj9OlitAovAmxmP8sj_qk1l3E4JjmyVBN5wcQ9s_Jc8hO6fatRRm_5jCjX0t9HWL6bP5UG-ilDUfiid5I6RLFRzAxcAfXLU4SEH01Tk3kzSZGVz_jSjH2zQmGXVMgpf3jJhQ8hoZRd2diJm-2LyFxl--c/s4032/IMG_6888.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwBjKyZiwY370dASEEP4oAOcNztp-0mqsoj7zj9OlitAovAmxmP8sj_qk1l3E4JjmyVBN5wcQ9s_Jc8hO6fatRRm_5jCjX0t9HWL6bP5UG-ilDUfiid5I6RLFRzAxcAfXLU4SEH01Tk3kzSZGVz_jSjH2zQmGXVMgpf3jJhQ8hoZRd2diJm-2LyFxl--c/w150-h200/IMG_6888.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIW4q-fYcMdYYnD1EEWPUJuU6A-KoVusfYdkWP1YHLYU5l3vFMdzZ9JUdDUT1ltg1jvvwY_xdd2U6qHSoS3eW-Jt7gxluSwzOppQY6iPzZ1TDnpAavfoSvBHiLSQkrUhMhB4uvXqG5qkzvHbiFITvKx3j4zLSLZXT0UVQ6jhOb-GtDDkBDvONNew-687Ji/s4032/IMG_6889.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIW4q-fYcMdYYnD1EEWPUJuU6A-KoVusfYdkWP1YHLYU5l3vFMdzZ9JUdDUT1ltg1jvvwY_xdd2U6qHSoS3eW-Jt7gxluSwzOppQY6iPzZ1TDnpAavfoSvBHiLSQkrUhMhB4uvXqG5qkzvHbiFITvKx3j4zLSLZXT0UVQ6jhOb-GtDDkBDvONNew-687Ji/w150-h200/IMG_6889.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Stones are in abundance on the Camino and yet powerfully symbolic, just like the scallop shell for Saint James. <br /><p>Tentatively talking of seafood, Erik, Orsi, Konstantin and I shared an Octopus and an excellent white wine from Sarria. </p><p>The wine was rich, with marzipan and honey notes. It went perfectly with the Octopus, and the Calamari and Hake that followed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUkGjVbhrp80-KDJRaXbnT9-KjAAyZ37reCYhpKsfGVLDYp4z86ncqIjNTsNSltq1y7B2qT41pK-L3vzoSROgK14F9PFL89sjXINj5NYXFoa41buyEmGT3lD-BrArLTjkcf6lyvqc0AQOmQsYIMu2MeRadzpvIs0UrrTIOpbZVUVRqWTVHicLHCgA4X9H/s3088/IMG_6863.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUkGjVbhrp80-KDJRaXbnT9-KjAAyZ37reCYhpKsfGVLDYp4z86ncqIjNTsNSltq1y7B2qT41pK-L3vzoSROgK14F9PFL89sjXINj5NYXFoa41buyEmGT3lD-BrArLTjkcf6lyvqc0AQOmQsYIMu2MeRadzpvIs0UrrTIOpbZVUVRqWTVHicLHCgA4X9H/w150-h200/IMG_6863.jpeg" width="150" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZctQIAr6gKrfcIywW6X0mNp1M_brvp0-KaqwHCR-DM7v5YSMkD-HTHPhyF-mos7A9YNpTPPB6GpvwQeFHZkjtuK4U7zPeVXlnPqPekwCUPW3bMG1hyr-cvJEEh27y9da4TWXm08e7mWuNMzwWLNSGTGOiuaJRKO-HwxrlGyPIH90pCNpQsSxTlF_Aa37/s4032/IMG_6860.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZctQIAr6gKrfcIywW6X0mNp1M_brvp0-KaqwHCR-DM7v5YSMkD-HTHPhyF-mos7A9YNpTPPB6GpvwQeFHZkjtuK4U7zPeVXlnPqPekwCUPW3bMG1hyr-cvJEEh27y9da4TWXm08e7mWuNMzwWLNSGTGOiuaJRKO-HwxrlGyPIH90pCNpQsSxTlF_Aa37/w147-h200/IMG_6860.jpeg" width="147" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Rysf7w4llGn0uHBOfVU2978eaJSZ_ZArdwAgeOjO2H7_s3sVFO_KSxaNJGjTA1BrtBZv6-ByAz6Kb8nMhzwQIjbvFwEt26lTyg9CXZA7i2KltXImak91aCQzK1y5GSs0PICZnD3XxDzv-NmyB_wXo8CCgvjIwSty5OBlSHR_b6_SI5xpOk_PZmMf2c2L/s4032/IMG_6864.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Rysf7w4llGn0uHBOfVU2978eaJSZ_ZArdwAgeOjO2H7_s3sVFO_KSxaNJGjTA1BrtBZv6-ByAz6Kb8nMhzwQIjbvFwEt26lTyg9CXZA7i2KltXImak91aCQzK1y5GSs0PICZnD3XxDzv-NmyB_wXo8CCgvjIwSty5OBlSHR_b6_SI5xpOk_PZmMf2c2L/w200-h150/IMG_6864.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-15197658903805042832023-08-19T14:44:00.007+00:002023-08-20T01:28:25.970+00:00To be a Pilgrim<p> Back in primary school, I can remember standing in the big hall, used for assembly, singing about being a pilgrim.</p><p>As <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=558399369&rlz=1CDGOYI_enGB911GB912&hl=en-GB&sxsrf=AB5stBhbhQovpEmXb669pysMpzr2F0Ad6A:1692455838069&q=to+be+a+pilgrim&tbm=vid&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj1rpqo-eiAAxXzVaQEHXlbAXkQ0pQJegQIBhAB&biw=414&bih=622&dpr=3#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:8950e996,vid:5ntSKtaq_kg">John Bunyan</a> penned; “there is no discouragement shall make him once relent.</p><p>His first avowed intent to be a pilgrim”.</p><p>So what is it like to be a pilgrim? As you walk along the Camino route, you see there is an inordinate number of fruit trees, berries and edibles. Pilgrims in the past would have eaten fruit and then done a “Paula Radcliffe” I believe it is known as, along the route. </p><p>Subsequently more fruit and berries came. I might try it with wine corks, for the pilgrims coming after me.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI11px6xnmhwNyGcQx0l7w5Cf62XkhdxDsPOP9W-YlpGp_7_wKLMy5wI7jMchAWp2Y8IwyPIVJ4Cw247qsiDxb8KnWesGtf5nsE_spuwu94fQkkdug-5qUZCdx2-zrq2Knoa0bHuHIcS6D3l8Pj9KLK0KiqK2KaCJg_Nmu6KAuBN0pQVYh4Nk_z2ejaDSm/s4032/IMG_6829.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI11px6xnmhwNyGcQx0l7w5Cf62XkhdxDsPOP9W-YlpGp_7_wKLMy5wI7jMchAWp2Y8IwyPIVJ4Cw247qsiDxb8KnWesGtf5nsE_spuwu94fQkkdug-5qUZCdx2-zrq2Knoa0bHuHIcS6D3l8Pj9KLK0KiqK2KaCJg_Nmu6KAuBN0pQVYh4Nk_z2ejaDSm/w240-h320/IMG_6829.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p>Another aspect of the trail is bumping into pilgrims several days later. It was great to catch up with Orsi, Erik and Konstantin after several days away from each other. Orsi was kind enough to play chess. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhPmX_B6xFrIq1Gk7EBDn0s-_Myxd9kAjb6y4Koo_Ur19AR0XV8pYerEKdyLpBsxE66mOd2xS8V8-j0yMtsxLiETkDTxfg9QcAXaBK1naEuSMeTAyiPgRHhORZUkTcY3e2wQbxJ4_-cyoXRkGhJH9lPzSy_xz_V8Zgndf92zvCxfH4h0_wr4a_rE0JUEy/s4032/IMG_6760.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhPmX_B6xFrIq1Gk7EBDn0s-_Myxd9kAjb6y4Koo_Ur19AR0XV8pYerEKdyLpBsxE66mOd2xS8V8-j0yMtsxLiETkDTxfg9QcAXaBK1naEuSMeTAyiPgRHhORZUkTcY3e2wQbxJ4_-cyoXRkGhJH9lPzSy_xz_V8Zgndf92zvCxfH4h0_wr4a_rE0JUEy/s320/IMG_6760.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQoUXRXBXYsaf82Is4MJENzsr-mnMjZLtZ4EljQ1SY9Ab9zcSteE2zUhY-mbRzQ0VN7UgxjHAKfSM3bMvHJT2psQOjyogXg7_exz_Pao8uWmbi6UlxOiRPfwhU3A8yiMDjJKFnFM-zoyEkdlpHNMIRJ7Ch9f9A67KtUbVvOnc8Eokt3fc9tfH6FrYLqZK/s4032/IMG_6759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQoUXRXBXYsaf82Is4MJENzsr-mnMjZLtZ4EljQ1SY9Ab9zcSteE2zUhY-mbRzQ0VN7UgxjHAKfSM3bMvHJT2psQOjyogXg7_exz_Pao8uWmbi6UlxOiRPfwhU3A8yiMDjJKFnFM-zoyEkdlpHNMIRJ7Ch9f9A67KtUbVvOnc8Eokt3fc9tfH6FrYLqZK/s320/IMG_6759.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Today I had the pleasure of Danny’s company on the walk. We were introduced several days ago, but it was great to chat today. The topic of conversation was far ranging, and made the kilometres slip away. It did slow us down.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTYoB29xnXa39S5MhxAqOINbxdWtMbPxpVBrcbls9fQCtXfiUKzpnL58YYJqcI7hcmL0ggAAc-J174SDSOd3HG9ejXUnt4TnsTVq-oCyVjJ8JPXRteqPq2oZsQkVO00z0rVI9HavR-K8C0p6u_0cyij4lWL1qY4DtVHI3H03x6Md6d-lrj51lsOQnHYQN/s3088/IMG_6855.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTYoB29xnXa39S5MhxAqOINbxdWtMbPxpVBrcbls9fQCtXfiUKzpnL58YYJqcI7hcmL0ggAAc-J174SDSOd3HG9ejXUnt4TnsTVq-oCyVjJ8JPXRteqPq2oZsQkVO00z0rVI9HavR-K8C0p6u_0cyij4lWL1qY4DtVHI3H03x6Md6d-lrj51lsOQnHYQN/w200-h150/IMG_6855.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><p>Finally, for today, I want to mention the Pellegrino’s menu, that most restaurants offer. It is a three course dinner with a half bottle of wine. Standards vary, as two nights ago I had a soup that was given the love and attention of road kill. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchuxCmQMFTwWnmE5Ezj5n4GDdQd9A_Ei7dbNxJ0KHSyI9tbNqP7Kh0GI1c6HRiADzxIZPr1cWDv_8T4U601hxa9Gir04Bubaxoq8EJ_q_lKEltFg0R8NySQy5T5S4KD807GCA6seRnai2Qt1imKySy4upUobRvPAxK-f1jEw1D0JyZoZq0EOM-arfoA4T/s4032/IMG_6808.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchuxCmQMFTwWnmE5Ezj5n4GDdQd9A_Ei7dbNxJ0KHSyI9tbNqP7Kh0GI1c6HRiADzxIZPr1cWDv_8T4U601hxa9Gir04Bubaxoq8EJ_q_lKEltFg0R8NySQy5T5S4KD807GCA6seRnai2Qt1imKySy4upUobRvPAxK-f1jEw1D0JyZoZq0EOM-arfoA4T/w150-h200/IMG_6808.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so soup-er</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The price is normally less than 15E, which is a bargain.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc7jSq8h4ZjjU-OmgCVVN-jb8OgxlhXYGf8Ye52PRpcC6uXX5CzrbbXDzFt2uR_LP1gEkr3w1RcPLx-7g68eer0cszywac-JnM31Bz9GUq3kdXxYC3K2bgJVJ8yU2H7gac3iQqjSddbk8lbiP0qEBdpVZWH7x4KtuEw9EzNzMSH4oPlpfJoQpox3tVWWf/s4032/IMG_6847.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc7jSq8h4ZjjU-OmgCVVN-jb8OgxlhXYGf8Ye52PRpcC6uXX5CzrbbXDzFt2uR_LP1gEkr3w1RcPLx-7g68eer0cszywac-JnM31Bz9GUq3kdXxYC3K2bgJVJ8yU2H7gac3iQqjSddbk8lbiP0qEBdpVZWH7x4KtuEw9EzNzMSH4oPlpfJoQpox3tVWWf/w150-h200/IMG_6847.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>Last night however, I dined with friends, enjoying a local stew for starter and the beef tongue for main. Pudding was a frozen tiramisu, but the house wine was drinkable and the company divine. </p><p>Clearly he will make good his right, to be a pilgrim. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr9eZdDab_j0UO9pvVsjLTlLB8xj_hMPcNC9nvw-WshauBAX0fnF7uEF9Mxrxscz2U6ABPB1JmOX9agEvn-ho63x18UY7j6ujqo9tElpT017g0uE52jbLnv-t5hLWX9G7Bw3tP8lXTchOHQLE-fp3SyTBGc5mXLVDm3zwo8RiBFZdreWmxBHXI-DOWy70/s4032/IMG_6833.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr9eZdDab_j0UO9pvVsjLTlLB8xj_hMPcNC9nvw-WshauBAX0fnF7uEF9Mxrxscz2U6ABPB1JmOX9agEvn-ho63x18UY7j6ujqo9tElpT017g0uE52jbLnv-t5hLWX9G7Bw3tP8lXTchOHQLE-fp3SyTBGc5mXLVDm3zwo8RiBFZdreWmxBHXI-DOWy70/s320/IMG_6833.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY5c9Km6-6zYMs1KHjZNNr5NrAbCaKFJp4cfsY1CkN_JWot7trpcmK1ZPNWyZ4qKg4eKWz0DjDh7xi6wqE_KuusItfQ7e-78gq_AszGac0QkWO02VyKwpPYNMIFmjb1amEoEfLQIMzDcpJWIEmCkhOLzt6FO0abArpayG1li4cOU5UQndw_8NdxFii-GS/s4032/IMG_6838.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY5c9Km6-6zYMs1KHjZNNr5NrAbCaKFJp4cfsY1CkN_JWot7trpcmK1ZPNWyZ4qKg4eKWz0DjDh7xi6wqE_KuusItfQ7e-78gq_AszGac0QkWO02VyKwpPYNMIFmjb1amEoEfLQIMzDcpJWIEmCkhOLzt6FO0abArpayG1li4cOU5UQndw_8NdxFii-GS/w150-h200/IMG_6838.jpeg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcG-6ynr2h7y6SbhW8cxgxd8BlYb18SKtzQiNTE2HN619iQ6sRlUDTU8EmuJFKiTUDuEk8CiU3O42ERMuVzuDbKiFncFmwsVQBWn0-Sn3r6cHrfamvxi0MM_B-pUsLYEv1seQ2L36U0Mtw2fO_ufetyp51yFtHYmPkRXj1dIZs2aO2YniNmX8fPaW5hRi/s3840/0D04F7EC-5F8E-4E37-BEB7-7BC6ABC6C160.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcG-6ynr2h7y6SbhW8cxgxd8BlYb18SKtzQiNTE2HN619iQ6sRlUDTU8EmuJFKiTUDuEk8CiU3O42ERMuVzuDbKiFncFmwsVQBWn0-Sn3r6cHrfamvxi0MM_B-pUsLYEv1seQ2L36U0Mtw2fO_ufetyp51yFtHYmPkRXj1dIZs2aO2YniNmX8fPaW5hRi/w113-h200/0D04F7EC-5F8E-4E37-BEB7-7BC6ABC6C160.jpeg" width="113" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas2oG4yo80-mo87n0pSnEFeUFVxD3OpGPVAX_gsybl8AF_J6mBKHUkihC_qqXdrGAzjpik3k-MBpBxfx8C-knJ-RylFTDcv3Ubbd0qAT-kj61jFwJMWBALL-icUJby-1POn9phYAc1MvROuCwIKemz5TOmcy3US8fuMx7iHussMJ5SctkNKe_GlaqFyxp/s4032/IMG_6845.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas2oG4yo80-mo87n0pSnEFeUFVxD3OpGPVAX_gsybl8AF_J6mBKHUkihC_qqXdrGAzjpik3k-MBpBxfx8C-knJ-RylFTDcv3Ubbd0qAT-kj61jFwJMWBALL-icUJby-1POn9phYAc1MvROuCwIKemz5TOmcy3US8fuMx7iHussMJ5SctkNKe_GlaqFyxp/w200-h150/IMG_6845.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-17011549388355051222023-08-17T22:17:00.003+00:002023-08-19T14:18:50.569+00:00Bodegas’ wine tasting in a bar<p> Walking to Villafranca del Bierzo, much of the journey was passing through vineyards, interspersed with serious looking buildings, advertising their Bodegas. Sadly all of the buildings were either shut for siesta or not open to the public. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqlA8ArFLwLqIYYOfHfNeftdYgws7UTzii3Wp6lMH8d3i13a5grTpuA0A-rXulG_ZN8wofOAyL8GaayS75woM9b5YJJpx0ScO76-6tyO_0OUB__beGYyxTqQAktNyaiwRCfJPU1ylLMo1_cwY0RKlMPbTSIEPUrfVMlySlAfEqBvFd2M9KJL85aTCIsOt/s4032/IMG_6755.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqlA8ArFLwLqIYYOfHfNeftdYgws7UTzii3Wp6lMH8d3i13a5grTpuA0A-rXulG_ZN8wofOAyL8GaayS75woM9b5YJJpx0ScO76-6tyO_0OUB__beGYyxTqQAktNyaiwRCfJPU1ylLMo1_cwY0RKlMPbTSIEPUrfVMlySlAfEqBvFd2M9KJL85aTCIsOt/w200-h150/IMG_6755.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSkhsXD3lM41k08bIcdqseeHYg3jKT3y0o9hdf1fmrv4vxf0D7nXlKiXO7jUjJMaQSTGkQd6lLEuOGOjWR3oA_FwqxpyKZ018Vp4HY4b1_VNj1U7NpHdcf-f5c6qp5TfAAD5320f-ODyJRaPMwYkaHcpAWaIm3XGSmom7IdY1KHRCvi3QBO4FBmypkfXq/s4032/IMG_6757.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSkhsXD3lM41k08bIcdqseeHYg3jKT3y0o9hdf1fmrv4vxf0D7nXlKiXO7jUjJMaQSTGkQd6lLEuOGOjWR3oA_FwqxpyKZ018Vp4HY4b1_VNj1U7NpHdcf-f5c6qp5TfAAD5320f-ODyJRaPMwYkaHcpAWaIm3XGSmom7IdY1KHRCvi3QBO4FBmypkfXq/w150-h200/IMG_6757.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADAZCVRX4kzliF9FjkxrxioVSeDnUqWyssHOiAL_6JXEMqR-khNAopxpeM_0FyKoA5lTn8xQs7nhkueO__iN6BJidXoVMp8ViRm1H--r9obN6-MnTli7ibswbr2eEj6oBjwhNqCuzLbnuQU1AmTWPYFhvvwlJvlGeQWoJNhOJnwMXDaDo-r_jjO9sjm-1/s4032/IMG_6762.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADAZCVRX4kzliF9FjkxrxioVSeDnUqWyssHOiAL_6JXEMqR-khNAopxpeM_0FyKoA5lTn8xQs7nhkueO__iN6BJidXoVMp8ViRm1H--r9obN6-MnTli7ibswbr2eEj6oBjwhNqCuzLbnuQU1AmTWPYFhvvwlJvlGeQWoJNhOJnwMXDaDo-r_jjO9sjm-1/w200-h150/IMG_6762.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEzTmfZx1VlLudG5XWnBfNdjPYn4qhOz9Fdqdp0Ts7V5ET8ha-MEry3tYgmxau4MCRzM2T1dPm8D0IehFQ5QmVFPJPvoQ6X3yJon4i4pKx_0D5hJJBNcjFieHUiA-ksW3_54pURmtr7lrg5L8svohirturcaZU1d10hVPIl6p6zTwPsZInR93GP-6fuPc/s4032/IMG_6767.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEzTmfZx1VlLudG5XWnBfNdjPYn4qhOz9Fdqdp0Ts7V5ET8ha-MEry3tYgmxau4MCRzM2T1dPm8D0IehFQ5QmVFPJPvoQ6X3yJon4i4pKx_0D5hJJBNcjFieHUiA-ksW3_54pURmtr7lrg5L8svohirturcaZU1d10hVPIl6p6zTwPsZInR93GP-6fuPc/w200-h150/IMG_6767.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPrAsA-dcdm2px2hymlXUf-zT_nSDsAR0bI7yOOVeMs6xCZzqSOygaGubufIz-cZFXUQIzycCeOuth0SWrS8Lc0PPWDu7kbfQXiJiMtL-uTb1r5uA1Db-J9U4W7RnN30IT1v-XbambyR4d_wvr18dVlowi_tzKa_vngH9g1VloPabRLo5Ux8QPjkvB_sB/s4032/IMG_6769.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPrAsA-dcdm2px2hymlXUf-zT_nSDsAR0bI7yOOVeMs6xCZzqSOygaGubufIz-cZFXUQIzycCeOuth0SWrS8Lc0PPWDu7kbfQXiJiMtL-uTb1r5uA1Db-J9U4W7RnN30IT1v-XbambyR4d_wvr18dVlowi_tzKa_vngH9g1VloPabRLo5Ux8QPjkvB_sB/w200-h150/IMG_6769.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67V9dSbzcLTVc40n4mdzLvwbu9LS0hnvsEI3XXlrgW9Yn4kOEC-kNoym1D8SMJd2WZ71Z7D06rs6BR_QmKyi8yn73lBqYqNaX61mBldWQ5m8GnjdHJQu8tzF5SipMEF6sGrXx0-BAeHp_fUk71FAnJJTNJ3_Ur3r3emww1UeG5_s4ZQYN6xMbf-kLCGzp/s4032/IMG_6774.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67V9dSbzcLTVc40n4mdzLvwbu9LS0hnvsEI3XXlrgW9Yn4kOEC-kNoym1D8SMJd2WZ71Z7D06rs6BR_QmKyi8yn73lBqYqNaX61mBldWQ5m8GnjdHJQu8tzF5SipMEF6sGrXx0-BAeHp_fUk71FAnJJTNJ3_Ur3r3emww1UeG5_s4ZQYN6xMbf-kLCGzp/w200-h150/IMG_6774.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>When Rex was travelling in our party, he was desperate for a bodegas to be open, and me to do my magic. Today was not the day, so instead I took photos of the names, in the hope that a bar may have their wines in stock. </p><p>Having checked in, showered and changed, I headed out, into town for these wines. Sitting at the bar, I spied the first bottle. A red from the Finca bodegas. It was a Finca Cuesta, and was stunning from top to tail. A nose of rich leather, cherry compote and black pepper. It was gorgeous, so asking the barman for a pen, I made notes on a napkin. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3DlWDNi_S-cE2JjWghPtglJumgCwaajz0bVCass9e_ZXfa9VFeZob6wDuktmBxJ7OpAvm0LaNdO9X3y70ZfwXgYVAzwVAAxvYLP4hr61fFerPTb2uhwP92sY8Stn6SFKatfz7hP_MvW_m5cq9ju9iVciU7R0Ut5WOXiW-gqSzMvVHKB_-IkRlk-eiM2T/s4032/IMG_6781.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3DlWDNi_S-cE2JjWghPtglJumgCwaajz0bVCass9e_ZXfa9VFeZob6wDuktmBxJ7OpAvm0LaNdO9X3y70ZfwXgYVAzwVAAxvYLP4hr61fFerPTb2uhwP92sY8Stn6SFKatfz7hP_MvW_m5cq9ju9iVciU7R0Ut5WOXiW-gqSzMvVHKB_-IkRlk-eiM2T/w150-h200/IMG_6781.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>Questioning what I was doing, I explained about the blog and said this wine is incredible, so I will write about it. This is where the magic happened, as he said the guy next to you owns the Bodegas. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd2eOQtfilbJGIbcypN7rcw1T7ufBr_pDHkRuVpqhiKOVSAbv6cyhLYH-4AlKCuIh3VisfW3wxvAYpwZl4yzQK_pA4_S6U3fXTDb4rHIO1Vb1iiumHPZ5uLRr2JumTZqmbWFjIr63w-oY-Ov65nmInaMLS3GpDvJtSJdYtu4NkDxgzhnzN_pGpTpk6GBi/s4032/IMG_6782.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd2eOQtfilbJGIbcypN7rcw1T7ufBr_pDHkRuVpqhiKOVSAbv6cyhLYH-4AlKCuIh3VisfW3wxvAYpwZl4yzQK_pA4_S6U3fXTDb4rHIO1Vb1iiumHPZ5uLRr2JumTZqmbWFjIr63w-oY-Ov65nmInaMLS3GpDvJtSJdYtu4NkDxgzhnzN_pGpTpk6GBi/w150-h200/IMG_6782.jpeg" width="150" /> </a>We started to discuss his wine, agreeing the taste was stewed cherry, roast beef. It had a smooth finish for such a young wine. He got another bottle, his white this time the Finca white, 2022. It has massive fino sherry qualities, which was not for me.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBi-wj_mtWElc_Bv3CrHbVyqk_6LKgG0BMdCRDfKP-Uh-pp6lko_iUbJuvCeu0t79KGgwBkvazDRlRqV73JJs72FseafG7OhytZoMgbQFLpwCW-q_e34R3fFxNEmTbVlFq_ch7n5GBqcoiVuPff3rWg4BePOrmSsYx4m0eGAz8NNLtqfRa49hqTL1M2wH/s4032/IMG_6778.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBi-wj_mtWElc_Bv3CrHbVyqk_6LKgG0BMdCRDfKP-Uh-pp6lko_iUbJuvCeu0t79KGgwBkvazDRlRqV73JJs72FseafG7OhytZoMgbQFLpwCW-q_e34R3fFxNEmTbVlFq_ch7n5GBqcoiVuPff3rWg4BePOrmSsYx4m0eGAz8NNLtqfRa49hqTL1M2wH/w150-h200/IMG_6778.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PVPYojdesVHoXaGAruQUv5KKlRbAn9ArltRVB_DzultkNC2NvBkWmTm_cNwXfk4YaJ7mvW3YtNVxPFRr5IB4FykMPeycOBPGgq1Yb5pJ7Hk1oBxx1fEdDiz1b7Xiqu5uwRpFMczuqFPxi5Kb5rG_yomDf6x-GWGZZb8Omte4cIyZ1D-zScKVT45zJkqD/s4032/IMG_6783.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PVPYojdesVHoXaGAruQUv5KKlRbAn9ArltRVB_DzultkNC2NvBkWmTm_cNwXfk4YaJ7mvW3YtNVxPFRr5IB4FykMPeycOBPGgq1Yb5pJ7Hk1oBxx1fEdDiz1b7Xiqu5uwRpFMczuqFPxi5Kb5rG_yomDf6x-GWGZZb8Omte4cIyZ1D-zScKVT45zJkqD/w150-h200/IMG_6783.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next I spied a red the Luna Beberide (white) and Luna Befride (red). The barman said, the guy sitting two seats away, he owns these. The evening just got better and better. His white was lime juice and vanilla on the nose, lemon drops and vanilla on the taste. Slight oak on the finish.</p><p>His red had a dairy farm smell, tasting of cherry candy, rare roast beef and red currents. Such a smooth finish for a wine so young. We tried many more wines, not listed here, but this area produces corkers. Magic. To finish the evening, I stripped off to my pants and took a dip in their river (lido) thing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmutJjUtg2aLiOkJcTmfIXMioaPR_tSKfEL3jWvGDQ01GfzM4ejA9xf8HL6neIrVxTIwUctiSbHFXVFfuqfu3KZLpCsj6TcKieT9L1Kmg_fKK7EJth7vbzSlyMRwBlqBVTsrUnlTRBfJWHDSLULuFPHvit8xyYDoh4W508m9ET09H3DjpAyUZHnHshTQUV/s3088/IMG_6788.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmutJjUtg2aLiOkJcTmfIXMioaPR_tSKfEL3jWvGDQ01GfzM4ejA9xf8HL6neIrVxTIwUctiSbHFXVFfuqfu3KZLpCsj6TcKieT9L1Kmg_fKK7EJth7vbzSlyMRwBlqBVTsrUnlTRBfJWHDSLULuFPHvit8xyYDoh4W508m9ET09H3DjpAyUZHnHshTQUV/s320/IMG_6788.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd2eOQtfilbJGIbcypN7rcw1T7ufBr_pDHkRuVpqhiKOVSAbv6cyhLYH-4AlKCuIh3VisfW3wxvAYpwZl4yzQK_pA4_S6U3fXTDb4rHIO1Vb1iiumHPZ5uLRr2JumTZqmbWFjIr63w-oY-Ov65nmInaMLS3GpDvJtSJdYtu4NkDxgzhnzN_pGpTpk6GBi/s4032/IMG_6782.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3DlWDNi_S-cE2JjWghPtglJumgCwaajz0bVCass9e_ZXfa9VFeZob6wDuktmBxJ7OpAvm0LaNdO9X3y70ZfwXgYVAzwVAAxvYLP4hr61fFerPTb2uhwP92sY8Stn6SFKatfz7hP_MvW_m5cq9ju9iVciU7R0Ut5WOXiW-gqSzMvVHKB_-IkRlk-eiM2T/s4032/IMG_6781.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBi-wj_mtWElc_Bv3CrHbVyqk_6LKgG0BMdCRDfKP-Uh-pp6lko_iUbJuvCeu0t79KGgwBkvazDRlRqV73JJs72FseafG7OhytZoMgbQFLpwCW-q_e34R3fFxNEmTbVlFq_ch7n5GBqcoiVuPff3rWg4BePOrmSsYx4m0eGAz8NNLtqfRa49hqTL1M2wH/s4032/IMG_6778.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-82314273312346688142023-08-17T17:18:00.001+00:002023-08-17T17:18:32.704+00:00Let us be frank about Franco<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbdLsDeEARfguup1imVpiiMwnFV6SNP-rObvRutnMDhcxWPSaO1dU0BiaKlXtLvQxL7x7tHE2imMlmbhhnNyGsWJfe1lwvenWuHuIp61034YLk2yBrv4rcjsILeU-heZ6bcm74rX-FcKaV-SAcKz5QhFVnJ_j9w1f4WpoxUwsgKT67PevJ_dA8vp5jYsX/s4032/IMG_6596.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbdLsDeEARfguup1imVpiiMwnFV6SNP-rObvRutnMDhcxWPSaO1dU0BiaKlXtLvQxL7x7tHE2imMlmbhhnNyGsWJfe1lwvenWuHuIp61034YLk2yBrv4rcjsILeU-heZ6bcm74rX-FcKaV-SAcKz5QhFVnJ_j9w1f4WpoxUwsgKT67PevJ_dA8vp5jYsX/w320-h240/IMG_6596.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>If you dig into Spanish history, you will find a rollercoaster of tyranny and oppression. Initially by the church, then successive governments, multiple republics and the dismally by General Franco, in a dictatorship. It is estimated that a quarter of a million Spaniards were put against the wall, and shot. Before he died, Franco was asked if he forgives his enemies. No, he replied, I don’t have any, I had them all shot.</p><p>This part of history, is not talked about, especially in Spain. There has been on monument, erected to the three hundred people murdered at Monte de La Pedraja, for their political belief.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiookKl4fjnJtEtzdJi0eW_GSE3ep1FA0BdxXSx9mhgNJz2eGf7Uw3TQw4tP_HRvYV9TxwXPdzWy4OCWQ_eeQQGpyJMvxnatWaj3MO54bNRhDGVDaEk27RTRhUcIlVkmE6Hpj0nL_4VcqLdLumrdAsHibKRTDprMXGUqflDBAgp9bUgfJkhAy6wmt0hIEHu/s4032/IMG_6354.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiookKl4fjnJtEtzdJi0eW_GSE3ep1FA0BdxXSx9mhgNJz2eGf7Uw3TQw4tP_HRvYV9TxwXPdzWy4OCWQ_eeQQGpyJMvxnatWaj3MO54bNRhDGVDaEk27RTRhUcIlVkmE6Hpj0nL_4VcqLdLumrdAsHibKRTDprMXGUqflDBAgp9bUgfJkhAy6wmt0hIEHu/s320/IMG_6354.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>With this in mind, when I saw Anthony Beevor’s book, called “The battle for Spain, the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939, in a book swap, I jumped at the chance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNvtF748gj4h9UZwiaJTpy7KjyqAvJKWqc5ERhbaJ7GelAVQNMuXELTf2qHXeESt8qcAkuWE_hXP-OzJ_08dpNw-4GVWMckRThsY0fKEsfRUfch41-ND7dQOnR8U5NBC0eyefWQGnsRcv1qgZhNMv0dI_ulnJs3N4TnEkBZYVPjqzzrPJqYVWqD1Fgf4R/s1600/IMG_6809.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNvtF748gj4h9UZwiaJTpy7KjyqAvJKWqc5ERhbaJ7GelAVQNMuXELTf2qHXeESt8qcAkuWE_hXP-OzJ_08dpNw-4GVWMckRThsY0fKEsfRUfch41-ND7dQOnR8U5NBC0eyefWQGnsRcv1qgZhNMv0dI_ulnJs3N4TnEkBZYVPjqzzrPJqYVWqD1Fgf4R/w150-h200/IMG_6809.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>Anthony Beevor is an excellent historical writer, who I saw speak on his Berlin book, some years before.</p><p>Not wishing to teach, it is illuminating to read what went on, in the places I walk through, less than one hundred years ago.</p><p>The threat of Communism, and a strong left wing that was ultimately divided, made way for the weak right wing to take power. Franco was aided by both Hitler and Mussolini. He can also claim the first airlift of soldiers too. </p><p>He still has his place as an evil dictator, who held power till his death in 1975, a year after I was born. Makes you think?</p><p><br /></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-79118021781350443622023-08-16T16:53:00.003+00:002023-08-16T17:04:16.377+00:00A guide to the guide on the Camino<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEFDWeyKucnQbZjf3KOx9Q-UmYie4tc9hvwokY7Yu_09gVtzhVBGb9AkX7Oyk4yVsUvxo39X_xnsuwqIM8Pg2uLmijsOafq1p1VfHnC4pM2IsHkteIf6EPO8uwStoTQuOTYjOt3ZTl2BHNr3QWMW3wr7-is7P2RL4yoLMuI1dtl2MZNKZc2ixsgq89Pi_/s4032/IMG_6737.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEFDWeyKucnQbZjf3KOx9Q-UmYie4tc9hvwokY7Yu_09gVtzhVBGb9AkX7Oyk4yVsUvxo39X_xnsuwqIM8Pg2uLmijsOafq1p1VfHnC4pM2IsHkteIf6EPO8uwStoTQuOTYjOt3ZTl2BHNr3QWMW3wr7-is7P2RL4yoLMuI1dtl2MZNKZc2ixsgq89Pi_/s320/IMG_6737.jpeg" width="320" /></a><p></p><p> Looking at maps of tomorrows route becomes habitual. In the evening, before the restaurants open for dinner at 8.00pm, you take yourself through some set piece moves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrGU_QBHOiPPQxzrzEGXzMH2qyXatyiL3vyvgN3YCtKukkAP9MM0wec8rHQKI1Tt-06d2biIZmf_tG-vkloNkAKZrlc2X_zHMWnukTSglcQeGlHfAG_dlGksq5hMUSrpXI-Fx2kzn16Cm8todLJnMh0CAYENUOLa4hITLABtLWPi3Q_NfgQHVBYZgLk_i/s3088/IMG_6738.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrGU_QBHOiPPQxzrzEGXzMH2qyXatyiL3vyvgN3YCtKukkAP9MM0wec8rHQKI1Tt-06d2biIZmf_tG-vkloNkAKZrlc2X_zHMWnukTSglcQeGlHfAG_dlGksq5hMUSrpXI-Fx2kzn16Cm8todLJnMh0CAYENUOLa4hITLABtLWPi3Q_NfgQHVBYZgLk_i/s320/IMG_6738.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Firstly, you look at the app: Buen Camino. You can pay for it and I am sure that is wonderful, however I use it to find where the trail will start and stop, for tomorrow. That bit is free! Next up is goggle maps. I copy and paste the name of my hotel, for tomorrow night, and this will guide me home, so to speak, when I get to the destination town.</p><p>Technology done, Sonya Camino put me onto two guide books. The heavier tomb talks in detail about specific areas on the walk, it does have spiritual reflections, but the maps are pants. There is good local colour about the history of the places you are visiting. However, I get overwhelmed, so this stays in my bag for most of the time. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8QGqHNHBDfEex2Zem9_V8FCGZFtQtsiUyLqk7htpg9HN-sAdK3DwAK1xQgZzrSLdjiJXQZTYbDLnXLDC0K546-HYtr8GQq6ZhGebJOF_9Vg1DRbybw5kkqTzntIc379r5OXDcsjjymJDWnuMIBe_HrEOnscCOkOK3qdbVJj5pwOyliZ1EhCQgYqjpC3B/s4032/IMG_6764.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8QGqHNHBDfEex2Zem9_V8FCGZFtQtsiUyLqk7htpg9HN-sAdK3DwAK1xQgZzrSLdjiJXQZTYbDLnXLDC0K546-HYtr8GQq6ZhGebJOF_9Vg1DRbybw5kkqTzntIc379r5OXDcsjjymJDWnuMIBe_HrEOnscCOkOK3qdbVJj5pwOyliZ1EhCQgYqjpC3B/w150-h200/IMG_6764.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>The second book gives a double page spread to every big stage of the walk. It is the Michelin route planner to the Camino, and it is brilliant, a definite must.</p><p>Before I came away, I bought two copies of these, tabbing every page that I was away. One copy I left for my wife and children, the other never leaves my side. Visually it tells you what to prepare for, and in a motivational way, on the walk you can see how far you have come.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YrqScAkXLVBOeq9Jdorv1OEg0qd336J5ryVRB7Iz8VOpNWp6p6y3Fwvq2EsmUOG2FYHyrKjR_cqUkEu9TliFLMQq8J22HMizOM_NWZ06v2RtWdO0YBYsmTHUU6h6hZ2SNmXa_FJpYbR51Bvasc2e9AdAuG6jIdpN5N8kblhSip6U0vyBjyoowQL4uNmu/s4032/IMG_6763.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YrqScAkXLVBOeq9Jdorv1OEg0qd336J5ryVRB7Iz8VOpNWp6p6y3Fwvq2EsmUOG2FYHyrKjR_cqUkEu9TliFLMQq8J22HMizOM_NWZ06v2RtWdO0YBYsmTHUU6h6hZ2SNmXa_FJpYbR51Bvasc2e9AdAuG6jIdpN5N8kblhSip6U0vyBjyoowQL4uNmu/s320/IMG_6763.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As a visual for the day ahead, it gives you a quick glimpse of possible breaks and future climbs. It includes an actual map too, so you can see, in real time what is coming along.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLtsHNfKI1Ya9OqpJLEMwIut-N90kSO1fjAPJRV_UuWkDrqNZz4RzpXfT5RgxEU2rzHpY3JOJvFZYB5T-OD0yd5rnC8snRwar75GnuJjdN38VZnvBCCicI9eKaEOe7dgvMJSRLsmpZl6amsWIzOqDYRZjSEqSNKdb55I4tW-quLY48KQiXm3Rg8aHSAfz/s4032/IMG_6765.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLtsHNfKI1Ya9OqpJLEMwIut-N90kSO1fjAPJRV_UuWkDrqNZz4RzpXfT5RgxEU2rzHpY3JOJvFZYB5T-OD0yd5rnC8snRwar75GnuJjdN38VZnvBCCicI9eKaEOe7dgvMJSRLsmpZl6amsWIzOqDYRZjSEqSNKdb55I4tW-quLY48KQiXm3Rg8aHSAfz/s320/IMG_6765.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>Here is the problem. The icons used to represent cities and towns and villages, have been mixed up.</p><p>When my son was on the Camino, we joked that a work experience boy at Michelin books, called let us say, Freddie, was put in charge of the icons on each page, with no full comprehension of what he was doing. Putting icons where they were aesthetically pleasing, rather than representative. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3JXSfQpMuyGBIRhZ1puiL0_YQK3jFd_gZOtISe5s3LK3a4AlFYpNVQ_S-mh3TehFFtT9BR3ok6-nF_E9CN1b-fb9RunHHKHKvytyTkrcY4g8EfWIb3iD-s4apzul7o9u7PSLsDOWzbR9IqF1QJ8JkgeDZL34mo6jAdik3MRxfawPgik2tUwFkFjp48Co/s4032/IMG_6739.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3JXSfQpMuyGBIRhZ1puiL0_YQK3jFd_gZOtISe5s3LK3a4AlFYpNVQ_S-mh3TehFFtT9BR3ok6-nF_E9CN1b-fb9RunHHKHKvytyTkrcY4g8EfWIb3iD-s4apzul7o9u7PSLsDOWzbR9IqF1QJ8JkgeDZL34mo6jAdik3MRxfawPgik2tUwFkFjp48Co/s320/IMG_6739.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Take last night, Ponferrada carries the Freddie icon of a small village, however in practic, it took more than an hour and a half to walk across the city. The castle, above, is worthy of its own icon. </p><p>Villafranca del Bierzo, where I am staying tonight, has the same icon as Leon, But has no cathedral or anything like it.</p><p>I just feel that the Michelin book department were against a deadline, and no-one thought to check on Freddie’s work. </p><p>The other thing about this book, that makes me laugh, is the man icon, at the top of each page. With Green, Amber and Red, you would naturally think the traffic light system, but no. Green is the hew colour of wine you drink for finishing early. Forgive me, but Amber is the colour of your per, despite drinking throughout the day, say maybe three litres. You sweat so much on these days, that you just can’t drink enough to change it. </p><p>Using the same scale, red is the colour your feet change your socks to, because you have walked so far.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJq5V0FeYA5mF5u5iqH8Oc8LIo8uWQKbCCUXr9IzSomsUOwdU1Etv6Lvl5QbPtDVNJ8QaV4VMvKEGf67Z96Hh0R1qDch4eiAlmfzt0N3LnEiwaVWuHPDew1LV6YwHMs4JLajIdKx-W3DqjI2LySKXX5JYpLPq8thdT0iaz9GcP8nrPYBmILABT6PTnBUYC/s4032/IMG_6777.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJq5V0FeYA5mF5u5iqH8Oc8LIo8uWQKbCCUXr9IzSomsUOwdU1Etv6Lvl5QbPtDVNJ8QaV4VMvKEGf67Z96Hh0R1qDch4eiAlmfzt0N3LnEiwaVWuHPDew1LV6YwHMs4JLajIdKx-W3DqjI2LySKXX5JYpLPq8thdT0iaz9GcP8nrPYBmILABT6PTnBUYC/s320/IMG_6777.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Sitting on my hotel balcony as I write this, I can see I am walking two double pages tomorrow; one is green, the other red. From my art lessons that makes brown, is that a shit day?<br /><br />Very much like the musicians at the start, this is all just a bit of fun.</p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-77285579894508200632023-08-15T19:14:00.006+00:002023-08-19T15:03:07.260+00:00Konstantin and I<p> Konstantin and I have been sharing rooms, hostels or Villages from the start. It transpired that we had both booked through Pilgrim Way, and we were inextricably thrown together till Santiago. Konstantin is from Berlin, he had a great personality, and we just clicked. On the Camino, you need nothing more.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRz_-544bdat12ylHhNjxurFo1Jwsq523iCXkkDzcuXVOJeI8KVvSR-ZiBPLJAdIE4GooLki8d_-KJOGTx6ZgVeU6qG4KAkWk05uDkFCrNWq4Ap7_bb4tULcqqxVDX2XZsDCUjs2mu0vfNe3Ngu9SQIVL6i38xF54uDhkgEFDGarpYvFp5yhgjQChFMKZ/s3088/71309476666__74636595-30D6-4023-8646-A71FAE524680.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRz_-544bdat12ylHhNjxurFo1Jwsq523iCXkkDzcuXVOJeI8KVvSR-ZiBPLJAdIE4GooLki8d_-KJOGTx6ZgVeU6qG4KAkWk05uDkFCrNWq4Ap7_bb4tULcqqxVDX2XZsDCUjs2mu0vfNe3Ngu9SQIVL6i38xF54uDhkgEFDGarpYvFp5yhgjQChFMKZ/s320/71309476666__74636595-30D6-4023-8646-A71FAE524680.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>Every time we meet, we embrace, the Camino way. Telling him about my blog, he asked if he could be in it. So just for him, here we go.</p><p>At Foncebadón, someone had got a bottle of Moscato. Rather than a flute, the staff had given a red wine glass. </p><p>Just for fun, I suggested a wine tasting with Konstantin, Erik ( a chef from Berlin) and Orsi, a Hungarian from Pest. </p><p>Looking at the alcoholic volume, I was way off, with a guess of 11%. It was in fact 6%. </p><p>Looking at the nose, I got Cider apples. Erik felt there was massive Elderflower. Konstantine smelt orange or under ripe lemon zest. before.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92cg3Un2ficN-w-zVtm953iaJXMZyo3xGf8KRR9Yoc779Vc7JUlV4_wQknAbS8Y8EJ0khBXGy7IwOG7qmmdqIq4EfzZq0IefiYIEw4pUdgI1jKz-R58BsZe9G-vp_b-rEdftsdV3b8mOE6h739l4wm_N410FIBBTs2x7RRPwvdbLKKPQtEFtNaL-UZsnE/s4032/IMG_6705.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92cg3Un2ficN-w-zVtm953iaJXMZyo3xGf8KRR9Yoc779Vc7JUlV4_wQknAbS8Y8EJ0khBXGy7IwOG7qmmdqIq4EfzZq0IefiYIEw4pUdgI1jKz-R58BsZe9G-vp_b-rEdftsdV3b8mOE6h739l4wm_N410FIBBTs2x7RRPwvdbLKKPQtEFtNaL-UZsnE/w150-h200/IMG_6705.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>The taste for me was dominated by stewed or cider apples. Erik thought there was honey dew melon, while Konstantin though he detected fresh Spanish Orange. Orsi said there was sherbet on the nose, but agreed with what had been said<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqD1OXl9f7uik3xur7KvOh5UPUHNvPtx5P8pE-PkQXAtUdPQWEvr0UCOvQH3-cylrQGkjki-i-abj4tYT98cy0LPne48rSf0gAMhFKycrJ8rjS4XwhjOomdPocYEZznug1HTjQqYrdM3uHypIrn7qJVHgdpPjZsapEdnWPJ31hrI798rL0tSlKqOtfzUFx/s4032/IMG_6706.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqD1OXl9f7uik3xur7KvOh5UPUHNvPtx5P8pE-PkQXAtUdPQWEvr0UCOvQH3-cylrQGkjki-i-abj4tYT98cy0LPne48rSf0gAMhFKycrJ8rjS4XwhjOomdPocYEZznug1HTjQqYrdM3uHypIrn7qJVHgdpPjZsapEdnWPJ31hrI798rL0tSlKqOtfzUFx/w150-h200/IMG_6706.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMU9rx7sO8QrNJIzoYGrPgQvzG1jZu-oEqJJx-ZBFGzXRBzoKW15LtuONN11SG2QQg82U6Bh08Go_u5F7joNt4Fz5yd5XqlM9UGlHRLzX5WlMVto1FfBKunfXC6nWBapHS025dWAoe6a1g2d1awGh2oZad1R70PKUNhkpHQi1DgK0pWON13YeTil2tLTb/s4032/IMG_6707.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMU9rx7sO8QrNJIzoYGrPgQvzG1jZu-oEqJJx-ZBFGzXRBzoKW15LtuONN11SG2QQg82U6Bh08Go_u5F7joNt4Fz5yd5XqlM9UGlHRLzX5WlMVto1FfBKunfXC6nWBapHS025dWAoe6a1g2d1awGh2oZad1R70PKUNhkpHQi1DgK0pWON13YeTil2tLTb/w150-h200/IMG_6707.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO1YmhZgftzHfVFQoYv1m64Js42jFWxyMQEtQ9zfjfVi47753hJrYjm2sUZxBbB0b0Ku95vxzJDFt21frw2Ae7YttJwsmrFQ9aUqijpj06Eg7fsvMViD2ye3uCNWPJeBrQqWZT-TnLaIkQfratNpX6svLDkou3d3rhSvnhKM2W1S-QeeLarBp0yJu4v88/s4032/IMG_6708.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO1YmhZgftzHfVFQoYv1m64Js42jFWxyMQEtQ9zfjfVi47753hJrYjm2sUZxBbB0b0Ku95vxzJDFt21frw2Ae7YttJwsmrFQ9aUqijpj06Eg7fsvMViD2ye3uCNWPJeBrQqWZT-TnLaIkQfratNpX6svLDkou3d3rhSvnhKM2W1S-QeeLarBp0yJu4v88/w150-h200/IMG_6708.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9np67qSxhU4wmfIww0lsTMGw15mWrcyKZL4BF1vJhx3cMuy2t03gmSwmzeyi1M6mwC20mPshNjA5ASvMbjblj98x94JIVs0KqlQccZn06Jg4LaN00zcdKaq2VE8QDX4AE0NlzIJ7M4NNX6xAE49aCqh80i3w0ok3CmIGCgAb0kr2yNSCI87W0vqKCEcu/s4032/IMG_6709.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9np67qSxhU4wmfIww0lsTMGw15mWrcyKZL4BF1vJhx3cMuy2t03gmSwmzeyi1M6mwC20mPshNjA5ASvMbjblj98x94JIVs0KqlQccZn06Jg4LaN00zcdKaq2VE8QDX4AE0NlzIJ7M4NNX6xAE49aCqh80i3w0ok3CmIGCgAb0kr2yNSCI87W0vqKCEcu/w150-h200/IMG_6709.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Konstantinos showing his stuff.</div><br /><p><br /></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-21660692830737581482023-08-15T13:01:00.002+00:002023-08-15T17:29:34.856+00:00The Iron Cross<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Before I started out on the Camino, I was fortunate to spend time with Sonya “Camino” (nobody uses surnames on the trail). She has reached Santiago recently, and so generously shared her story of her walk on the trail with me. </span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In sharing her story, she had lots of tips: products to take to deal with blisters, head-torch, for early morning walks etc.</p></div><p></p><p>Sonya’s energy, happiness and inner tranquility, that she had reached on the Camino, was infectious and almost tangible. I was envious of her calm and smile, and can only hope I find the same peace.</p><p>Sonya also made me aware that I must carry a stone, taken from my garden, and carry it with me. I would know what to do, when it came to it. Researching the stone, I found this.</p><p>It is firstly a permanent symbolic link with your home and the Camino. A physical presence linking the two locations, that can never be broken.</p><p>The stone also represents something in the Peregrino’s heart, that they want to leave behind. This could be : unpacking grudges or resentment’s in a relationship, dealing with bereavement or seeking closure on something. </p><p>Early pilgrims saw it as a way of expunging sin. Leaving the stone, signified leaving the sin behind. As a Catholic, I don’t believe this gives absolution in the same way confession does. On the plus, it does show commitment to not want to sin again. </p><p>The stone, therefore connects your home with the trail, but also stands for something you want to leave behind.</p><p>When I left, I took two stones. One from the top of Snowdon, for my nephew Angus. The other from my garden. I asked my family to give me a stone, for their “something to leave behind”. They were gentle and gave me small stones to carry.</p><p>When my eldest son left me in Burgos, he passed on the stone he had been carrying along his trail. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yPF7M-0vEbWlUo-mgjyiLpaLTd8CA5ZRTU_lnvCzoXZFpwxw7EJ-6O-WlK8oxKxaX32EXxn7a7l6AVcWg0g7A_sUoCI21e1lgb7wpnwwxkXTd24waGUHCj9j9lKiC1oM-4lg2kcqTiz3R1GTH3guLX-Ra-HwFlGqkz1E68JNArt83wBDlnmiLtaYHNNs/s4032/IMG_6717.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yPF7M-0vEbWlUo-mgjyiLpaLTd8CA5ZRTU_lnvCzoXZFpwxw7EJ-6O-WlK8oxKxaX32EXxn7a7l6AVcWg0g7A_sUoCI21e1lgb7wpnwwxkXTd24waGUHCj9j9lKiC1oM-4lg2kcqTiz3R1GTH3guLX-Ra-HwFlGqkz1E68JNArt83wBDlnmiLtaYHNNs/s320/IMG_6717.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Today, after a brisk 2km, whilst the sun came up, the Iron Cross could be glimpsed through the pine trees. My first thought was how humble it was.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslt4G7lWYQUu3lPtVjBmWK1K2S_wqd2cjmvRpW3zpxlmhUaRSazb5fTfM6H-0Fsk9MRG2UjO7CucWp0dRH7pSZBJJAsp1s5lMFmoDLmcgyIcEQtENdOH1svd3on64A5k3fzAxfjU_Qh-EXCRYOuPx6KgDb5OkKHUfAF8rCVDoXTiz5vDkEKQ14RWxvwm1/s4032/IMG_6719.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslt4G7lWYQUu3lPtVjBmWK1K2S_wqd2cjmvRpW3zpxlmhUaRSazb5fTfM6H-0Fsk9MRG2UjO7CucWp0dRH7pSZBJJAsp1s5lMFmoDLmcgyIcEQtENdOH1svd3on64A5k3fzAxfjU_Qh-EXCRYOuPx6KgDb5OkKHUfAF8rCVDoXTiz5vDkEKQ14RWxvwm1/w150-h200/IMG_6719.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>As I drew near, I realised it was not the humble one. There was a respectful silence, as people deposited the stones, they had been carrying since France.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s9VIX8ca_e5QQT5iWaUpMaTwW_DL5GmmEV6J-PnvzqVo7R-RAW0-3AFtWe6ZhoPQkqa7pJJPY5UdneY3ObpvvqTHcWRMw9l-7aQf9Oa1jw1nQUL-pwUdQtyVQ_1LzQL21r9sUi1iC2uIkHic5y5Z9Ha9i9u9xr8F_o_q2LZVnXEexhkQDxUqtP_WcLeV/s4032/IMG_6723.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s9VIX8ca_e5QQT5iWaUpMaTwW_DL5GmmEV6J-PnvzqVo7R-RAW0-3AFtWe6ZhoPQkqa7pJJPY5UdneY3ObpvvqTHcWRMw9l-7aQf9Oa1jw1nQUL-pwUdQtyVQ_1LzQL21r9sUi1iC2uIkHic5y5Z9Ha9i9u9xr8F_o_q2LZVnXEexhkQDxUqtP_WcLeV/s320/IMG_6723.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I placed my seven on a flat rock near the top. My children had asked for a photo, which I sent on the family WhatsApp. My text said “ Whatever you asked me to leave on the mountain, it has been left on the mountain. X”.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oR4qwqswN1V0CXZHIIUAJ7phPcE9Lt4TrSY-Mle5-dkEn8r_1gqnHoVtRx24Fth1IJY19AzvkLuez6OVQdP8di2pX05oEtoxpotnyLi7r9xWhfNsO23nHo4i0AWSf5ThiGYNLr7aaNgGK-LSvVN8GzK-CKvRo-udjuEQye0fkKqRnS_0rA2P_Zfu8-Px/s4032/IMG_6722.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oR4qwqswN1V0CXZHIIUAJ7phPcE9Lt4TrSY-Mle5-dkEn8r_1gqnHoVtRx24Fth1IJY19AzvkLuez6OVQdP8di2pX05oEtoxpotnyLi7r9xWhfNsO23nHo4i0AWSf5ThiGYNLr7aaNgGK-LSvVN8GzK-CKvRo-udjuEQye0fkKqRnS_0rA2P_Zfu8-Px/w150-h200/IMG_6722.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>Making way for others, I was happy to slip away and move on. As I turned around the sun had lit up the cross, so I took this photo, the carried on my journey singing.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfN7ObUApjx96itTJrQ9SrkFp5jCOatiSElh7HpKalRLcFceErPgBXM3dJnlL2U_cAp1bm29VAyHkLPvObsL9iSWxmU4f5NU_12z-gPQJAErqqcjTQy7X5tWEoHmHgcDbZxLrRWsYjlP0ucX6Ao2NJqoS_BipbqlPU9XgpnlxNwOjxdB7GLrscBlya7DH/s4032/IMG_6725.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfN7ObUApjx96itTJrQ9SrkFp5jCOatiSElh7HpKalRLcFceErPgBXM3dJnlL2U_cAp1bm29VAyHkLPvObsL9iSWxmU4f5NU_12z-gPQJAErqqcjTQy7X5tWEoHmHgcDbZxLrRWsYjlP0ucX6Ao2NJqoS_BipbqlPU9XgpnlxNwOjxdB7GLrscBlya7DH/w320-h240/IMG_6725.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;">Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo</span></p><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;">Here comes the sun, and I say</span><div><br aria-hidden="true" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif" jsname="YS01Ge" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;">It's alright</span></div>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-24968545953004716912023-08-14T13:11:00.001+00:002023-08-14T13:11:12.091+00:00Apostolising on the Camino<p> Walking from Astorga to Foncebadón, as I have done today, I had plenty of headspace time. </p><p>Reflecting on my journey over the last 500km, I have seen plenty that has changed. From numbers in my party, terrain, temperature during the day and quality of path to walk on.</p><p>It got me thinking, how the Camino represents life. </p><p><br /></p><p>There are people, you would still like to walk with, but who have left your side. There are people who don’t share your current journey, but you will be united in the next city. There are people present at your side, when you are scared or crave company, who share their time or food, and then are gone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcv0UA0CqpitwznFqzCC-4nAHDwYphMt9zma92dtHvv2-AR1evdfbE_CbJt8Ecph8wnaBa_Ew6P_FVMQuUUSWvabITymU6YILjq-H_GvBrCExibKnAgSmLdQbiQwZAdnEu1DeYc05r9Xgq_nH0xyLwEcqxvb9nZ54w890HdGz4onoNnP6qSlWrPHw9IgW/s3088/71281861247__684670F5-7E43-4AE5-BF56-A41DC7C20405.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcv0UA0CqpitwznFqzCC-4nAHDwYphMt9zma92dtHvv2-AR1evdfbE_CbJt8Ecph8wnaBa_Ew6P_FVMQuUUSWvabITymU6YILjq-H_GvBrCExibKnAgSmLdQbiQwZAdnEu1DeYc05r9Xgq_nH0xyLwEcqxvb9nZ54w890HdGz4onoNnP6qSlWrPHw9IgW/s320/71281861247__684670F5-7E43-4AE5-BF56-A41DC7C20405.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The Spanish people along the way, have been a constant. Always wishing well, trying to help and making sure you get to Santiago, under their watch. </p><p>This idea can be expanded when talking about the path. Sometimes it is flat and paved, a cakewalk if you like.</p><p>At other times, the path splits, and you must choose your course. Sometimes you miss the signs, get lost, and end up sliding on your arse, down a bank to get out of trouble. Don’t worry Rex, nobody will recognise you in this.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TB9dsvn404D9CiXBDvlPrqxKPBPTmSOIBOIWeweJcmopxxrVthZYszNDgPf6pIYxehwIM39IzVOrFww8oOoMaJqvk_e4JHqPLYGyqkii4AJicrAypOF0J1NniW7B_GLOd5ZtaJnpfQmzT9dnrg0EMHFVlHZKDFCOZetloWhMUrJO09ysxiIC1PvKDH0-/s4032/IMG_6027.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TB9dsvn404D9CiXBDvlPrqxKPBPTmSOIBOIWeweJcmopxxrVthZYszNDgPf6pIYxehwIM39IzVOrFww8oOoMaJqvk_e4JHqPLYGyqkii4AJicrAypOF0J1NniW7B_GLOd5ZtaJnpfQmzT9dnrg0EMHFVlHZKDFCOZetloWhMUrJO09ysxiIC1PvKDH0-/w150-h200/IMG_6027.jpeg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqL_PEjBz88DCWqe5xsee2cq1MkcQJtGjpM0x0qTnFqchjX21NDNrcAgWJR2Td7qMldOViKuACNzZerjcsFvdU4T7OlYdSUDInFAw1Ic6NeYh3RCpu745Enm-QwCBnhNvq7b1hxMJqfonr2EHtX4W79Dul4IffmQTc-WkQvKwpqUDPLcfqYIMzxtlIavon/s4032/IMG_6445.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqL_PEjBz88DCWqe5xsee2cq1MkcQJtGjpM0x0qTnFqchjX21NDNrcAgWJR2Td7qMldOViKuACNzZerjcsFvdU4T7OlYdSUDInFAw1Ic6NeYh3RCpu745Enm-QwCBnhNvq7b1hxMJqfonr2EHtX4W79Dul4IffmQTc-WkQvKwpqUDPLcfqYIMzxtlIavon/w150-h200/IMG_6445.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>Other times there are huge pitfalls, you have to negotiate with care. The path has its climbs, you don’t think you’re going to make. Then there are the drops, you have to steady yourself with, so as not to fall.</p><p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwc160Hy2v8RCG7YLaEE5VOur0TrLee5rl0n5w3Nk5Khbog7k2BdVof6PRECcfbnqTw9zwUqaXDVvm652Rcelqb5MXi2AD0DLzx58iOMjpRzqHpJo-jrvRNsRak5zLv6CyWCUJUxOoGBV3H550V8H1TaLsRRpQJ_Q8vaQf3jCe0YWt71fRC4-v22CuPnI/s3088/IMG_6097.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwc160Hy2v8RCG7YLaEE5VOur0TrLee5rl0n5w3Nk5Khbog7k2BdVof6PRECcfbnqTw9zwUqaXDVvm652Rcelqb5MXi2AD0DLzx58iOMjpRzqHpJo-jrvRNsRak5zLv6CyWCUJUxOoGBV3H550V8H1TaLsRRpQJ_Q8vaQf3jCe0YWt71fRC4-v22CuPnI/w150-h200/IMG_6097.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31KzpJXoXQAofDmjOgwMP3omn0035FhI2PNdp67NxX7CKlOQT6_5FCKt-52bVRSoNjYIbvNSl3tC3DpLuu1WGuWIWzRq8rMAddZVGErEgPmF30PmrqfVv0mKtWBBROGV7BWIL4_CmKDVmxpmWMthR_E_Fi6_QclkQjZ4hgNLwkzeizh8oQaEvpOgSPb94/s3840/553A7C8E-F092-4302-8C39-978B9B13B0B7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31KzpJXoXQAofDmjOgwMP3omn0035FhI2PNdp67NxX7CKlOQT6_5FCKt-52bVRSoNjYIbvNSl3tC3DpLuu1WGuWIWzRq8rMAddZVGErEgPmF30PmrqfVv0mKtWBBROGV7BWIL4_CmKDVmxpmWMthR_E_Fi6_QclkQjZ4hgNLwkzeizh8oQaEvpOgSPb94/w200-h113/553A7C8E-F092-4302-8C39-978B9B13B0B7.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p>You walk with pain, that knocks you out or slows you down. </p><p>For a time you need help, or your Dad to carry your pack for a day! The pain also becomes manageable, other times it goes. Or you feel light footed and fit to crack on.</p><p>There is the achievement, for example: no-one can take away crossing the Pyrenees. The disappointment, no room at the inn, or like last night, because it was Sunday, nothing was open, so I skipped my meals that day. </p><p>The ladies at my hotel, made sure I had a very good breakfast, coming in at 6.00am to look after this Peregrino. God bless the Spanish, who look after us.</p><p>Everyone is at a different pace, a different place and in a different headspace. </p><p>Mine is that the Camino represents life. Buen Camino!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZsLh4MQkfRW6L0vIN4B6nXl8z81Ktu8k8KWA8K1hHvMV4_XsA1No1_AVE122A2LjdfSxBDM3Z9Pmt7Rt6U31p-Q1mClDIqagOgdVlvx5HYvaQde5dv7x2lULFaf7IMv4uXc2SjMTMs5GneQxwyKvksJ2Qw1A1kAy8UVRhFcgPHfYUoKoJja5mLMttp1m/s4032/IMG_6513.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZsLh4MQkfRW6L0vIN4B6nXl8z81Ktu8k8KWA8K1hHvMV4_XsA1No1_AVE122A2LjdfSxBDM3Z9Pmt7Rt6U31p-Q1mClDIqagOgdVlvx5HYvaQde5dv7x2lULFaf7IMv4uXc2SjMTMs5GneQxwyKvksJ2Qw1A1kAy8UVRhFcgPHfYUoKoJja5mLMttp1m/s320/IMG_6513.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-31990167140654955982023-08-12T16:57:00.000+00:002023-08-12T16:57:01.549+00:00King of Leon<p>Leòn originally was the base for the seventh legion of the Roman military garrison. It is thought that Léon derived from legion. It became the capital of the Asturias/Leòn kingdom.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UVTiO5_S8XRcWS61NLEjKo8sawAzAfMIED_PrXNEojrIMwb1lRiJvefbg6meX2u6Vx9I_0rKRqJh5190l-VCZaGCihQzvGWQALreU9QNJraQAxQBt1W_cl7JCNQxLshiaVQwWC0qIS_Lk-P5ua_Z4kTFusC5aBP_JkCC3phpckskN12f991MbyDlLeVm/s4032/IMG_6598.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UVTiO5_S8XRcWS61NLEjKo8sawAzAfMIED_PrXNEojrIMwb1lRiJvefbg6meX2u6Vx9I_0rKRqJh5190l-VCZaGCihQzvGWQALreU9QNJraQAxQBt1W_cl7JCNQxLshiaVQwWC0qIS_Lk-P5ua_Z4kTFusC5aBP_JkCC3phpckskN12f991MbyDlLeVm/s320/IMG_6598.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>It was first conquered by the Visigoths, then the Moor army and finally by the Christians. All of these cultures have left their mark. Currently I am sitting in the Plaza Regla, in front of the Gothic beauty, that is Leòn cathedral. Behind me is the Jewish quarter, which was possibly first settled, by Jews fleeing the destruction of the Roman Empire. Their first presence is historically recorded in 1196, with the building of a new synagogue, in the San Martin area. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOiIzNW3mWWnuNhIWtTbxrazqdt6TOYHStpowbK99bkFVV-rHRTkaqJGqcENXXJ0wNe8isPNkoIzRY1UbPeMSKeJsHnpfLJY_Us_rdUZWKkXkTTs0DGhNSOtY-qVlKa8_rL6yQ397Z3adkKUrMsDLvmrYBtVFLNiNmh1ECXL-mdjpM5K1a9_7d-HEKncW/s4032/IMG_6617.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOiIzNW3mWWnuNhIWtTbxrazqdt6TOYHStpowbK99bkFVV-rHRTkaqJGqcENXXJ0wNe8isPNkoIzRY1UbPeMSKeJsHnpfLJY_Us_rdUZWKkXkTTs0DGhNSOtY-qVlKa8_rL6yQ397Z3adkKUrMsDLvmrYBtVFLNiNmh1ECXL-mdjpM5K1a9_7d-HEKncW/w150-h200/IMG_6617.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>Their community had troubled times from both Castilian and Allied troops, seeking to destroy the Jewish heritage. Clinging on, they make up a huge part of the cities culture. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXHIID5nIoLhahNwGLqJYyT0aHCKXQTMJbdaamQKYtpF3VCvOl4HWXNHex3EGjAhYwZIfidBmgO-amkSr6fbEHGKmMoAupG16t-lcPwAmt4lngXbiS7Fkp-gnwAYiAA085Ak9g3GyPcwRcnYR6Ijh_tFEYNL3kw44iSGynyWDfHksucbt-5EwcoJ8DCYO/s4032/IMG_6609.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXHIID5nIoLhahNwGLqJYyT0aHCKXQTMJbdaamQKYtpF3VCvOl4HWXNHex3EGjAhYwZIfidBmgO-amkSr6fbEHGKmMoAupG16t-lcPwAmt4lngXbiS7Fkp-gnwAYiAA085Ak9g3GyPcwRcnYR6Ijh_tFEYNL3kw44iSGynyWDfHksucbt-5EwcoJ8DCYO/w150-h200/IMG_6609.jpeg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Eo0so2kz4H4-g_br4Kevqqb6HLpwTpqCMzOfnB5tN_qafNNzkycnGL6qG4sRFKSSHyNiIRkyJfmXBUwNkmM54Th8k8ksGUwa8zRkrtiGAcioTvmm5sEiHt_YWFqTyBxuGd8XiRtTxDdRB1Sh8yi3n1ztUfNFU1AuHLDxwmZI0bdPhjd48vSoEPGB2gUd/s3088/71346614784__FFC23C39-44F2-4FA8-8079-EDEEBC04C239.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Eo0so2kz4H4-g_br4Kevqqb6HLpwTpqCMzOfnB5tN_qafNNzkycnGL6qG4sRFKSSHyNiIRkyJfmXBUwNkmM54Th8k8ksGUwa8zRkrtiGAcioTvmm5sEiHt_YWFqTyBxuGd8XiRtTxDdRB1Sh8yi3n1ztUfNFU1AuHLDxwmZI0bdPhjd48vSoEPGB2gUd/w150-h200/71346614784__FFC23C39-44F2-4FA8-8079-EDEEBC04C239.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqzzl6WMp6SfrgjlUXTf5k19OTxm4wtzZsxbuc6St9JS2Mw7ws_p9ixsat6KXkdP0gIH20DpMCg4F_r0b6Ka86K5ZVeEN9aHyZFXopWzRKUKEnda_etiEWhlj6Ln4lEp1PTtkC1eyxU_2QoUUVNGxu_K-EZl7xemLqoyoMiVnrgY5Ej_y7gKjuORmgwHS/s4032/IMG_6604.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqzzl6WMp6SfrgjlUXTf5k19OTxm4wtzZsxbuc6St9JS2Mw7ws_p9ixsat6KXkdP0gIH20DpMCg4F_r0b6Ka86K5ZVeEN9aHyZFXopWzRKUKEnda_etiEWhlj6Ln4lEp1PTtkC1eyxU_2QoUUVNGxu_K-EZl7xemLqoyoMiVnrgY5Ej_y7gKjuORmgwHS/w240-h320/IMG_6604.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>This pilgrim was enjoying Salmon ravioli with fresh Carbonara sauce, followed by a Gotica pizza, with porcini mushrooms, local ham and fois gras shaving. </p><p>The wine is called Tampesta, 2022, from Leòn. It uses the Albriño grape. The colour is light golden straw, with a clear rim, that showing youth. The nose is one of pure honey, under ripe lemon peel and a gentle oak coming through. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZGq1ZCQHOSgSEb5cIlWTIYnhrFrzGBV9ZMnF8HNljbRaeVO_YXjtCWOJaBNS-AuspT28ewkuKxU3vCc5__SJ5IqjMMlZy4BrtqHViIDYCbeSRNYONkzW7_VThfMuJPARFD5KGjOm982dz08sBmg9C3OF1fA5K32M87yTm_Oh8kvXXcUVVImFw5-hvhxZ/s4032/IMG_6606.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZGq1ZCQHOSgSEb5cIlWTIYnhrFrzGBV9ZMnF8HNljbRaeVO_YXjtCWOJaBNS-AuspT28ewkuKxU3vCc5__SJ5IqjMMlZy4BrtqHViIDYCbeSRNYONkzW7_VThfMuJPARFD5KGjOm982dz08sBmg9C3OF1fA5K32M87yTm_Oh8kvXXcUVVImFw5-hvhxZ/w150-h200/IMG_6606.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p>The taste is a meld of honeydew and ripe Galia melon. There is a gentle citrus note, with a tannic finish, from the oak barrel. A perfect evening for this king of Leòn. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOiIzNW3mWWnuNhIWtTbxrazqdt6TOYHStpowbK99bkFVV-rHRTkaqJGqcENXXJ0wNe8isPNkoIzRY1UbPeMSKeJsHnpfLJY_Us_rdUZWKkXkTTs0DGhNSOtY-qVlKa8_rL6yQ397Z3adkKUrMsDLvmrYBtVFLNiNmh1ECXL-mdjpM5K1a9_7d-HEKncW/s4032/IMG_6617.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZGq1ZCQHOSgSEb5cIlWTIYnhrFrzGBV9ZMnF8HNljbRaeVO_YXjtCWOJaBNS-AuspT28ewkuKxU3vCc5__SJ5IqjMMlZy4BrtqHViIDYCbeSRNYONkzW7_VThfMuJPARFD5KGjOm982dz08sBmg9C3OF1fA5K32M87yTm_Oh8kvXXcUVVImFw5-hvhxZ/s4032/IMG_6606.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Eo0so2kz4H4-g_br4Kevqqb6HLpwTpqCMzOfnB5tN_qafNNzkycnGL6qG4sRFKSSHyNiIRkyJfmXBUwNkmM54Th8k8ksGUwa8zRkrtiGAcioTvmm5sEiHt_YWFqTyBxuGd8XiRtTxDdRB1Sh8yi3n1ztUfNFU1AuHLDxwmZI0bdPhjd48vSoEPGB2gUd/s3088/71346614784__FFC23C39-44F2-4FA8-8079-EDEEBC04C239.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-78910660107619668312023-08-10T14:56:00.002+00:002023-08-10T14:58:39.586+00:00A word in your shell like!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Saint James was one of the twelve apostles. He is the patron Saint of Spain, and according to tradition, his remains are held in Santiago de Compostela. That is the finishing line of the Camino.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkiI8SH_peN13amgLauyRBQVRhlO4fcXlGEyRZiWIRsy1AS1wRm96xRraXuODSAjehHAexQ78dDvMTe_Or75H4tFBWfZFFMKjbz1h8-Ys3KBPKpjzS6ynztm27O_sJnUzWXSxxBA5RfjfBd3TC3IzQWOYH34PXx3EGejFA1eqlH0z2IZi6DvOCxp3W2-/s4032/IMG_6238.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkiI8SH_peN13amgLauyRBQVRhlO4fcXlGEyRZiWIRsy1AS1wRm96xRraXuODSAjehHAexQ78dDvMTe_Or75H4tFBWfZFFMKjbz1h8-Ys3KBPKpjzS6ynztm27O_sJnUzWXSxxBA5RfjfBd3TC3IzQWOYH34PXx3EGejFA1eqlH0z2IZi6DvOCxp3W2-/w150-h200/IMG_6238.jpeg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfZqQ-kc0U7JzSjJxFRDFrCbPXPCTWumUheLI-mnOAnMmd_JPVnKjfs9S1H76QUAzNx29Cy0Ca2BcfvGZg_rPBQV3b5LwqS9goEtXTNIh9Q7IN_hn4LIQAGOkCarbLID3LYujeC0Nh1bd-mx9qzvCAEgqnQBjWgyjCqZRSKgg9woSJBt4hrjOdu5sBvy2/s4032/IMG_6565.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfZqQ-kc0U7JzSjJxFRDFrCbPXPCTWumUheLI-mnOAnMmd_JPVnKjfs9S1H76QUAzNx29Cy0Ca2BcfvGZg_rPBQV3b5LwqS9goEtXTNIh9Q7IN_hn4LIQAGOkCarbLID3LYujeC0Nh1bd-mx9qzvCAEgqnQBjWgyjCqZRSKgg9woSJBt4hrjOdu5sBvy2/w150-h200/IMG_6565.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9t015JkJIbgqhGwaKg6rrboi6bQYV9wICt6sC_O29uqOhYii4dmJUVh6vV2HpuBytprvD3ue156h6SedLcb1tMzlfyNWZnNUbW043X9Wf8UUpKzhOzpXhsUcm2hpvdjllL2sSN-sjteeS2oahGlC6QNxaKpT0NJAg6DQReruYgUU_6sE5fFwtZx8EWGp/s4032/IMG_6559.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9t015JkJIbgqhGwaKg6rrboi6bQYV9wICt6sC_O29uqOhYii4dmJUVh6vV2HpuBytprvD3ue156h6SedLcb1tMzlfyNWZnNUbW043X9Wf8UUpKzhOzpXhsUcm2hpvdjllL2sSN-sjteeS2oahGlC6QNxaKpT0NJAg6DQReruYgUU_6sE5fFwtZx8EWGp/w200-h150/IMG_6559.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>James, along with his brother John, we’re fishermen, giving up their nets to follow Jesus. James’ emblem is the Scallop shell, to remind us of his connection to the sea. This shell marks the Camino, you will find metal ones studded to the road, tiles on buildings with the shell. It is everywhere.</p><p>Peregrinos, or pilgrims, also wear the scallop shell. It is tied to your pack at the start, and marks you out, like a badge of honour. Everyone on the trail has a shell on show, it’s significance and value cannot be understated.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVkMf1Z11kzIhlx2rEZTwqLczsLVw3KiAsWtJNgHuvgSXaC8KfU8bEQG85NMmwO9i0bIU-6IoaSfzeAoqaW0IIV8duEh46QUM6mKkDHULj09qsMbiPTQb5dHZaT8wPdvla3J4lnez3ZQGfDZYDi3Qqi0a7OzLC3S3sUltxCcgoIXmv2X9ikYusqRv2SYr/s4032/IMG_6563.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVkMf1Z11kzIhlx2rEZTwqLczsLVw3KiAsWtJNgHuvgSXaC8KfU8bEQG85NMmwO9i0bIU-6IoaSfzeAoqaW0IIV8duEh46QUM6mKkDHULj09qsMbiPTQb5dHZaT8wPdvla3J4lnez3ZQGfDZYDi3Qqi0a7OzLC3S3sUltxCcgoIXmv2X9ikYusqRv2SYr/w150-h200/IMG_6563.jpeg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HJvXA4ncbuXEQ12gxhF22FWb9wk-vKWMjES7R-krjsAKWSsZJ-1zNxkLtXN4D50S6J7xzeheTWjaWG2EpK84QSb6ZyrWXYdQncUP0SgKvj8xnLa9A3h1MtwViw_ofmGUXdw64Otoylwyy74FNqtcsKy0ZNSPcUyDyOcppTelaxkEzIOaWV47b39QqbAU/s4032/IMG_6564.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HJvXA4ncbuXEQ12gxhF22FWb9wk-vKWMjES7R-krjsAKWSsZJ-1zNxkLtXN4D50S6J7xzeheTWjaWG2EpK84QSb6ZyrWXYdQncUP0SgKvj8xnLa9A3h1MtwViw_ofmGUXdw64Otoylwyy74FNqtcsKy0ZNSPcUyDyOcppTelaxkEzIOaWV47b39QqbAU/w150-h200/IMG_6564.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t0m_9uLLmCPTv9hCBArQYpsazbxkQ8tNV7IxXwHpzSAs66lcFcj3vQCQrvp_UU9gUDrK7wLPdN7vERi36iqK1KMQgw-6qhcwraUMzczIEPGV0tIzugqD9hEto0BJXBlLmaVcWG-lJkKHsJcLSAv9vSl2NCaORUJlMXmIyVD9zLrK6NyTNGpMODKfhjnM/s4032/IMG_6580.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t0m_9uLLmCPTv9hCBArQYpsazbxkQ8tNV7IxXwHpzSAs66lcFcj3vQCQrvp_UU9gUDrK7wLPdN7vERi36iqK1KMQgw-6qhcwraUMzczIEPGV0tIzugqD9hEto0BJXBlLmaVcWG-lJkKHsJcLSAv9vSl2NCaORUJlMXmIyVD9zLrK6NyTNGpMODKfhjnM/w150-h200/IMG_6580.jpeg" width="150" /></a>This lucky pilgrim was given his, by his parents-in-law. It is special because, firstly my father-in-law dived for it in Scotland, but secondly their is a very strong chance I ate the scallop inside. Given with love, I will wear it to the end of the trail. I know exactly where it is going then.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zur4OrYPa5VM8PdmlC5-8-95RsNLnzffTpWREqFWVPluQ57WvlETJ57nxvbosA3TMkQOwcus_6p3IAwF512B0p1Rey6Pnb50djRjY5Ndd4eEROyoljV6SrBAUJ5CXYMaeh0MZfG-K1Z6nfbfGUosBp2Zsop3CI6F8qMVmU271QtarBqbtCacuuf-CO9E/s720/IMG_6579.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="720" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zur4OrYPa5VM8PdmlC5-8-95RsNLnzffTpWREqFWVPluQ57WvlETJ57nxvbosA3TMkQOwcus_6p3IAwF512B0p1Rey6Pnb50djRjY5Ndd4eEROyoljV6SrBAUJ5CXYMaeh0MZfG-K1Z6nfbfGUosBp2Zsop3CI6F8qMVmU271QtarBqbtCacuuf-CO9E/w166-h111/IMG_6579.jpeg" width="166" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wJjxpIgCJWv86nHWxXV0MO8YnjhlQ-VHl_3nSs2OkilJvKc0J774dnXDMn-dym7tcxYiSZzTecU0NN8-NWt-4bTiOvMSTQoLc47XCqpFkCQLhzsMeFDR0aV0kFNHp-9EloXCD7eOKxKpaxiDlDTwC2ZkgLe6gbIOXUGLRAwlCNMKI99vDvvcrzDmtvns/s720/IMG_6576.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="720" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wJjxpIgCJWv86nHWxXV0MO8YnjhlQ-VHl_3nSs2OkilJvKc0J774dnXDMn-dym7tcxYiSZzTecU0NN8-NWt-4bTiOvMSTQoLc47XCqpFkCQLhzsMeFDR0aV0kFNHp-9EloXCD7eOKxKpaxiDlDTwC2ZkgLe6gbIOXUGLRAwlCNMKI99vDvvcrzDmtvns/w200-h134/IMG_6576.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-91242392344075825532023-08-09T15:28:00.000+00:002023-08-09T15:28:24.402+00:00Knights Templar is on the Camino<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBciLTV2QsmIYrG8WKm6rweIMGT1lAuUWhwhY-zFGqxALRkOGYaIPKqceJGcoO_tqZ2qAYhmDkTMQ4t3ORM5Ea37-F52FWxwY76pO1reQid0l9_D2OPeqAIjvb_tz9l9cYj5DTRvoZ_DN2X51NITFtErWU0Rjw-8XMYPYGhZtoMB_w9Vpux6sPe-1mmVyH/s3840/B5DAEE81-B511-407D-8DAB-3B577581E556.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBciLTV2QsmIYrG8WKm6rweIMGT1lAuUWhwhY-zFGqxALRkOGYaIPKqceJGcoO_tqZ2qAYhmDkTMQ4t3ORM5Ea37-F52FWxwY76pO1reQid0l9_D2OPeqAIjvb_tz9l9cYj5DTRvoZ_DN2X51NITFtErWU0Rjw-8XMYPYGhZtoMB_w9Vpux6sPe-1mmVyH/s320/B5DAEE81-B511-407D-8DAB-3B577581E556.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Since Roncesvalles, we have seen the Knight Templar cross appear on rocks and stones along the Camino way. Sometimes written in marker, sometimes carved in the rock and sometimes in the form of a 3D emblem, standing two meters off the ground. Here is why this is strange.</span></div><p></p><p>The Knight Templar was a military order of the Catholic Church. They had great wealth and land, and a kick-ass reputation. There involvement in the crusades is legendary, brutal and victorious. They fell out of favour, and pressure was put on Pope Clement V, to have them rounded up and tortured. This pressure came from the royal families of Europe, jealous of the power the Templars held. Pope Clement V disbanded the order in 1312, which means it should not exist, or be running hotels on the Camino.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfVXI5IP5Z41ibkLn056ysme6oPur5lwdTJccoJ-DvjuTuvcXbTfydDm7r19NHhXRq8ME0NArVk_hCSitExOFqDP30DlDx_rBNhIY-aoKpVIgNq7RKXNZAvtw_66nKQVPEPKTeO8Sn_uu1i-j7GnglVSY-SfMXjNhyvI52jash1Op5exoa1kn4ubeOKuM/s4032/IMG_6541.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfVXI5IP5Z41ibkLn056ysme6oPur5lwdTJccoJ-DvjuTuvcXbTfydDm7r19NHhXRq8ME0NArVk_hCSitExOFqDP30DlDx_rBNhIY-aoKpVIgNq7RKXNZAvtw_66nKQVPEPKTeO8Sn_uu1i-j7GnglVSY-SfMXjNhyvI52jash1Op5exoa1kn4ubeOKuM/s320/IMG_6541.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>One knight introduced me to a beautiful white wine. It was called Pragustus, from the Galicia region. The nosepiece one of fresh citrus, kiwi, grapefruit and white rose blossom.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EIufIfhFkhJFhCZfGzI3XWZm6tSLYF0tUpozyOrvvmMvMuUkuf8-yd3ESPDPzHnZL5X2xwEIYMEnKJAOM-yh_HacsZQA8BslNexa8EXZz7XuWz1d_qaDoXLEyDXFEfVigZI1jMc_WehKkaYJ18XFK5CL5smuOzzhoEnKVnAr-3qt7SI25fYiscSt438R/s4032/IMG_6542.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EIufIfhFkhJFhCZfGzI3XWZm6tSLYF0tUpozyOrvvmMvMuUkuf8-yd3ESPDPzHnZL5X2xwEIYMEnKJAOM-yh_HacsZQA8BslNexa8EXZz7XuWz1d_qaDoXLEyDXFEfVigZI1jMc_WehKkaYJ18XFK5CL5smuOzzhoEnKVnAr-3qt7SI25fYiscSt438R/s320/IMG_6542.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p>The taste is one of sherbet, lemon zingers, kiwi, however there was a slight metallic taste, probably from the vat it was finished in. At 12%, it was drinkable and went perfectly with my pilgrims meal of hake and salad.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE5uUUeSRoneu8K3qtYyHm07B1SaQ4xQOkK9rgIuzXDwDjO4JGDT3AA1QxFzLsbckUxNK1GeZT7VejwQZI26GZE1iw-EaV-XSZfQ0zhJtmZ5Gt4A5da7J2xfjNxfBjxEws7zljY3eYFNFLXBItXUJKVk1Ip-L77C96srRyoRmsKF3f6yE5b83bq95-Kga/s3088/IMG_6544.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE5uUUeSRoneu8K3qtYyHm07B1SaQ4xQOkK9rgIuzXDwDjO4JGDT3AA1QxFzLsbckUxNK1GeZT7VejwQZI26GZE1iw-EaV-XSZfQ0zhJtmZ5Gt4A5da7J2xfjNxfBjxEws7zljY3eYFNFLXBItXUJKVk1Ip-L77C96srRyoRmsKF3f6yE5b83bq95-Kga/s320/IMG_6544.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-68917435695899797352023-08-07T15:37:00.001+00:002023-08-07T15:37:22.759+00:00Canal knowledge along the Canal de Castilla<p> Moving ever westwards, todays walk was brightened by the addition of the Canal de Castilla, to keep me company. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4etiizo1azW3Xn6Uyc3JDFPYuQGdZAVK7BVevBxoVC0t9pLQphxWoFy-iVHMdRK8TspUlnWVXTDnWq7Cr_mJ0yamCQIlQ_CcM2oY_53p9t8Aspto8R31ealBWHqPM0PgTapVfqOGRnWKklSH53F1cn87KtWkGXFvP_Rs7kfzcjGuJd9YQ5qcZeeWEvb6/s4032/71300107897__2DB7DBF3-4D38-4F94-9CC9-2898A9494418.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4etiizo1azW3Xn6Uyc3JDFPYuQGdZAVK7BVevBxoVC0t9pLQphxWoFy-iVHMdRK8TspUlnWVXTDnWq7Cr_mJ0yamCQIlQ_CcM2oY_53p9t8Aspto8R31ealBWHqPM0PgTapVfqOGRnWKklSH53F1cn87KtWkGXFvP_Rs7kfzcjGuJd9YQ5qcZeeWEvb6/s320/71300107897__2DB7DBF3-4D38-4F94-9CC9-2898A9494418.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>This far into the walk, I now find distance no problem, walking faster and with purpose. When my current walking partner said his knee was playing up, I took the opportunity to walk alone towards Boardilla del Camino.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdbJxB0Jamn8b9BZOtW-dq2WIKvDYu_IPPtoU45G2oXFhxytu0B_ZBONufy2idruXjZC0CVTjabtwJ9diNihIY9UNeF2PE5es8v1qLmLJMhYDU5sbnpkTsAQn6T9639JNwInDkON0bbbawk4TBuxnQl4GZDnd3xVYPwhopB7LLhsPtlAflkQIDnIKHCzf/s4032/IMG_6486.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdbJxB0Jamn8b9BZOtW-dq2WIKvDYu_IPPtoU45G2oXFhxytu0B_ZBONufy2idruXjZC0CVTjabtwJ9diNihIY9UNeF2PE5es8v1qLmLJMhYDU5sbnpkTsAQn6T9639JNwInDkON0bbbawk4TBuxnQl4GZDnd3xVYPwhopB7LLhsPtlAflkQIDnIKHCzf/s320/IMG_6486.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvany5HAUi9fLMI0rSX4qoCfVBgLhBeK_xlcoG1hTN6ahxpGfVyhwF2U3JJhx0BJKTT9CpDU71tb_LkEdmb7eIsXpoh8l-IetoVT3GeJp-1shC9bwEG4ddIKwwFOI92IeizoeLKhxCqQUbuqS-UvfQvr_au5FQ1j-QrPoPg8Whek0AFke4wAJKqVrph2Iv/s4032/IMG_6490.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvany5HAUi9fLMI0rSX4qoCfVBgLhBeK_xlcoG1hTN6ahxpGfVyhwF2U3JJhx0BJKTT9CpDU71tb_LkEdmb7eIsXpoh8l-IetoVT3GeJp-1shC9bwEG4ddIKwwFOI92IeizoeLKhxCqQUbuqS-UvfQvr_au5FQ1j-QrPoPg8Whek0AFke4wAJKqVrph2Iv/s320/IMG_6490.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>From there to today’s goal, Fromista, the canal was ever present. I only saw one canal boat, while I walked, but the flora and fawner was enough to keep me occupied. </p><p>Finding myself on the wrong side of the river, I crossed at the top of a series of locks.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnYPIAdcZwbt_hEXYlMb2RE4j48nK_H83fcsM5FyQuM_j1FUs7rXSPNA7YiHNOtSL4JFwaooUKaE29ZV1OYcw7RWFoB_RrPZBMNxqx6lUeabZPlSE5gUFXxgdUHCli-xPaxLBCndwQarNh0-BiylfNedRCiSM4X15wwBLqBpvBMcx7_BFbsi-cwmeV7hu/s4032/IMG_6491.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnYPIAdcZwbt_hEXYlMb2RE4j48nK_H83fcsM5FyQuM_j1FUs7rXSPNA7YiHNOtSL4JFwaooUKaE29ZV1OYcw7RWFoB_RrPZBMNxqx6lUeabZPlSE5gUFXxgdUHCli-xPaxLBCndwQarNh0-BiylfNedRCiSM4X15wwBLqBpvBMcx7_BFbsi-cwmeV7hu/w200-h150/IMG_6491.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><p>Checking into my hotel, the bells of San Martin were still tolling. This was the huge cathedral like church, over the road from my hotel. I was in time for Mass, freshened up and with clean cloths. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7uXl4s4rXlWAx4ZOQne2VsQKzwP61ryBDD4NByM9m4yKB3tnmNOzuAAVh7RV4mw_fkUGH_cv-9PHLgR_tNiz13b1QcOkEgFlVOki_O-DBtDRGc-UJ82anMPo52R5hYLvb1kGBH5BGg7RPEiCRkC-1BYebpYZ1yz9vQ1y-X2N2Z7CMynfmDKzDu2P4zCH/s4032/IMG_6499.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7uXl4s4rXlWAx4ZOQne2VsQKzwP61ryBDD4NByM9m4yKB3tnmNOzuAAVh7RV4mw_fkUGH_cv-9PHLgR_tNiz13b1QcOkEgFlVOki_O-DBtDRGc-UJ82anMPo52R5hYLvb1kGBH5BGg7RPEiCRkC-1BYebpYZ1yz9vQ1y-X2N2Z7CMynfmDKzDu2P4zCH/s320/IMG_6499.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>I had a pilgrims lunch which came with wine. What is not to like. Alberto Sanz is a white wine, made from the Verdejo grape. This one is 13% and from 2022. The nose is one of Gália Melon and soft lemon drops. The taste is ripe melon, garden mint and fresh pea pods. An interesting wine to go with my rack of ribs?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlt4o--NLTLBg6hO0h3PFgJ-KeU8Cf1gpfHsQab0wgC2BIBDtHF8q1xjCgLwLuldsVqb8yEF-MIX9FoxN9qafU1SpYSXJT3QlUwJ_XwsbubfKqNepyBvOx4lKx49Fa7WEq2OnLqDe65U8z2NsvugACTfvg8Yws6434PILv3hoJEFeCNv3OlT9SmYnl6bi/s4032/IMG_6502.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlt4o--NLTLBg6hO0h3PFgJ-KeU8Cf1gpfHsQab0wgC2BIBDtHF8q1xjCgLwLuldsVqb8yEF-MIX9FoxN9qafU1SpYSXJT3QlUwJ_XwsbubfKqNepyBvOx4lKx49Fa7WEq2OnLqDe65U8z2NsvugACTfvg8Yws6434PILv3hoJEFeCNv3OlT9SmYnl6bi/w150-h200/IMG_6502.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9yt4YJjarbt34IiAdoADblKo4RX5sKVxdmofc-oNxvq3B8c9cXNr1FYXPVZiTL4EU_6D315n0j_JKfOBW5AC7omLllui76cSMIvdeor8nfFyae7MlnV1yDv9HLw7LhYpc5owAYMpLR2kclr4zTvzfAo6yUi1U9ob9q2i9u5GHrygxjPIIC_uKatFYbxv/s4032/IMG_6501.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9yt4YJjarbt34IiAdoADblKo4RX5sKVxdmofc-oNxvq3B8c9cXNr1FYXPVZiTL4EU_6D315n0j_JKfOBW5AC7omLllui76cSMIvdeor8nfFyae7MlnV1yDv9HLw7LhYpc5owAYMpLR2kclr4zTvzfAo6yUi1U9ob9q2i9u5GHrygxjPIIC_uKatFYbxv/w150-h200/IMG_6501.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-60650950492137026082023-08-07T14:57:00.004+00:002023-08-07T15:00:24.733+00:00Celebrations in Castrojeriz<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Castrojeriz is a remarkable town. It stands out, according to my guide book, as the only town on the Camino that was not founded by King or Church. It sits on the side of a hill, with a complex road system and a semi ruined castle on top. </span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPlSL71VQ78rey3p6RpTt8VGZgiO43he1lNGnAZ9ga_e5dkiWktrfKy31l2pWBMoDm-Apjrq0rxf-9k81AEnpHBXz-FfR-mtK73sXHw0om2I6-quhG5QmpCDlmljudTgFjfB7rSaoRRlzz15Fz2BkBUR06PQqSeJu5zx8shomdO-mUthJ2Tr36-zyCwM4/s4032/IMG_6462.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPlSL71VQ78rey3p6RpTt8VGZgiO43he1lNGnAZ9ga_e5dkiWktrfKy31l2pWBMoDm-Apjrq0rxf-9k81AEnpHBXz-FfR-mtK73sXHw0om2I6-quhG5QmpCDlmljudTgFjfB7rSaoRRlzz15Fz2BkBUR06PQqSeJu5zx8shomdO-mUthJ2Tr36-zyCwM4/w400-h300/IMG_6462.HEIC" width="400" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Checking into my hotel, I was told by a cleaner, that I must find a man called Oscar, in a bar down the road. Stepping into the bar, there were two gents drinking beer. I asked for Oscar and they began stamping their feet. A portly man appeared minutes later, from the cellar. He took me back to the hotel, and checked me in. He was keen to show me their library, which I could borrow books! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiizlS9A3fO0KS5H1hKmaJl9B71QGzonjPXQzlEadFY55DYtO6UWO_E8yNY0vgG_8KqBrmkASU_oQ5S96vhZKtfLx-2tniA7LE9-t4u5szxl-IbimQOJuSc7HdS8DlvXSjL1jdONar7MuisUpdS92OvZY18dDdDz5MRNW9SWQ2t2uozL8nB8z5IAyJ7SdJ/s3840/E8B5F7E3-1083-49D1-80A1-16B0916C50F6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiizlS9A3fO0KS5H1hKmaJl9B71QGzonjPXQzlEadFY55DYtO6UWO_E8yNY0vgG_8KqBrmkASU_oQ5S96vhZKtfLx-2tniA7LE9-t4u5szxl-IbimQOJuSc7HdS8DlvXSjL1jdONar7MuisUpdS92OvZY18dDdDz5MRNW9SWQ2t2uozL8nB8z5IAyJ7SdJ/s320/E8B5F7E3-1083-49D1-80A1-16B0916C50F6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6VA5_WCWiJ_xmZL0Grx6pkdOEACBmPztq01VNf1PTvq5C8OWeh4gu6C-dIGzRqsrJrSJW6-eIkuDdfV9uOs2ECWs8YqDwXcUVlJUpZ44tDe10nInO1kC_4ZXrKLDBiD2LJ3IEqTrCNN5Uu_4cF1CPFL5K5Jw3PxHLxvAB3eesgNg8fpMRNAmfG2zf6N8/s3088/IMG_6472.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6VA5_WCWiJ_xmZL0Grx6pkdOEACBmPztq01VNf1PTvq5C8OWeh4gu6C-dIGzRqsrJrSJW6-eIkuDdfV9uOs2ECWs8YqDwXcUVlJUpZ44tDe10nInO1kC_4ZXrKLDBiD2LJ3IEqTrCNN5Uu_4cF1CPFL5K5Jw3PxHLxvAB3eesgNg8fpMRNAmfG2zf6N8/s320/IMG_6472.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>He then showed me outside to another building, and said that was were I could eat. Clearly all three were run as a going concern. In the restaurant that night, Oscar was there, what a surprise.</p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrJlpo39eTfSndl0vTCsT7_b3IiFq27eE_t2AMzN014CLKGxjndTVmtV74thjXMlk3ywjHcXfVNzw0j_5--lGZguHTGZ2IciV4yBHIpbzLLwrl5b1OgcixVoGXITOuEvMaAX4b7RsxTrNUpX7bXTJWQR0LbDZdFmVYiNeyKPudWc4WpbvfV4g0O6D-xJz/s4032/IMG_6465.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrJlpo39eTfSndl0vTCsT7_b3IiFq27eE_t2AMzN014CLKGxjndTVmtV74thjXMlk3ywjHcXfVNzw0j_5--lGZguHTGZ2IciV4yBHIpbzLLwrl5b1OgcixVoGXITOuEvMaAX4b7RsxTrNUpX7bXTJWQR0LbDZdFmVYiNeyKPudWc4WpbvfV4g0O6D-xJz/w200-h150/IMG_6465.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2V0azu2tMfwmEzRl_wCAUvrEyGwVHrpUbB-rVwEoUMJlXMp6Et-u6N_V-2aJQq3X_sYkMpECUBVU8uTTnXkStel8v2kcOjYDebbp1WRQXiKnjaJMZbhSeQH0NxIK9Q0EX3k8ctVR95ZC2jnQrp0ASIQcHXjHXQAQRKndSJOJTDUpwH3SGICVhU_sgJr-/s4032/IMG_6473.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2V0azu2tMfwmEzRl_wCAUvrEyGwVHrpUbB-rVwEoUMJlXMp6Et-u6N_V-2aJQq3X_sYkMpECUBVU8uTTnXkStel8v2kcOjYDebbp1WRQXiKnjaJMZbhSeQH0NxIK9Q0EX3k8ctVR95ZC2jnQrp0ASIQcHXjHXQAQRKndSJOJTDUpwH3SGICVhU_sgJr-/w150-h200/IMG_6473.jpeg" width="150" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>We celebrated my birthday with a lovely meal and a classy red from the Ribera del Duero region. Liuva is a slightly aged local wine, made from Tempranillo grapes grown on 20 year old vines. It is finished for 12 months in new American oak barrels. Garnet cherry in colour, the nose is black fruits, spice and earthy leather. The taste is dark fruits, cherries and both provide a velvety finish. After the main, the waitress brought me a cheesecake with a candle, while the restaurant sang happy birthday in Spanish.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX-hOnuwC0SG57fRbs_6cnxcPoc5IP-OTS0C_P9uOhwoOPCQQtGqAubIFtdVYdF7C5jBiT9dhKZbFi4nxJMZgq9M__7IteWJ-S-ygaVY3cu6p_-eI4NKHReAp2vUJbjdIBYLvP5YnD_-PTNaQfMu5-1nR4TswqUQMU0D5YmOSYiEY6rmyBJpEAz1egf5M/s4032/IMG_6475.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX-hOnuwC0SG57fRbs_6cnxcPoc5IP-OTS0C_P9uOhwoOPCQQtGqAubIFtdVYdF7C5jBiT9dhKZbFi4nxJMZgq9M__7IteWJ-S-ygaVY3cu6p_-eI4NKHReAp2vUJbjdIBYLvP5YnD_-PTNaQfMu5-1nR4TswqUQMU0D5YmOSYiEY6rmyBJpEAz1egf5M/s320/IMG_6475.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>Mike, Estel and I celebrating my birthday.</p><p>Castrojeriz was also celebrating, with the townsfolk wearing yellow t-shirts, coming together to give thanks that their town is part of the Camino. This is where the Spanish have got it so right. Welcoming pilgrims and tourists, who bring money into their town, at very regular intervals. </p><p>Buen Camino Pelegrino. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-51194231661904292852023-08-06T04:35:00.001+00:002023-08-06T04:35:21.228+00:00Leaving Rioja<p> As the walk nears Belorado, I find the endless Tempranillo grape vines begin to be replaced by sunflowers. The sunflowers raise their heads as the sun comes up, smiling at you mid morning, as I journey ever westwards. No wonder they were my nephew, Angus’ favourite. Every new field fills me with warmth. How he touched our lives, and continues through the <a href="https://thealmt.enthuse.com/cf/walking-the-camino-way?fbclid=IwAR3sWA8akRkXFh3H-uqWHueptAUNdw2o_11hH-ls8CBG2h5CDRTZS1QYRXc" target="_blank">ALMT</a>, to touch the lives of others. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZtarO7nArEOtCgVzK_VQhVrVqCBDjl9dD0jyDkhyijHdbbIBTLAc4IVhFmGyRoMROBked3akV8j7ILIo1_rV-KX5xvGdzKQxihL9fihzV8aSQgl9OWwEwmfHHuMBzRBOgvhg-iDLLOw1CwMWWO419WNg57i1VNqlc7CZMFROxEKg78RmIcjN9r0C55w7/s4032/71248252833__2D9B8292-F62E-457B-876B-22E1A13E5547.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZtarO7nArEOtCgVzK_VQhVrVqCBDjl9dD0jyDkhyijHdbbIBTLAc4IVhFmGyRoMROBked3akV8j7ILIo1_rV-KX5xvGdzKQxihL9fihzV8aSQgl9OWwEwmfHHuMBzRBOgvhg-iDLLOw1CwMWWO419WNg57i1VNqlc7CZMFROxEKg78RmIcjN9r0C55w7/s320/71248252833__2D9B8292-F62E-457B-876B-22E1A13E5547.HEIC" width="240" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Before leaving the region, my party tried a Rioja. The label states it is Denominacion de Origen Caliticada, which means it is from the right region. As a local wine, the notes for this will be true for all young Rioja reds. So forgive this pilgrim for being generic. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJZ-MZij8cmYCv-koNVhXVGo5C3vhYmNIfB6Vrj-Vyd_efCWDzCqvyUD65tI2IfTP0Fw5_9aEBkJlbaK0m0MFn2c3_B2vJzt-iubfrYc_7Fq1CdKN78B-rKY-ffNVDW_uhJJrsBH760DfsULHZBgD0MCygHJd2_bJiMLkN-EbpwYxsXnUHVDk_MBjsnet/s4032/IMG_6378.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJZ-MZij8cmYCv-koNVhXVGo5C3vhYmNIfB6Vrj-Vyd_efCWDzCqvyUD65tI2IfTP0Fw5_9aEBkJlbaK0m0MFn2c3_B2vJzt-iubfrYc_7Fq1CdKN78B-rKY-ffNVDW_uhJJrsBH760DfsULHZBgD0MCygHJd2_bJiMLkN-EbpwYxsXnUHVDk_MBjsnet/w150-h200/IMG_6378.HEIC" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>If you poor a small amount of wine into a clean glass and swirl, you should see lines coming down from where the wine touched the glass. These are the legs. The faster the legs, the more alcohol. This wine is 14%. Looking at the edge of the wine, as it is tilted in the glass, you will see, that the rim is clear, meaning a young wine. Rusty coloured and you will have age. This wine is clear, so three years old. The colour is garnet, fresh and light. The nose is one of cherries and oak, berry fruits and floral notes. </p><p>Cherry, redcurrant and cranberry are smoothly blended on the palette, and the oak from the barrels makes a reappearance making it a touch tart, so you want to suck your cheeks in. Young red Rioja wines would be good with red meat dishes. </p><p>Now let me go back to the Sunflowers, they are smiling back at me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZtarO7nArEOtCgVzK_VQhVrVqCBDjl9dD0jyDkhyijHdbbIBTLAc4IVhFmGyRoMROBked3akV8j7ILIo1_rV-KX5xvGdzKQxihL9fihzV8aSQgl9OWwEwmfHHuMBzRBOgvhg-iDLLOw1CwMWWO419WNg57i1VNqlc7CZMFROxEKg78RmIcjN9r0C55w7/s4032/71248252833__2D9B8292-F62E-457B-876B-22E1A13E5547.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZtarO7nArEOtCgVzK_VQhVrVqCBDjl9dD0jyDkhyijHdbbIBTLAc4IVhFmGyRoMROBked3akV8j7ILIo1_rV-KX5xvGdzKQxihL9fihzV8aSQgl9OWwEwmfHHuMBzRBOgvhg-iDLLOw1CwMWWO419WNg57i1VNqlc7CZMFROxEKg78RmIcjN9r0C55w7/w150-h200/71248252833__2D9B8292-F62E-457B-876B-22E1A13E5547.HEIC" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-65745417376218323482023-08-05T13:45:00.002+00:002023-08-05T13:47:32.389+00:00Rock of Agés <p> With the sun beating down, relentlessly during the day, this pilgrim has found that an early start cheats the heat. </p><p>Leaving Belorado in the cool, from Villafranca Montes de Oca, as we crossed the Montrs de Oca, the heat was on. </p><p>It was with huge relief , as we made our decent, to stumble on Agés. The routine on the Camino, is an afternoon shower, then siesta, then a further wait till things start opening for the evening. burgers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel_VUVlmbDVnGuxoQy2yXF2JPdjbSbby2gro35_fx8c_qtztEXa8RrRlGzzAnh9vyw26Q8BPDgn9x1_nTSx8UI395BkdDYF_rP-oP-4Q1a2aCDmL1VPDxHuu_6rbHVwEbUos7skO9KLiM7JdgcNB0neW6BP6nAJUtb6mI3sUcGoYysKgLGvNjd-vLm2cU/s4032/IMG_6367.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxCF8gKnF8t9pe18rE-DyfAiazlrk0cc9RV8YoE4ML1MZsZuo3eBd5svPe3SKiRQqEUoHd0tfD3XOq5f7FMVIA8aA2cBshDXPlsAFCAQ3XSdWcc5OJANrite_u_otbzZzUfsth_fhQZ7mdr8jljUaakhcMBi0ljlsHi219Jj-82tQ9f_uKimFh0_oGq17/s4032/IMG_6365.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel_VUVlmbDVnGuxoQy2yXF2JPdjbSbby2gro35_fx8c_qtztEXa8RrRlGzzAnh9vyw26Q8BPDgn9x1_nTSx8UI395BkdDYF_rP-oP-4Q1a2aCDmL1VPDxHuu_6rbHVwEbUos7skO9KLiM7JdgcNB0neW6BP6nAJUtb6mI3sUcGoYysKgLGvNjd-vLm2cU/s4032/IMG_6367.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel_VUVlmbDVnGuxoQy2yXF2JPdjbSbby2gro35_fx8c_qtztEXa8RrRlGzzAnh9vyw26Q8BPDgn9x1_nTSx8UI395BkdDYF_rP-oP-4Q1a2aCDmL1VPDxHuu_6rbHVwEbUos7skO9KLiM7JdgcNB0neW6BP6nAJUtb6mI3sUcGoYysKgLGvNjd-vLm2cU/w200-h150/IMG_6367.HEIC" width="200" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /><p>We chose a quirky hamburger bar, that was clearly very popular. The chef was cooking in a converted caravan. At the bar, the lady was happy for us to try some wines before buying. </p><p>The best of the bunch were ordered with our burgers. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrx9uV_f-kRyNEyNjeHXedmfoB-0E8NPH6shvCKfjJCbDekmfRGIRNPiW_AeitZ80-2nAlSJ-ius2pRMuf1viS9vdza_LtF-xRdQ4UAeWFGL4lar9GwPoL3tPt48x29ed--nrK6gSFjRl-Tc6TmyQRfr0bXzjBeU1v4SyhR_vsBLr-TDriHM3amsf4H5z/s4032/IMG_6375.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrx9uV_f-kRyNEyNjeHXedmfoB-0E8NPH6shvCKfjJCbDekmfRGIRNPiW_AeitZ80-2nAlSJ-ius2pRMuf1viS9vdza_LtF-xRdQ4UAeWFGL4lar9GwPoL3tPt48x29ed--nrK6gSFjRl-Tc6TmyQRfr0bXzjBeU1v4SyhR_vsBLr-TDriHM3amsf4H5z/w150-h200/IMG_6375.HEIC" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC74vN4Sjxza1upnceUJ9-Ib0kCCzRJfOz-YA1dWlyiANg8XwxvdqbqitgdIRPn9njP-Lgw07a6Za8XSTi6I9w9Nso7DqEBqgxgsKa9XMun44negBJoTZY5euMgJU2keGLehirx2S2RDQOwqwbFFnNvZOrXyInKK2aussrHM0ghiyslvSZyXXznpsTb6r3/s4032/IMG_6371.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC74vN4Sjxza1upnceUJ9-Ib0kCCzRJfOz-YA1dWlyiANg8XwxvdqbqitgdIRPn9njP-Lgw07a6Za8XSTi6I9w9Nso7DqEBqgxgsKa9XMun44negBJoTZY5euMgJU2keGLehirx2S2RDQOwqwbFFnNvZOrXyInKK2aussrHM0ghiyslvSZyXXznpsTb6r3/w150-h200/IMG_6371.HEIC" width="150" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>The first wine was a sparkling wine called AC La Rodetta, Frizzante. It is made with Viura and Muscatel grapes. Very pale greeny yellow, almost clear in colour. Light in body, the nose is fresh and reminded me of soft strawberries and sherbet. The taste was gentle strawberries, there was white peach and whiffs of honeysuckle. Beautiful, however it went down too quickly. Definitely give it a go. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxCF8gKnF8t9pe18rE-DyfAiazlrk0cc9RV8YoE4ML1MZsZuo3eBd5svPe3SKiRQqEUoHd0tfD3XOq5f7FMVIA8aA2cBshDXPlsAFCAQ3XSdWcc5OJANrite_u_otbzZzUfsth_fhQZ7mdr8jljUaakhcMBi0ljlsHi219Jj-82tQ9f_uKimFh0_oGq17/s4032/IMG_6365.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxCF8gKnF8t9pe18rE-DyfAiazlrk0cc9RV8YoE4ML1MZsZuo3eBd5svPe3SKiRQqEUoHd0tfD3XOq5f7FMVIA8aA2cBshDXPlsAFCAQ3XSdWcc5OJANrite_u_otbzZzUfsth_fhQZ7mdr8jljUaakhcMBi0ljlsHi219Jj-82tQ9f_uKimFh0_oGq17/w150-h200/IMG_6365.HEIC" width="150" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-FBY3DhSach4TN3w1TZl3rvM51dlamFKR6SUNDxAegucB02Tg6xgQht3Mi07dl6fppfTW7oTHnbsjRWrYdnngA5tt5G_px5lBl4nhmnqPURumUmNiqhlZdjqbYgnEaIN4fbwKEiDcKv8G3ww9mhYJSOTmuNlSmTT2gI9GK6y6iY2HFwX2tK5tDaLm3oA/s4032/IMG_6372.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-FBY3DhSach4TN3w1TZl3rvM51dlamFKR6SUNDxAegucB02Tg6xgQht3Mi07dl6fppfTW7oTHnbsjRWrYdnngA5tt5G_px5lBl4nhmnqPURumUmNiqhlZdjqbYgnEaIN4fbwKEiDcKv8G3ww9mhYJSOTmuNlSmTT2gI9GK6y6iY2HFwX2tK5tDaLm3oA/w200-h150/IMG_6372.HEIC" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC74vN4Sjxza1upnceUJ9-Ib0kCCzRJfOz-YA1dWlyiANg8XwxvdqbqitgdIRPn9njP-Lgw07a6Za8XSTi6I9w9Nso7DqEBqgxgsKa9XMun44negBJoTZY5euMgJU2keGLehirx2S2RDQOwqwbFFnNvZOrXyInKK2aussrHM0ghiyslvSZyXXznpsTb6r3/s4032/IMG_6371.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: white; text-align: left;">Next up was the local white of the area. It is called Cantarranas, from the Rueda region, 2022. Pale gold in colour, it is made with the Verdejo grape. The nose was one of lemon zest, from a young lemon. There was a green herb in there too. The taste was citrus, slightly acidic. There was definitely fennel and mixed herbs as well. Perfect with the spice in the Mexican burgers.</span></a></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-1883874049706607992023-07-29T19:13:00.002+00:002023-07-29T19:18:09.451+00:00Walking through Rioja<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjZTp-0Ur-s5DHza742NCj8EvNLxm6tq_C5Mif9t4jOuUaLvSaK6h-f7Dw5lIhkvxJTkWLMe1Gig4TuUvbsvY5bxP5B0wBgdv4B5h8Q8AiAnI1KH20hc2yVVcRLu7VWWtRSP-P-UpzxXcovBZaCEdxj1LOUP4ZHkubQLYYMlMUqBVsfLEQqd9MHNHBAdw/s4032/IMG_6288.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjZTp-0Ur-s5DHza742NCj8EvNLxm6tq_C5Mif9t4jOuUaLvSaK6h-f7Dw5lIhkvxJTkWLMe1Gig4TuUvbsvY5bxP5B0wBgdv4B5h8Q8AiAnI1KH20hc2yVVcRLu7VWWtRSP-P-UpzxXcovBZaCEdxj1LOUP4ZHkubQLYYMlMUqBVsfLEQqd9MHNHBAdw/s320/IMG_6288.HEIC" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhyl0aOLlgNPI4xSNvIdavsE77laFEkm7v-F8O9yXM-xgNcQtN_BkP-RVpvVf0lcKnq3yjx8ypYmGlK2-GtyxRJF99W6kf1W0TJqps65WT9v7_zVEh6fJ_T2ulJ3Mne7H0Kbl29ISkvK8i0KEKTEZ8VDRmP7XAiBvEerCOU7mTjguMDXfb_hpR3Jigdmo/s4032/IMG_6291.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhyl0aOLlgNPI4xSNvIdavsE77laFEkm7v-F8O9yXM-xgNcQtN_BkP-RVpvVf0lcKnq3yjx8ypYmGlK2-GtyxRJF99W6kf1W0TJqps65WT9v7_zVEh6fJ_T2ulJ3Mne7H0Kbl29ISkvK8i0KEKTEZ8VDRmP7XAiBvEerCOU7mTjguMDXfb_hpR3Jigdmo/w200-h150/IMG_6291.HEIC" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> Walking out of Logroño on the Camino trail, to Santiago, you become surrounded very quickly with lines of Tempranillo vines, doing their magic and making Rioja Tinto. </span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Walking to Nájera, a walk of some eight hours, much of the journey was in the company of vines. Macabre and Graciano grapes were also being grown. These are blended to make the much overlooked white Rioja.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMjzpMtmt7jnFh9dAUImQXd16GJiRkNp-XaPn0B2OM83nwzxGGWqsSygIIBW-0jvzVRsmwXlDTbEZ4wigUTA6er7sDGiYxmhi9Dm_Gpwtdrjt3_7i-IhiMUesWqvZFk9R_8Nb25UpNrtz_xgtdKwiOQxtZDEzbvvah3fQF5v4DYlOjakzSM9X_eWy6Ia1/s4032/IMG_6215.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMjzpMtmt7jnFh9dAUImQXd16GJiRkNp-XaPn0B2OM83nwzxGGWqsSygIIBW-0jvzVRsmwXlDTbEZ4wigUTA6er7sDGiYxmhi9Dm_Gpwtdrjt3_7i-IhiMUesWqvZFk9R_8Nb25UpNrtz_xgtdKwiOQxtZDEzbvvah3fQF5v4DYlOjakzSM9X_eWy6Ia1/s320/IMG_6215.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86); color: #4d5156; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPfwEfGmuJFiCWndiDM4SQGhCjkeejJsMzGRvxbK8PiRb27wuX9UFCsdKokpByrl3ScYC70URz7OZTOtyuCwa0rUa5Yo-73Klm1PcyWikLS5lN8P6CHGV-gEbDWpQcn7z6ChATNStkqv3BJQtg8gYJXXMo8QLj9bI5i15aa7FKS2X3KZQDN4YgGgB0wLj/s4032/IMG_6238.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPfwEfGmuJFiCWndiDM4SQGhCjkeejJsMzGRvxbK8PiRb27wuX9UFCsdKokpByrl3ScYC70URz7OZTOtyuCwa0rUa5Yo-73Klm1PcyWikLS5lN8P6CHGV-gEbDWpQcn7z6ChATNStkqv3BJQtg8gYJXXMo8QLj9bI5i15aa7FKS2X3KZQDN4YgGgB0wLj/w150-h200/IMG_6238.jpeg" width="150" /></b></a></div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NhzHbc7tARDzwSfZ1C-01X34M0tzWdpzK-gFnzJrW1_OkGfCIUBvMrDUYdzJ0cBdb2-J10nrLeODA7XtDfomVm_Hr2WbVH7bvyIVrvQ0WcTlT-INDf_gG-tQw671fWNE7O39w5hYBQqknHZm4QocZwo57cF1bzl82e8xruE3YHlNpO17mnTknH-K0QZ7/s4032/IMG_6302.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NhzHbc7tARDzwSfZ1C-01X34M0tzWdpzK-gFnzJrW1_OkGfCIUBvMrDUYdzJ0cBdb2-J10nrLeODA7XtDfomVm_Hr2WbVH7bvyIVrvQ0WcTlT-INDf_gG-tQw671fWNE7O39w5hYBQqknHZm4QocZwo57cF1bzl82e8xruE3YHlNpO17mnTknH-K0QZ7/w200-h150/IMG_6302.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxOugPeybtkyGvwwDaAXTe42Z5Hk0zrPk_XoIU_L26marNy6WSv_1CDtF0HlGZUb8UbRvMilInIwRxb6B-ZjsrCiBZhICVLj8wR7oEtQqJrMbGwgg-_qtauNVCPRyiDLZy2AbEQrJG8rGSdaVs89aWheRul_BJkK5WXeyOz1LbqHpVEeXqLvruLJYLhAf/s4032/IMG_6301.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxOugPeybtkyGvwwDaAXTe42Z5Hk0zrPk_XoIU_L26marNy6WSv_1CDtF0HlGZUb8UbRvMilInIwRxb6B-ZjsrCiBZhICVLj8wR7oEtQqJrMbGwgg-_qtauNVCPRyiDLZy2AbEQrJG8rGSdaVs89aWheRul_BJkK5WXeyOz1LbqHpVEeXqLvruLJYLhAf/w200-h150/IMG_6301.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></span></span><p></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-72661367247090111012023-07-27T19:35:00.002+00:002023-07-27T19:35:36.913+00:00Fountain Of Life<p>Leaving the beautiful town of Estella, with its busy flea market and crowded square, we continued west towards Los Argos. </p><p>Our group had purchased local chorizo, cheese, tomatoes and bread. Well on their way to a magical treat. I allude to the wine fountain. Discussed in hushed whispers, nobody tells you where it is, just take an extra container.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sfJYR9GUgcHXK6qFJvMFcxT9V7CV4fl49O77q__G2aVMV1shYyLK5M4FCRSgeoYDW-066TKbY5p9lzTOg9-qfw9pHKSSg4O_JBtK7VDupCyPG3ygwDd5lMLw_BWemk64aDLNnneDdjCohZ3Pu6MKc2D_2nsIAZVaypFE4n42ZyuL9UAvv03R1XoX_BQ7/s4032/IMG_6150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sfJYR9GUgcHXK6qFJvMFcxT9V7CV4fl49O77q__G2aVMV1shYyLK5M4FCRSgeoYDW-066TKbY5p9lzTOg9-qfw9pHKSSg4O_JBtK7VDupCyPG3ygwDd5lMLw_BWemk64aDLNnneDdjCohZ3Pu6MKc2D_2nsIAZVaypFE4n42ZyuL9UAvv03R1XoX_BQ7/w200-h150/IMG_6150.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>When we reached Bodegas Irach, fellow pilgrims began to twitch. Enclosed in a gated courtyard, was a metal plate, set in the wall. Attached to this plate were two taps, one advocating water, the other the elixir of life. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63hPsTNFUdR2RHmjde1WUYKi75ZAXahEJo_Pldy3jQ-zsz4_lLDsyGLqUojjDYJPF_7BJ39jKQoC2XfnecNFxN0xli-iRo6nHXnJWHmncxHpzh4Zfp4QmnomOFOWq1XQYweoDqyW67swYTLrlvxFtQukn8xYR-B6QNt4qiFbXV8tWNy6rCtCLQ9qIcGao/s4032/IMG_6152.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63hPsTNFUdR2RHmjde1WUYKi75ZAXahEJo_Pldy3jQ-zsz4_lLDsyGLqUojjDYJPF_7BJ39jKQoC2XfnecNFxN0xli-iRo6nHXnJWHmncxHpzh4Zfp4QmnomOFOWq1XQYweoDqyW67swYTLrlvxFtQukn8xYR-B6QNt4qiFbXV8tWNy6rCtCLQ9qIcGao/s320/IMG_6152.jpeg" width="240" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Not believing, I cupped my hands under the tap to take a gulp. A fresh and clean wine on tap. Filling a water bottle, I made our provisions for a picnic, sitting on a hay bale in a field. Fantastic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMx5P-z18Eu8gtWwmgd5dJoSwl4PYMOj4dK6MLnohWLqloAWrUu2IqRFChnngWkUf7xbLoBh5BMP7Z3QKePdvjcL5k8LbxxQRCoj4qL2W-oz120g2B5fuUr90KfsJ2sQwvxwZovO5Ql4tS8A-gBKe1MkBI-mMg5IiwR6cQ-_OOK-MmrjtMj71OEFGSu4m/s4032/IMG_6186.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMx5P-z18Eu8gtWwmgd5dJoSwl4PYMOj4dK6MLnohWLqloAWrUu2IqRFChnngWkUf7xbLoBh5BMP7Z3QKePdvjcL5k8LbxxQRCoj4qL2W-oz120g2B5fuUr90KfsJ2sQwvxwZovO5Ql4tS8A-gBKe1MkBI-mMg5IiwR6cQ-_OOK-MmrjtMj71OEFGSu4m/s320/IMG_6186.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-54258433330164663652023-07-24T05:45:00.001+00:002023-07-24T05:45:48.256+00:00Napoleon’s crossing to Navarra<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNJLHXe1rF23vKfXuTXnt5G0uZrQfculMCa2AbWB3wmD9H_cBucJ93dNydfK8TEkWRW5wR4lZVian81eojUhdAkJAklNPLjZ4asIu4GHbJ51in9jxFKhmypSwoMt9WptY5EC3wC7gtpu0WimGzGoDNhXF_cQJlDQhP7ZQw8U4BSOzZfvwV7fdlsQVZ29q/s4032/IMG_5881.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNJLHXe1rF23vKfXuTXnt5G0uZrQfculMCa2AbWB3wmD9H_cBucJ93dNydfK8TEkWRW5wR4lZVian81eojUhdAkJAklNPLjZ4asIu4GHbJ51in9jxFKhmypSwoMt9WptY5EC3wC7gtpu0WimGzGoDNhXF_cQJlDQhP7ZQw8U4BSOzZfvwV7fdlsQVZ29q/w150-h200/IMG_5881.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw4KGwYRif0GK5f4QTQKZc3LRCNIQwWQ362DzFHcZ2NesWUQ4CJb_TCaWD0hYI0r4p459IqBhZPa-_jNIXgC4c4LWSzCuX-izbu2kZjEmHvV3cuqYLg5VkCCmtFo3hstAOftpbN-fuKB8dPpcPbKToF5IntigmwH0zoeYua8gehVn3LDHqqp2cc-TCggF/s4032/IMG_5955.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw4KGwYRif0GK5f4QTQKZc3LRCNIQwWQ362DzFHcZ2NesWUQ4CJb_TCaWD0hYI0r4p459IqBhZPa-_jNIXgC4c4LWSzCuX-izbu2kZjEmHvV3cuqYLg5VkCCmtFo3hstAOftpbN-fuKB8dPpcPbKToF5IntigmwH0zoeYua8gehVn3LDHqqp2cc-TCggF/s320/IMG_5955.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgKeGnlAZ3Be1J-uau-LsBqHsMoYhIvRm90zgwGOQ-0S6Oi23p-xMEvWUwh4r2tnqvSPzxxik_fM3ncMqO3MTtLFPwMwKbrNs7rL-vLDP6r4fLYuQycQ2VFuwA2eSArU-hu-5KCFzD_VA0mMfyaBcIHII85EhkZ6fNUu79JjLag44LtGP3BsV_XQ3KjDQ/s4032/IMG_5959.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgKeGnlAZ3Be1J-uau-LsBqHsMoYhIvRm90zgwGOQ-0S6Oi23p-xMEvWUwh4r2tnqvSPzxxik_fM3ncMqO3MTtLFPwMwKbrNs7rL-vLDP6r4fLYuQycQ2VFuwA2eSArU-hu-5KCFzD_VA0mMfyaBcIHII85EhkZ6fNUu79JjLag44LtGP3BsV_XQ3KjDQ/s320/IMG_5959.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Starting early, our party walked through the old town of Saint Jean Pied du Port, and began the climb pretty quickly. The weather and conditions were good, so we decided to follow Napoleon’s path way. It was the Path Napoleon army took, to catch the Spanish of guard and take Spain. There was little break from the continual climb. The path changed from gravel, grass, slate and clay. One section had deep mulch, a kindness to the feet, that had now travelled 25km. </span></div><p></p><p>After 7 hours our journey was done, we came to a monastery at Roncesvalles and beds for the night.</p><p>Seeking tapas and wine, we found a place on site. The Sommelier recommended the wines from Navarra region we were in. </p><p>The white was a fresh straw coloured offering, young but very drinkable. Perfect with the selection of Tapas. A fellow pilgrim joined us, who we had met on our way to the summit. Mike was a friendly American, with a twinkle in his eye. Very good company, and now with four on the trail, the white was dispatched quickly, so we moved onto the red. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSNr1aOmkAuP9h2UQl5zM7vXrA0FTn54grnz9SraY8GddoSWu1HEybH1H73LzI20UjA1SCszVEqgBWH0LJu8d41rynfemufSil--_w3_7cF6pVwJYiXqkWdM9_0dM34Qvyknkfl-KDUIxtJCjjPzLFGLv_AfzHWWsDbXB82lEp7308jbhYQ1pqmq0Ebbz/s4032/IMG_5962.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSNr1aOmkAuP9h2UQl5zM7vXrA0FTn54grnz9SraY8GddoSWu1HEybH1H73LzI20UjA1SCszVEqgBWH0LJu8d41rynfemufSil--_w3_7cF6pVwJYiXqkWdM9_0dM34Qvyknkfl-KDUIxtJCjjPzLFGLv_AfzHWWsDbXB82lEp7308jbhYQ1pqmq0Ebbz/w200-h150/IMG_5962.jpeg" width="200" /></a>The red was youthful again. Very reminiscent of some of the northern Rhone wines, I used to drink. Earthy, with great red berries and a gentle follow through. </p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2283479329520706013.post-58828191146419231172023-07-20T18:05:00.003+00:002023-07-20T18:09:19.027+00:00Saint Jean Pied du Port in style<p>The night before we started the Camino, we found a beautiful restaurant serving local duck breast. Our waiter recommends a cheeky red, “Mignaberry” from the appellation Irouleguy.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1kjdF_xkMXf35u2m5wygTM3TN4UsfTpdG93g4V_YEExIsFinl6FExyLP6ihDvnznPEhmRNMZhlu2pJBNwJ7CPc5uNVGAKxgmXqvc47M1RZQI7vgk4sof6M2WG9VtFkp6bt7lttBxwY4tt7r2HsQgBvYkRb_rTVqIgA5yPcGip64j3pkkjlSEqHHi3ytN/s3840/10CBE75C-745A-4B05-99CD-6F53B79E9217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1kjdF_xkMXf35u2m5wygTM3TN4UsfTpdG93g4V_YEExIsFinl6FExyLP6ihDvnznPEhmRNMZhlu2pJBNwJ7CPc5uNVGAKxgmXqvc47M1RZQI7vgk4sof6M2WG9VtFkp6bt7lttBxwY4tt7r2HsQgBvYkRb_rTVqIgA5yPcGip64j3pkkjlSEqHHi3ytN/s320/10CBE75C-745A-4B05-99CD-6F53B79E9217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxday9pITH7Xxfzep9EOPul5mIMYpgP0F7aeqejHsw3BmkI4bPS0tSnDBwGFppDmgvnfaWQ56oRkgWmxJUTPjpcU2v7DwkJPMPfCukyrTT8Et-uUf33fAZUIzDA1ohaEmaUwEhV4EYt9S-cf8y-KRlf7d8AqwxIvCxq6q9RMeR1kS5FXOqr7ro38OfAfEF/s4032/IMG_5858.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxday9pITH7Xxfzep9EOPul5mIMYpgP0F7aeqejHsw3BmkI4bPS0tSnDBwGFppDmgvnfaWQ56oRkgWmxJUTPjpcU2v7DwkJPMPfCukyrTT8Et-uUf33fAZUIzDA1ohaEmaUwEhV4EYt9S-cf8y-KRlf7d8AqwxIvCxq6q9RMeR1kS5FXOqr7ro38OfAfEF/s320/IMG_5858.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi05otqLttQu8AI6ERh8ABZH38RMyWZY3zAGeahx_T_o6HgZFS6m4ZqAQSaTVL8ACnso7M6eJ_ScSvDLm03WNTkIsrUYogZGGmhYPhlVCaG2ajQyG5CdyMkXtuyAI882NnKBwFykoJu9JLuVWeRrPHJ73ECz7pWy8CiFGjBpMJxA2CXjIBjmN_8jcvtVjD/s4032/IMG_5859.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi05otqLttQu8AI6ERh8ABZH38RMyWZY3zAGeahx_T_o6HgZFS6m4ZqAQSaTVL8ACnso7M6eJ_ScSvDLm03WNTkIsrUYogZGGmhYPhlVCaG2ajQyG5CdyMkXtuyAI882NnKBwFykoJu9JLuVWeRrPHJ73ECz7pWy8CiFGjBpMJxA2CXjIBjmN_8jcvtVjD/s320/IMG_5859.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHhG_Jwz9KRODeeByfZdhyxm4QfK0H_wA70E_vIBHoVgc5jzXVlPj9Xg3FuWE3GFCvLdBYsVQWTjxKiq1IxrBxvdv4qEnKT1WqK8rhu4LBg3xSrESDkmm6adzODdl77C94mFdWM3ZXzYbP1tqdr7pwvfR9ClOpWtQrT8-JtSzboKRurnfaJIEzmT47ck3/s4032/IMG_5860.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHhG_Jwz9KRODeeByfZdhyxm4QfK0H_wA70E_vIBHoVgc5jzXVlPj9Xg3FuWE3GFCvLdBYsVQWTjxKiq1IxrBxvdv4qEnKT1WqK8rhu4LBg3xSrESDkmm6adzODdl77C94mFdWM3ZXzYbP1tqdr7pwvfR9ClOpWtQrT8-JtSzboKRurnfaJIEzmT47ck3/s320/IMG_5860.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>On our train journey from Bayonnes to Saint Jean, we had passed multiple vineyards, nestling in the hills that eventually become the Pyrenees. These vines would have made this wine.</p><p>The wine is filled with dry fruits, tobacco and red berries. It was made in 2019 and could do with a little more aging. It is reminiscent of quality Lebanese wines, with that fig notes. </p><p>It went perfectly with the duck breast and made quiet a start to the walk. </p>The Oxford Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15284208666639265988noreply@blogger.com1