Vejer

Vejer, pronounced "bayhair" is one of the Pueblo Blanco towns set high on a ridge above the surrounding valley.

 

 

We were going to cycle but our pals on the site pointed out that it was about ten miles of uphill getting steeper at the end. Even with the new Electric bike it was not probably a good idea for our first visit. Anyway it was far too hot to cycle. So we persuaded Dave and Liane to join us again on the motorised transport.

The old town is partially walled and in lovely condition, still very much lived in, not just an historical relic.

 

 

The main square is delightful with a fountain and cafes and lots of local people just sitting in the shade of the palm trees.

 

 

The streets wander up and down the hill side and meander through alley ways. Doors open onto courtyards and private homes. Rooftop terraces abound and it all has a feeling of peaceful life of a time gone by.

Once again, I think we will be spending a lot more time here over the next few months.

 



Jerez

Jerez should conjure up thoughts of Sherry and Old World charm and it delivers in Grand fashion. What a splendid day we spent there with our pals from Sicily, Dave and Liane.

They patiently followed us on our scooter with their large Triumph Tiger at around 55 MPH all the way down the motorway for the 50 miles journey into the city. We parked up and had a coffee at the nearest café while our legs and bottoms relaxed. Then we were off to the old centre and the sherry houses. Gonzales Byass, Sandeman, Domecq and others. We chose the guided trip and tasting at Domecq.

 

 

 We had a guide who spoke passable English and who made the tour interesting and informative. We learnt about the methods of Sherry making and Brandy also. The vast rooms of barrels in what was once cloisters were amazing. Many casks were signed by celebrities of the past dating back many years.

 

 

We then tried a few of the types of Sherry and a Brandy but alas Dave and I were driving so only a sip.

We definitely need to return to the city to do a more in depth exploration of its old buildings and churches.

 

 

Baelo Claudia Roman town

Further along the coast past Barbate is the old Roman town of Baelo Claudia. This has been sympathetically, partially restored and gives a good impression of just how grand it must have been in the first century AD. Set right on the beach front it had fish salting tanks and a fish salting factory on a large scale.

 

 Also the usual temples and baths plus all the living accommodation for rich and poor, a real working town. The beach is beautiful, curving round to a large sand dune reminiscent of Dune du Pilar in France.

 

 

 All in all a great day out with a very good museum and all Free to any citizen of Europe just show your passport.

 

 

Torre del Tajo

We decided to take a walk through the woods in the direction of Barbate to the Torre del Tajo. This is a 16th century watch tower, designed to keep look out for pirates and is in exceptional condition. The walk is beautiful especially in the wonderful weather we are having. Those among our pals who ask why we choose to winter away from the UK just look at the weather.

This stretch of coast is so different from the Mediterranean, more wild and unspoiled.

 



On going at Pinar.

Well we have settled in nicely now and lots of friends have been and gone, some are still here thankfully.

Had a great birthday by the beach at San Francisco restaurant at El Palmar  Mid afternoon lunch with three other couples. Good food and good banter.



Went on well into the night. Roger and Julia now on way north and Steve and Jean left today. Who wants to be in UK for winter ?

This area seems to have enough going on to keep us happy at least until the new year so this will be our base. The weather is still very good, we have only had rain showers twice in the last three weeks and the temperature during the day is still in the 20's. There are good beaches all around us



and it is totally different to how we imagined this area to be. Trafalgar lighthouse is within a mile



and there are watchtowers all along the coast from the pirate days of the 16th century.