Feliz Año

Well dear readers, it has been a while hasn’t it?

A new year has come and a lot has happened since Carmen and I tried to negotiate 12 grapes in 12 seconds whilst drinking Cava (with something gold in it!) on New Years Eve. However, this Spanish tradition ensured that we would be lucky throughout 2007 (Carmen managed 5 grapes, whilst my paltry attempt came to an end at 12.10 when I finally ate my final grape, lets hope the God of Luck missed our efforts!) New Years Eve itself was spent with Carmen’s entire family with a fantastic dinner. Just like last year, we went out with friends after the dinner until late. We were ‘eating chocolate con churros’ relatively early this year at 09.00 in the morning…

The following days were spent eating, resting and doing a small tour through the south of Galicia with Carmen’s sister Irene and her boyfriend (mi cuñado) Alberto, who valiantly drove for two days on end without losing any enthusiasm for Galicia or its natural beauties! Here are some of the highlights of this great province of Spain:

The village of ? well known for its inquisition prison and small museum on local tapestry.

Ourense is nice for a cup of coffee. To thank this city for its hot beverages Carmen and I agreed to save their (very pointy!) Christmas tree from falling down..

Alberto and the nice little town of Allariz, known for its monestary (as seen at the back) and home to one of the most prominent politicians of Galicia, whom we of course met in the street...

On the second day of the trip we went into Portugal to visit this fort. Now as an adopted Spanish I don’t like Portugal too much, but I made an exception for this great little tower.

Wine not yet! Wine fields in Portugal, with our tireless driver Alberto!

The bridge Carmen is standing on is Roman! Hooray for the Romans!! With this photo we are back in Galicia.

The Tour of Southern Galicia Crew: me, Carmen, Irene and Alberto. Another day, another castle! This photo was taken by the tour guide (read village nutcase!) whose only word in English was ‘hot’. It remains unsaid that Carmen, Irene and Alberto had a better tour of this castle than me!!