Market day

Saturday is market day here in Olvera. So, in a very warm temperature of 30°C, we wandered down for a look.

The market was quite busy but with fewer than usual traders, in particular our favourite sweet stall. I'm seriously suffering from liquorice withdrawal symptoms now as the lady from Setenil, who operates the stall, hasn't been there for three weeks.

The ice cream seller was doing quite well though.

We sat for a while outside the Bar La Noria under the Telefonica tower, enjoying a refreshingly cold double coke with ice before slowly heading home.

Noche del Pasadoble

We went for a walk this evening, mainly to escape the sauna like temperatures in the house. In a roundabout way, we ended up in the Plaza de Andalucia where preparations were being made for an evening of music and dance.

This was the second annual event of its kind and the event was organised and music provided by the excellent musicians of the Banda de Música de Olvera.

A large audience of all ages showed their appreciation of the music and the dancers who took to the floor.

Wandering around

A wander down to the town this morning on a lovely, blue sky 30°C day, taking a slightly different route from the usual.
Here and below, Calle Garduñera.

Off Garduñera is an archway leading to Calle Amapola.

The arch leads to a very pleasant terraced area giving great views to the south.

Looking up to the Alameda.

One of our favourite places, particularly on Sunday evenings, is the Asador Carmina. Absolutely delicious, juicy, roast chicken.

I sat for a while in the Plaza de la Concordia before heading home.

Medina Sidonia

We were up early this morning for a drive to Medina Sidonia, a historic town about 90 minutes drive and approximately 81kms southwest of Olvera.

Arriving at about 8.30am, we headed upwards towards the Centro Urbano, passing through the Plaza de España, pictured above.

We parked in a free car park through the archway to the right of the 17th century building housing the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), pictured here, returning the short distance on foot to explore more. Enquiring of the location of the Tourist Office, we were given directions and advised that it didn't open until 10am.

The impessive entrance to the Ayuntamiento.

With a while to wait before the Tourist Office opened, we sat for coffee at one of the many bars around the plaza before heading upwards to the top of town.

The 16th century Iglesia Santiago el Mayor, unfortunately closed as were all the Churches we came across.

The Arco Belén (Gate of Bethlehem), one of the remaining entrances to the old moorish and medieval district.



The Plaza de la Iglesia Mayor.








Parts of the old castle and the views on a hazy day to the north.










Within the old town walls is the impressive Iglesia Santa Maria la Mayor la Coronada that dominates the town and dates from 1553.

















































My partners on this trek of exploration of discovery....Anne and Calcetines.

Time was getting on so we headed back down looking for the Tourist Office in the hope of obtaining a map of the town and the sites of interest.

After some difficulty, and with the help of a kindly policeman, we eventually found the Office, within the Archeological Museum of Medina Sidonia in Calle Ortega, but not a sign indicating "Oficina de Turismo" in sight. The only frustrating reference was a note on the door saying that it didn't open until 10.30am.

So we sat and waited, and waited, and waited, by this time joined by several other people, until at 10.55am we gave up hope of it ever opening and started the walk back uphill to the car.
Very frustrating.

The Iglesia de la Victoria.

We eventually did obtain a tourist map by asking another friendly policeman near to the Ayuntamiento, who retrieved one from his car.

We quite liked Medina Sidonia, a pleasant, clean and friendly town. Unfortunately, today was a little hazy and we weren't able to see the Atlantic coast but perhaps another time.

Congratulations Bob. Nearly there

I've just heard from Bob and after twelve hard, exhausting weeks on the road, his incredible walk is coming to an end. He is approaching the lighthouse in Tarifa, the southernmost point of Spain, a week ahead of schedule.

Generous donations to the JustGiving website for Cancer UK has so far raised an amazing £2,286.00 plus more contributions have been received in the La Caixa account on behalf of the CNIO, the Spanish Cancer Research Centre.
Bob's diary of his journey can be found here. However, in recognition of an incredible personal effort, there is still time to donate any amount you can spare, no matter how small, to a very deserving and worthy cause. Well done Bob.

Blog postscript: Pics kindly supplied by Bob