Feria de Jamón y Queso

We drove the thirty minutes or so this morning to the town of Campillos to visit the annual pork products and cheese fair being held there.

We arrived at just after 11am, parked up and walked the short distance to the busy park area where the fair was being held.

There were a huge variety of cheese and ham products on display and loads of free samples to taste, of which we took full advantage of course.

A wood carver was also showing his skill. Here a carving in cherry wood and below working with olive wood.

We bought some deliciously strong goats cheese from this stall.

This was a very popular stall, a beauty salon offering free makeovers and beauty treatments. I tried but I think they said that the cement wagon had been held up in traffic!!.

Do you remember toffee apples like these?.

No kidding. When we came to this stall, the tray of samples was nearly full but by the time we left, nearly all had gone. We couldn't resist buying some "queso con pimientos", cheese made with peppers, deliciously spicy.

We headed home several kilos heavier and quite a few euros lighter but thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Feria de Jamón

A 30 minute drive west today to Campillos, to visit the third Festival of Ham and Pork products, of which Andalucia is famous.

We parked in a side street and walked the short distance to the park area in the centre of town, joining the already large crowd of people looking at the exhibits.

Delicious goats cheese of different tastes and textures were on display with lots of samples to taste.

The main theme of the show however was the ham and pork products of the region, again lots and lots of free tasters, all delicious.

Cured hams hanging. Not cheap though at €89,00 (£77.00) each.

Chorizo, morcilla, salchichón and much more were on offer.

There were probably about fifty or more exhibitors including a bread and cake stall.

If all the samples left you a little thirsty, this lady was happily dispensing free glasses of wine.

Chicharrones, seasoned pork rind, gently sizzling in oil.

This chap had an interesting method of producing his artwork, firstly using spray paint to put colour onto his material and then igniting another can to "flame grill" it.
















A good few hours out with plenty of delicious tasters on offer, of which we took full advantage of course.

We did however purchase a block of cheese and some biscuits so we didn't feel too guilty.

Campillos again and then.............!!

We had been told about "Brit Bits", a shop which sold well known UK brands of foodstuffs, so we decided to take the trip to Campillos to have a look. Fray Bentos steak & kidney pies were definately a priority on the shopping list. We went into the shop and found an Alladins cave of goodies........Heinz beans, Robinsons orange squash, Colemans mustard, Bassetts liquorice allsorts and steak & kidney pies....the list goes on and on, and all at reasonable prices too. Also english language reading books were a bonus. We stocked up with several bits and pieces and took a stroll into Campillos.

Although the sun is still shining and its still quite warm, the leaves on the tree's are changing colour and starting to drop.

Walking back to the car we passed a fenced area and noticed about six kittens asleep or roaming around. They were "wild" cats and while we were watching a Spanish lady came up and started to stroke them through the fence. She explained that she and her husband were providing water and food to them, hence they were quite friendly.

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Campillos 29th August 2007


And then...................!!

We drove home to the street where we usually park the car and came across one of the less pleasant aspects of life in Spain........abandoned and starving dogs. As we parked the car we noticed the poor dog below and went to have a look at her. She was lying on the road and it was clear that she was malnourished and barely able to lift her head up. Now those of you that know us know that we are both animal lovers, dogs in particular, and Anne was extremely upset. We have tried our best since coming here to become hardened to the sight of stray dogs but this was difficult to ignore and walk past. The least we could do was nip home and get some food and water for her, which she eagerly ate and drank. She then unsteadily got to her feet and walked away. It doesn't seem enough and if we could we would like to do more for the many deserving cases that we see here....so if anyone wins the lottery you know where we are!

Campillos

Today, Anne said "lets go to Campillos", a small town about 30kms east of Olvera. We'd been there before last September and quite honestly isn't the most attractive of places. Whereas Olvera lies in the hills bordering the Sierra Grazalema National Park, Campillos is situated on the plain heading towards Antequera.





It is a busy place with plenty of clothes shops for Anne to browse in, which was obviously the ulterior motive as some sales were on. We felt that the best part was situated around the square in the middle of town. Onwards then to Canete de la Real...........
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Campillos again and then.............!!