Thevi, Josh and Davia

It was our pleasure today to meet for lunch with Thevi, husband Josh and daughter Davia, a lovely family from rural Kentucky, USA who have been enjoying an extended cultural and educational visit to Europe, staying in Olvera for the last three weeks before shortly moving on to Portugal, France and Germany.

Before starting their trip, it was pleasing to hear that they had read our blog and that this had partly influenced them to come to Olvera and explore this area of Andalucia. So over delicious tapas at Bar La Noria we were very interested to learn of their experiences here and of their lives in America. Time passed so quickly but we hope to stay in touch and hopefully we may see these lovely people back here sometime in the future. 

We wish you "Buen viaje" on your future travels and don't forget to send some photos when you get home. 

Karen and James

 We were happy to meet up again this morning with Karen and James. Our intention was to support the Taomi event at the Indoor Sports Centre but unfortunately the event was postponed until next Friday, the 29th. So on a cold, damp and grey morning we adjourned to the Cerveceria Entrecaminos for  warming drinks.

Karen and James are currently based in nearby El Gastor but are exploring this and other area's with a view to perhaps in the future finding that special place and balance of lifestyle that will allow them to maintain work commitments whilst also enjoying the quality of life that Andalucia has to offer. 

Good luck to them both.

"Hola" to Catherine........

........who we met this morning on our wanders. Catherine, in a lovely Irish lilt, told us that she has a house here and regularly looks into our blog to keep up with events in Olvera. As always, it was great to meet up with one of our readers and enjoy a chat.

Mel and Jean

Passing by Bar Pepe Rayas this afternoon, we recognised a familiar face that was our friend Mel from Cornwall, over for a couple of weeks holiday with his sister Jean, here on the right of picture with local resident and friend Elma on the left. We stopped for a beer and a chat, certain that we'll see each other for a longer catch up over the next week or so.

Goodbye to Ray.........

.......who leaves Olvera in a couple of days time, heading initially to the UK and then on to New Zealand. A lovely, genuine guy and a true gentleman who hopefully will return one day to see us again. All the best Ray and good luck for the future.

Nick and Claire

 I had the absolute pleasure of flying back to the UK at the weekend to celebrate the marriage of my godson Nick to the beautiful Claire. The location was the stunning Caradoc Court just outside of Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.

 Father of the groom, my long standing friend of thirty five years, Les.

 And the lovely grooms mother Mandy.

 The Babbage boys.

  The stunningly beautiful Claire on the arm of dad Ray. She just radiated happiness throughout the ceremony and indeed the whole day.

 A great bunch of guys and lovely bridesmaids below.

A fantastic day and a great weekend catching up with old friends.

Paqui

On our way to the post office this morning we had a very nice surprise when a lovely lady stopped us to say how much she enjoyed looking at our blog. She introduced herself as Paqui Troya and it transpired that she and her family are the owners of the "Molino El Salado", an old established business producing quality Virgin Olive Oil and cured hams on a rural estate close to Olvera. Photos of the production process can be seen here.

It was lovely to meet and talk with Paqui and as always a pleasure to meet with someone who enjoys our blog.

Ginny's visit

 Just catching up with some pictures taken during the visit of our lovely sister-in-law Ginny. Here, while sitting at the Asador Carmina restaurant, these guys turned up for a cooling drink. 

The "Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación" lit up on Sunday evening as was the castle below.

 In the Plaza de la Concordia....not the best view of Calcetines!.

 Always a pleasure is a visit to the Taberna Juanito Gomez, perhaps the most authentic Spanish restaurant in Olvera. 

 Delicious cured hams hanging up.

Kathie and John's 50th

We had the pleasure today of attending the 50th wedding anniversary celebrations of our lovely friends Kathie and John.

A happy day in 1963 and below just as happy now, 50 years later. 

Kathie and John's beautiful home is in the small hamlet of Los Villalones with guest accommodation available here should you feel like a relaxing, stress free "get away from it all " break in a stunningly beautiful location.

Amy, their lovely daughter in the hat and below Amy's son Tom with fiancé Emma and future mother in law Janet.

 We sat with old friends and new ones, chatting over a leisurely lunch and enjoying the delicious selection of curried dishes. 

 The paparazzi gathered for the cake cutting ceremony.

 A lovely day with lovely people and as always John, Kathie and Amy  were exceptional and very welcoming hosts. We are so lucky to have such friends.