France, Life of adventure, Road Trips, Spain., Travel

A Winter Roadtrip – Espalais to Comares

Suzanne
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The end of January saw us off again on a road trip. This time in reverse. With a few slight alterations and a quick glance at the map, it looks more like a straight line heading down rather than the previous journey, which included more curves.

Day One – Espalais to San Sebastion

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  • Past vineyards, small towns, and, Chateaus, more to look forward to on our return when harvesting should be in full swing.
  • Not too long on the road saw us head into a cafe for a hot espresso and pastry.
  • Pedestrian crossings on roundabouts – what a strange combination!
  • Pau was the small historical town in which we chose to have our lunch. At the end of the below photograph. Popular with locals we chose the set menu. Most enjoyable.
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  • The sun was just heading down as we reached San Sebastian, only in time for one last stroll for the day and to find out where the tolling bell sounds were coming from.
  • We once again stayed at Hotel Arima, which is situated on the outskirts of San Sebastion. Ultra-modern adhering to eco/organic beliefs and a recycling area in the bathroom for guests. The average cost is 58 euros through Booking.com. [this low cost was due to it still being under construction; the current price is much higher]

Day 2 – San Sebastion – Burgos

  • It dawned sunny to start our second day of travel, though the sun’s appearance was to be very short-lived, as fog descended and continued to worsen as we headed towards Vitoria.
  • The landscape took on an eerie feel as the light dazzled through the fog every now and again.
  • Further down the road and heading out of the gorge not far from Burgos, I saw the disappearance of the fog. Then we came across this small roadside chapel with a bell tower that looked like it had been carved out of the rock.
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  • We were indeed pleased when the sun finally appeared with fewer mountains and more flat land.
  • We had arrived in Burgos.
  • Feeling relaxed was no doubt due to how easy it was to walk around this city, also with the festival feeling as some people wandering around all dressed in traditional costumes, and laughter filled the air as they passed us. Or is it that some places have this intangible “feeling” which creates an atmosphere that has a positive effect on visitors. If so. Then Burgos is one such place that has this “feel” that also embodies all the best of Northern Spain, the food, the architecture, the culture.
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  • The Medival entrance, Arco de Santa María, into the old part of town, then viewing the Gothic Cathedral.
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  • The city of Burgos exceeded our expectations!

Day 3 – Burgos- Salamanca

  • Icy roads. 2 degrees start to our day.
  • Fog covered the hills softening the harsh rocky landscape. Like tiered lines on the horizon.
  • As predicted, the landscape changed, and more agricultural land was added.
  • So many places to stop and absorb, too little time.
  • As we drove along, vineyards dominated the landscape, not olive trees.
  • First stop – Segovia.
  • Segovia – WOW.
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  • Best slang word in the English language to describe this city in the middle of Spain.
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  • Of course, many other travellers have used words such as breathtaking scenery, extraordinary engineering when viewing the aqueduct, well-preserved architecture, and I could certainly add many more.
  • Turegano, with a castle on the hill and a country village. A perfect stop for a stroll and an espresso.
  • Avila – another unexpected surprise on what was to be a fantastic day indeed.
  • A day when daylight and energy run out at the same time.

Day 4 – Salamanca

  • Our second UNESCO World Heritage site is this road trip.
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  • Where small dogs wear puffer jackets.
  • A haircut was required for me, I found a salon that resembled a production line for the removal of grey hair, and it was the only one open in town. I left with my hair trimmed in all the right places.
  • Instead of the usual cafe to quench our thirst and appetite, we chose to sit on a park bench and eat mandarines. Citrus fruit in Spain is unbeatable!
  • Incredible buildings that seem to be utilised by the University, what a fantastic place to study amongst all this history. Well, a tale with a leaning towards Christianity.
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  • Disjointed was one word that was verbally repeated during our time wandering the streets of Salamanca.
  • “The Feel”, “The Atmosphere”, whatever word that best describes that intangible “thing” that makes every place unique, Salamanca for us was lacking that particular quintessential element.

Day 5 – Salamanca to Merida

  • Snow on the Mountains, looking spectacular against the blue sky.
  • Hectares of Oak trees, some looked like the Cork Oak ones we had seen in Portugal.
  • Olive groves with smoke billowing from them as they burnt the tree trimmings.
  • We stop to stretch our legs and walk around the small walled market city of Plasencia.
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  • The citrus-lined streets were a bright treat on a coolish morning walk, as were the espresso and cake in an organic cafe.

Day 6 – Merida to Cordoba – a separate post is written on our time in Cordoba

  • The sun doesn’t poke its head up until a more decent hour, as in around 8 am on a Spanish winter’s day. Which was when we looked out to see a city cloaked in fog. No comment from the Squire who was driving, just an inaudible grunt! I don’t think he was at all impressed with the morning driving conditions!
  • We much prefer to roam outside than stroll inside. Remembering this, we were determined to have a walk on a Roman Bridge before we departed Merida. Which we did.
  • The bridge has remained in superb condition thanks to the Romans’ consistent efforts in maintaining it. At 2,591 feet (70 m), it is the longest surviving Roman bridge in the world. It dates back to 25 B.C. and spans across the Guadiana River. The bridge features 60 (originally it had 62) towering granite arches and has been used as a footbridge since 1993.
  • Our time to explore Cordoba will be in a few weeks. With more time allocated, I can describe our experience in more detail.

Day 7 – Cordoba to Comares

  • An early start as we were due to be at our housesit position by midday. It was not unknown to us as we had completed our first one in the Andalusian Hills in November 2017.

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

80 thoughts on “A Winter Roadtrip – Espalais to Comares”

    1. Thanks Chris, yes the Hobbit house made us smile. There were some near the more older parts of the old town. On the whole not many at all.

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    1. Good on you Denzil, you may have to get in line with the rest that would like to do it 🙂 Luckily for us we have established ourselves as trusted housesitters, as I have noticed many more coming on board!

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        1. I wasn’t worried Denzil. Well, I hope you enjoy what you do as that is what life is all about, isn’t it. Thank goodness we all enjoy differing things in life!

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    1. Thanks 🙂 They are fun exploring especially the little towns along the way, those were a real treat. Next school holidays, Hayley!

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    1. Love your comments. always straight up LOL A bit like me, though it does get me in trouble now and again 🙂 I dislike that many of these churches were so ornate and it’s believers live/d in squalor. So many more towns to discover though it won’t be done this year.

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    1. Thanks Jane or Tim? 🙂 Spain is diverse isn’t it!! We love being here, and especially catching up with Fudge and his family!

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    1. Spain is so diverse, we have spent 3 months here and only discovered a small part. Certainly much more rewarding doing it this way than on other visits where we stayed in cities.

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  15. Another awesome blog Suz! Like your other ‘fans’ replies I too thought Segovia was great and especially that huge brick wall. Imagine men building such a thing and how long it would have taken to build. Also loved the Merida Roman bridge.

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    1. Thanks Jan, you are of course on the top of my favourite fans, being my auntie and all 🙂 Yes, Segovia was amazing and the Aquaduct (wall) didn’t look a day over 100!!

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  16. Pingback: The Sunshine Blogger Award – 2018 – Ramblings of a Writer

    1. Hiya, thank you very much for the sunshine blogger award. I am no longer doing the awards. Thanks for thinking of my blog 🙂

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  19. I’ve been to most of these places, though not in one road trip. I’m sad you didn’t take to Salamanca as it’s a personal favourite. Did you go during University term time? The atmosphere changes a lot depending on what the students are doing – perhaps it was exam week!!!

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  21. Oh my! What can I say? Such a lot to take in with all these beautiful places you visit. Your photos are just stunning, the buildings (live the Spanish hobbit house too) & The skies. The Andalusian view takes me back to our holiday there, I loved that place. A lovely post xx

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    1. There is so much to love about Spain, we certainly feel relaxed being here and so much more now that we are caring for Fudge down by the ocean!

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  25. Pingback: Sunshine Blogger Award- I've Been Nominated! - Hot Mess Memoir

    1. Thanks for the nomination Angela. I do appreciate it. A while I decided not to participate in these awards.

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  31. Oh my gosh, the places you visited are so incredibly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your roadtrip. I’ll be visiting France & northern Spain for the first time next month and this post has me even more excited about the trip.

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    1. Wonderful, enjoy your trip and I’m pleased the post was a positive influencer. I’m sure you will enjoy it. A beautiful part of Spain and France.

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