This post got a bit out of order in the internet cafe and the keyboard is dodgy so I´m not going to try to sort it out. The last time I tried to do that in Croatia i lost the lot so you´ll just have to try to work it out. We are really enjoying our travels . Hope you are all OK. We had sad news last week that our long time friend Alan Clark lost his battle with Cancer - it is very hard being so far away when people you care about are having such a hard time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Helena and the children, his parents Enos and May and brother David and other family members.Today we had the best time – we drove about an hour north into the Pyrenees and then took a train for 40 mins up the mountains to the ski resort of Nuria – absolutely spectacular train ride on a steep rack rail. It was also the best weather we have had – beautiful blue sky so perfect for the trip.
Note the walkers on the mountain path - we were on the train doing it easy.
Girona Catherdral - magnificent medieaval tapestry.
Beget
Banyoles
Serinya
We’ve just spent 5 nights here about 100 kms north west of Barclona in a Turisme Rurale – a farmhouse turned B&B. Quite a farmhouse. It dates from the 13 century and was only restored about 10 years ago. Originally it housed the farm animals on the ground floor, 4 generations of the family on the first floor while the attic stored food – fruit and vegetables, sausages and hams hanging from the rafters. We have all this from our host, Lourdes, a delightful lady of about 50 who has a smattering of English. We have dinner here as well and have just about adjusted to Spanish mealtimes – breakfast at 9, lunch at 3 and dinner at 9. But the cooking is good. Lourdes’ husband is a chef so I think she’s had some good coaching. One night for entrée we had a plate of small green beans lightly cooked with roasted garlic and almonds, pieces of prosciutto and tossed in olive oil – it was delicious. We also had a local Catalan sausage cooked in red wine, and another time it was veal meatballs in a broth. Tonight is going to be a surprise so who knows???
Our farmhouse - note the unfenced pool - they are everywhere. We asked Lourdes if there are ever problems - she said Spanish children never drown - they are taught to swim young and their parents watch them - i don-t believe it.
Our nearest town is Banyoles about 5 kms down the road – the Olympic rowing took place on its lake in 1992 and there are plenty of rowers training there at present – maybe for Beijing?? The lake also sports the most elegant fishing huts anywhere – Dad, eat your heart out!!!!
Besalu
Serinya
We’ve just spent 5 nights here about 100 kms north west of Barclona in a Turisme Rurale – a farmhouse turned B&B. Quite a farmhouse. It dates from the 13 century and was only restored about 10 years ago. Originally it housed the farm animals on the ground floor, 4 generations of the family on the first floor while the attic stored food – fruit and vegetables, sausages and hams hanging from the rafters. We have all this from our host, Lourdes, a delightful lady of about 50 who has a smattering of English. We have dinner here as well and have just about adjusted to Spanish mealtimes – breakfast at 9, lunch at 3 and dinner at 9. But the cooking is good. Lourdes’ husband is a chef so I think she’s had some good coaching. One night for entrée we had a plate of small green beans lightly cooked with roasted garlic and almonds, pieces of prosciutto and tossed in olive oil – it was delicious. We also had a local Catalan sausage cooked in red wine, and another time it was veal meatballs in a broth. Tonight is going to be a surprise so who knows???
It is a beautiful area – heaps of old towns, wonderful mountain scenery and lots of pleasant walks.
Today we had the best time – we drove about an hour north into the Pyrenees and then took a train for 40 mins up the mountains to the ski resort of Nuria – absolutely spectacular train ride on a steep rack rail. It was also the best weather we have had – beautiful blue sky so perfect for the trip.
Tomorrow we go down to the coast to Cadaques for 3 nights –it is a former small fishing village but Salvador Dali lived here at some stages of his life and there is a Dali gallery. We are now at Cadaques - a bit disappointed - could be lovely but quite tacky - I wa expecting something upmarket like Noosa or Palm Cove but it ain´t so. Maybe there are hidden treats we´ve not yet discovered!!
Our farmhouse - note the unfenced pool - they are everywhere. We asked Lourdes if there are ever problems - she said Spanish children never drown - they are taught to swim young and their parents watch them - i don-t believe it.
Our nearest town is Banyoles about 5 kms down the road – the Olympic rowing took place on its lake in 1992 and there are plenty of rowers training there at present – maybe for 
