Madrid Burns´Night cum Weekend

I collected my co-conspirator, Gerald, last Friday early morning and we headed off to the airport parking where the car would be left for Irene to collect on her return from Edinburgh on Saturday.  The courtesy bus dropped us at the airport from where we took a local train (Cercanias) to Malaga Maria Zambrosa station to connect with the AVE (high speed train) for the 2.5 hour journey to Madrid Atocha. The AVE was everything it had been billed, clean, efficient and fast. We watched in awe as the speed hit 300km/h and arrived in Madrid bang on schedule. After a short hop by taxi to the Hotel Abba we were ready to join Gerald´s other friends who had flown in from London that morning for lunch. Unfortunately, the cold that I had been harbouring for more than a week was till very much present and my sense of taste and smell non-existent.  The group had chosen a nearby Asador (Steakhouse) and I was somewhat put off by the quantity of food on offer especially given the feast that probably awaited us at the Burns´Night later in the day so I opted for soup and a starter and watched in envy as they tucked into suckling pig and lamb!  A siesta was called for and we met in the lobby for drinks at 2000hrs and then were ferried by taxi to Lhardys - a very traditional restaurant in downtown. I had been there last in 2006 and it was unchanged as I suspect is likely to have been the case for many a long year. And so the night got underway. This can best be described as a traditional event, men only, whisky only! We had our initial drams in an ante room and then moved on to the private room in the restaurant. After the soup the haggis was piped in and addressed (more whisky) and then we had the main course of turkey followed by stilton and oatcakes. (more whisky). Then we had speeches, piping and singing (more whisky). The speeches were long, mainkly seruious affairs and by the time the last was delivered the effects of alcohol were evident! It was 0400 hrs when we finally exited to find the streets of Madrid still abuzz!

I did not sleep too well due more to the cold than the whisky but roused myself at 1000hrs and went to a chemist for a cold remedy and then found somewhere for a light breakfast. The others surfaced at about 1100hrs and I joined them for coffee. They then set off to Retiro park and I suspected more food and drink so I took the safer option of a city open-top bus tour. I do not know Madrid and this proved an excellent means of getting my bearings. I should add that the weather could not have been better, Madrid has a pretty nasty climate, super hot in summer and it can be cold and damp in winter but we were blessed with fabulous weather, blue skies and all. I toured Madrid on both bus circuits and I must say that I was impressed with the city.

 

My earlier opinion of it being austere was clearly unfounded and there was little sign of the crisis! As agreed I called Gerald on completion of the tour but got no response so I started to head back to the hotel when he did indeed ring back from the German bar in the Santa Ana Square. My knowledge of Madrid geography was now greatly enhanced so I got off my bus and walked the km or two to the bar. The group had enjoyed a beer or two, a sherry or two and a glass of wine or two and were tucking into octopus. I joined them in a glass of wine and then we proceeded on an unbilled pub crawl! We had the mother of all G&Ts in one bar! By about 1930hrs we decided it was best to head back towards the hotel and eat solids nearby. We failed to agree upon and find a suitable restaurant and ended up having a cheap if unspectacular meal and then a nightcap at the hotel. All in all we probably imbibed more that night than the previous one.

We arranged a slightly earlier start on Sunday and had breakfast in a nearby cafeteria after which we checked out and headed back to central Madrid. Gerald´s friends had a 1700hrs flight so chose to have a light lunch while Gerald and I went to the flea market and then the main square (Plaza Mayor) for a coffee. We got to the agreed rendezvous point – The Espejo - at 1400hrs but there was no sign of the others. We had a beer and as we were leaving they appeared over the horizon. However, there was no time for  further refreshment and we headed back to the hotel and said our goodbyes. Gerald and I then set off for our late lunch for which I was now ready! We found another asador, known to Gerald and had an excellent meal. I had an entrecote steak which not only overfed me but also overfed Irene later in the day from the doggy back I uplifted.

Finally we collected our luggage, grabbed a cab to the station and boarded the return AVE. We were delighted to find Irene and Elsa at the station and to be in our respective beds that night after a heavy but happy weekend!

Ballet

We went to see Sleeping Beauty performed by a Russian ballet troupe at the Teatro Las Lagunas in Fuengirola. We went with several members of our kitchen bridge group and the performance was very good. The theatre is quite new and small so we had excellent views and the dancers were consummate professionals. There was no live orchestra of course and initially I thought this might detract but I soon forgot about it! There was no bar either so the intermission was lacking in that respect too! This was no Bolshoi or Marinsky but, hell, it was pretty good!

Hogmanay

We had a smashing New Year’s Eve at the Goodfellows in the company of several of our bridge partners.  Parking at their place was a challenge! After drinks and nibbles we tucked into a pate starter followed by a choice of curries with Christmas pud for afters. A box of chocolates was then circulated and gobbled. We assembled on the balcony at midnight to take in the 360 degree panorama and fireworks displays in Fuengirola and Mijas. We retired indoors to then watch TV for the UK new year. Scottish TV was beamed in one room and English in the other! We watched Rab Noakes perform impressively. We decamped about 0130hrs and got home half an hour later with time change from UK working in our favour!   Thanks to Irene for driving.

Christmas in Scotland

I have been remiss in not updating my blog for a few weeks and as a consequence I will now combine two weeks of intense activity into a few paragraphs.

We departed from Spain on the afternoon of 16th December. Ryanair landed us safely and almost on time in a mild Edinburgh late at night.  We uplifted our luggage (more than normal as we were carrying presents etc) and grabbed a taxi to Water Street. We were home about 2300hrs and settled ourselves in.

On the Sunday, after her hair appointmen,t Irene met up with Sheonagh for Xmas shopping and a Barbour jacket was the result. That evening we took the bus all the way to Colinton to meet up with the ex-Shell Wests for dinner. We had a great time and shared a taxi back into town with the other guest. On the Monday I had a meeting with my tax advisers and later we honoured another dinner engagement with the ex-Delhi Grants in South Queensferry. Sheonagh was able to drop us off on her way back to Kelty. We had a very enjoyable time with the ex-Delhi (still Cairn) Jones also in attendance. We got a lift back this time, resulting  in considerable savings in taxi fares thus far!  Irene had a shopping expedition with Gordon this time, though mainly to support his buying more than buying for him. That evening we had drinks in the Guildford Arms with the ex- Moscow Smiths and caught up on the exploits of respective children. Wednesday saw us set off for Waverley station to take the train north. I hopped out at Dundee to visit my Dad and borrow his car (as I did some 45 years ago!). Irene continued to Aberdeen and took in a DUCKS (Dubai Aqua-aerobics etc) lunch before joining Ailsa in Portlethen. For the next several says she was in Granny mode and helping Ailsa with Christmas preparations. I got back in time to hash on Wednesday.  The venue was the St Vincent bar, not far from our old flat in Melgund Terrace. The run was good, with a whisky mac stop, although the trail was hit and miss in parts. I shopped and messed around for the next couple of days before collecting Gordon after work on Saturday and driving to Aberdeen. Sheonagh had arrived earlier in the day so we were now all in position. We checked in to the Premier Inn, a short walk from Ailsa and Barrys. Ailsa had open house on Christmas eve and neighbours and friends called in.  It was cramped but nice! We sneaked out to visit ex-Shell ex-1970s neighbours Browns in Cammachmore. We then had a light meal before retiring. Next day we drove over to Ailsas and had óur traditional breakfast (eggy soldiers made by Barry to my recipe!) and then opened presents. Sofia did rather well!  barry then took Sofia to visit his relations while we got the meal and table organised. We nibbled extensively and unwisely during the process! Stewarts beer was also on offer courtesy of Sheonagh. We sat down to soup followed by turkey plus trimmings at about 1600hrs, but had to hold off on the puds till later and we forewent the cheese altogether!  After a big clean-up we settled down to watch Dr Who and left on foot after Abfab! Next day we called in for breakfast and then set off to visit repsective Dads. First stop was Carnoustie where we rustled up lunch of leftovers with Ewan also in attendance. Sheonagh had driven down separately and left a little ahead of us to get back to Kelty for a meal with Richard´s parents. We then decamped to Taycliff to sit with my Dad and were joined by Ailsa & Joe. We set off about 1800hrs and dropped Gordon off at his place. We then had two days of peace and relative quiet! I took in a second hash (my 88th) on the Wednesday. This was a great run from the Omni Centre and I was first back! Thursday was another busy day. Firstly I bussed to Cairn to collect calendars. Next we headed for Markinch on quilting business and then we inspected Sheonagh´s new abode with Richard in Kelty. Richard kindly bought us lunch at a nice pub in Dunfermline after which we headed back. On Friday we had the busiest day ever, setting off early to catch my Dad; then off to Glamis to meet the ex-Dubai Johns for coffee; then back to Carnoustie to say goodbye to Irene´s Dad and up to the cemetery to visit her Mum´s grave; we then called in on Ed & Kate, and then visited Sarah to view her impressive home cinema room (I want one of those!) and finally back to my Dad´s to drop the Ford Focus off and then be dropped at Taybridge station by  Sarah to catch the 1600hrs  train back to Edinburgh. Whew!  Next day, Saturday, New Year´s Eve, we had enough time to complete the packing and close up the flat before taking a cab to the airport. We were surprsied to find no queue at the Ryanair desk but this was explained by the fact that I had noted the flight time down in Spanish time (+ 1 hour) so we were in fact an hour later than intended but fortunately still in good time. A few hours later we landed in Malaga, collected the car, stocked up on essentials at Mercadona and were reunited with Nami.

GLC November

A goodly gathering under stewardship of Rod Melby was recorded at Los Candiles this Wednesday past. After the aperitifs we sat down to a never ending stream of starters (again!) and then we dined excellently. My steak was superb. The wine flowed, the jokes ebbed and we had a great time all round.

Ashwells Visit

We were pleased to welcome Peter & Sarah Ashewell to Los Olivos last week.  I shared an office with Peter in the Hague in 1982 and we have remained in contct since. He left Shell some 15 years or more back to set up his own trainminmg company and for many years he delivered audit training to clients including Shell. he has just sold his company Kingdom Management Training and is now on a path to retirement. I was trained by Peter in Houston in 2002 when I joined Audit.  Last year he viewerd the Alfa for me and after his glowing report I flew over and stayed with him and his wife in Sevenoaks to strike a deal on the car which is now in the garage here!  Irene had not seen seen Sarah since 1982 when we had a dinner in the Hague at their place. Sarah is a retired physiotherapist.

The Ashwells had been on a walking holiday around Almeria and I collected them from the Malaga Bus Station last Saturday. We had arranged a BBQ that evening with the Johnsons (also ex Shell) and a new couple – the MacKinnons. Irene had met Sue at bridge and  the expat chemistry was good. She and husband Mac (ex Halliburton) joined us. We fired up gas heater on balcony, had drinks and canapes and then I bbqued some pork as well as smoking another fillet downstairs. We enjoyed a great evening.

Next day we set off to the Lakes and had a nice tour of the region even though we missed our objective! We stopped for coffee near el Chorro and then went up to Antequera and hit the new toll road back to Malaga. I could scarcely believe how much time this new road shave of the journey home, especially as it links to the by pass which crosses the Cartama road from where we can exit and get home in 10 minutes.  We then diverted into the Tintero for a late lunch. This is the restaurant where the waiters just bring round plates of food and if you want it you apprehend them! This was also Irene´s birthday so we had a bottle of Cava bubbly. That night we nibbled and played a game of Contrario. On Monday while Irene as at quilting we went for a walk to Finca La Mota for coffee and then on to the Venta for a beer and in masterstroke of timing it had started to rain and we were able to call on Irene on her way home to collect us! After a late lunch we set off for Marbella. We walked around in a damp evening and then decided to dine out but each restaurant we visited was closed on Monday! Finally after an abortive attempt to find Santiago in Alhaurin we settled on La Higuera and had a nice meal.

Next morning we bid the Ashwells farewell.

Poker

We have managed to play a few games of poker, a la Colombian school, these past few weeks. Gerald and I have introduced a few new players although a couple have since dropped out: one because his wife gave him hell for coming home late (at 0100 hrs!) and the other because he feared he may lose! The stalwarts, in addition to myself and Gerald are Tony and Bob.  Brian Chart has been visiting Spain from Colombia this past month so we fitted in a couple of sessions with him. The three of us (me, Gerald and Brian) played together in Colombia a quarter of a century ago!  We still enjoy the game and the banter has scarcely changed.

Trip to Hinojares

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We set off yesterday to Hinojares (after the Spanish History course!), which is about an hour’s drive north west of Granada deep in the Andalucian countryside.  We stopped off for a bite along the way. For the last 25km the Tom Tom led us over country lanes. The village has a population of some 400 only. We and the Buxtons have rented a country cottage. We met up late afternoon and took a stroll. Then we had a glass of champagne to celebrate Martha’s birthday and then wandered down to the local restaurant and enjoyed a nice pizza. There are many local walks and we plan to spend our mornings exercising then have a nice lunch and then relax in the afternoons. We are staying here:

http://www.casalasuerte.com

Day 1

Today was the first day of our vacation to Hinojares in northern Andalucia, close to the border with Granada region. We are centred here more or less : http//www.descubrepozoalcon.com . We set off on two short walks today; one to a fishing spot with an old mill and the other to a viewpoint with spectacular views down a valley with birds of prey nesting in the distance. We searched in vain for the third target, a waterfall, and gave up in favour of lunch! We had a nice meal overlooking a reservoir. Game was the local speciality and I enjoyed wild boar. Then it was back to the country cottage for a siesta! We rounded the evening off with a walk around the village followed by a light supper and then some cards.

Day 2

Today we set off a little later as I had a disturbed night’s sleep due to the couple upstairs using their Jacuzzi rather nosily until the wee small hours!  We found our way to the waterfall fairly easily. In fact we had been on the right road yesterday and turned back. To reach the waterfall involved a 1.5km walk along a nice, if initially steep, path. The last 100m was more challenging and would  be very difficult in winter as it involved using stepping stones. We then decided to aim for Castril to see another water feature. This time we took a wooden walkway along a gorge and then crossed a wobbly suspension bridge to reach our destination. Conveniently, there was a restaurant here so we stopped for lunch. It was rather good. We stuck to raciones but even then we overdid them! By the time we finished it had started to drizzle so we hot footed it back to the car! We then headed back to base camp and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, phoned for a pizza, and watched a movie.

Day 3

Our third day we gave over to sight seeing and headed for the town of Quesada. We first drove through the town looking for somewhere to park and then I turned right expecting to be able to turn right again and then left the way I had come. Not so! I was forced into the narrowest of streets and at one point Ralph had to get out and check out the road ahead as I was faced with a steep downhill and a sharp bend at the bottom. Ralph guided me down and as I negotiated the final twist in the road my offside rear wheel became airborne! It being Sunday there was not a lot open but happily the Rafael Zabaleta Museum was open and what an eye opener it was. His home town had done him proud. I had not heard of this Spanish painter, who was a contemporary of Picasso, but was stunned by some of his works. We then looked for somewhere out of town to eat but there appear not to be the plethora of ventas that we find nearer the coast.   Instead we reached the next town of Peal La Beccera and ate in the local hotel, an old fashioned establishment and not a memorable meal but enough to reduce our appetites in the evening to cheese and biscuits with mandatory red wine. We enjoyed another sunny day in the main. In the evening we played Canasta after reminding ourselves of the rules. We will definitely repeat this as we had a lot of fun as well as having to think! Early in the day I got an email from the alarm company to tell me that there had been a power cut at Los Olivos and learned from a neighbour that there had been thunder & lightning and torrential rain. That evening the alarm company called to advise that my power had not returned and I concluded that the cut had caused my fuse board to trip. I asked a neighbour with keys to investigate and he reported that this was the case and reset the fuse.

Day 4

The rain that had affected the coastal regions had moved inland and we awoke to overcast skies and persistent drizzle. Our plan was to again visit a local town, Cazorla to check out handicrafts and olive oils. The rain never let up all morning and we suffered our first disappointment.  The town was attractive but almost everything worth doing was shut on a Monday and the umbrellas offered little respite from the incessant rain and we soon felt damp and cold.  Comparisons with holidays in the English Lake Districts were apt. Still we did eventually stumble on an olive oil bottling plant and bought 5 litres of top grade salad oil for €18. We then found our way to the restaurant Asador de Luciano in Quesada that eluded us yesterday and had an excessive lunch such that we (I) needed no more sustenance. After watching another couple of episodes of Tales of the Unexpected Ralph and I swilled a couple of beers at the local hostelry after which we played Canasta, discovering some more rules along the way!

Day 5

 Today we elected to venture to Ubeda, known as small scale Salamanca. The forecast was not entirely promising but our eyes told a different story. In fact the day remained mainly bright and pleasantly cool. Ubeda is a delightful place, brimming with history. We were astounded in particular by a visit to the Syanagogue of Water, only discovered in the basement of a house in 2007 and opened to the public last year. This predates the Inquisition as it is in the town centre, before the Jewish population sought safety in numbers in their own quarter of the town. There were also nice shops and we succumbed to purchasing more olive, oil, and a pourer, as well as a spoon and ceramic mug. We walked around the compact town centre for a few hours, partaking of coffee and hot chocolate, before finding a restaurant for lunch. We took an alternative scenic route on the way back and then followed the usual evening formula of a light meal followed by Canasta.

Day 6

We had no firm plans for our final full day and decided to not venture too far afield. We took the back raoid out of the village, direction Quesada, some 25km distant. This was another very scenic route and we stopped off at several viewpoints along the way. The Cofradia de Tiscar was a spectacular water feature, with a cave and small water fall. A virgin had been placed under a large rock overhang and was obviously a place of pilgrimage judging by the number of candles left behind. The nearby Sanatorio was also lovely and hosted a fabulous restaurant where we enjoyed a coffee. We stopped a number of times to take photos along the route and were lucky enough to spot a number of eagles and vultures. After descending into Quesada we took the main and back and called  in at the local restaurant for a leisurely lunch. My plans to enjoy the Jacuzzi were scuppered when I could not get the plug to seal and figure out how to operate it.  Instead, we watched more episodes of Tales of the Unexpected and Ralph, Marta & Irene played cards while I surfed!

Day 7

Ralph had complained about a tummy upset the day before and this flared up overnight so he and Marta wanted to make early tracks back home. So we packed up and had a swift breakfast, said our goodbyes to Pili (the owner) and were on the road by 1000 hours. There had been heavy rain early in the morning so the skies were clear and we were treated to some nice views as we headed south. We completed the journey in about two and three-quarter hours. It was nice to be back and Nami awaited us.

HHH

This week´s Malaga run was from a near neighbour so Jessica and I walked there for the 1800 hrs start. It was a belated 4th July themed run (red, white and blue!) with a BBQ to follow. There were a few new runners, notably a Frenchman funeral planner, and a Canadian female pilot working in Chad for an oil company on a six-six rotation. She brough along her 2 year old daughter, curiously named Isis. The circle was held in the pool. I was awarded my 25 run mug (from February!) and Jessica who was pushed in the pool was renamed Wet Republic (the name on her t-shirt!). She left to dine with Irene while I stayed for the BBQ and too many glasses of wine.

I have taken up smoking!

Not the tobacco variety! I have bought a smoker for food a couple of weeks ago but then I could not find a supplier of aromatic wood chips. I eventually did find one near  Ralph and he lugged up some hickory and mesquite last Wednesday. The Buxtons were to be the guinea pigs on Friday (bridge night) but they called off after their car broke down. We invited a couple (Isabel and Pete) with whom we play bridge at the Wednesday Los Morenos group. I bought some pork fillet. Smoking involves a fire at the bottom, to which the soaked chips are added and an intermediate dish of water/marinade with the items being smoked at the top level. The process takes 3-4 hours!  The manual says that the temperature needs to be 80 C. My first problem was that I could not get the temperature much above 40 C. The charcoal was the prime suspect. The smell of the hickory was intoxicating however! I struggled adding more coals, resorting to using a hairdryer to provide draught!  Eventually, 60 C was registered. I put an oven thermometer in the top which suggested that the temperature might be closer to 80 C. I kept adding coal and wood and topping up water. It is a messy process.  Finally with trepidation and after a full 4 hrs I tested the meat and the juices were clear. In fact the result was fabulous and worth the considerable effort. I now know more or less what I did wrong.  Next will be fish!

Here is a link to the Barbecook website which shows the model I have bought.