Friends usually ask me what my favorite things were about my five-week sojourn to Spain, and often I start with the amazing food, wine, history, and landscape. However, as I reflect further on my time there, the most rewarding and memorable experiences were the time I was able to spend with locals who were friends/family of my friends. As I left to Spain, I didn't have any personal connections there, but two Albuquerque friends put me in touch with friends or family of theirs in Spain.
I initially planned on spending just a couple of days in Valladolid, as it was on my way to another region. I ended up staying in the Valladolid area for a whole week, being generously hosted by an old grad school friend of my friend. She and her partner and network of friends in Valladolid took me right in and showed me a great time. My stay with them both included a modern apartment in the heart of the city, as well as a cool old farmhouse about 30 minutes outside the city in a breathtaking wine region known as Ribera del Duero.
Farmhouse in Sardón de Duero, Spain
My week in Valladolid was full of much more local (i.e., less touristy) experiences, including great little hole-in-the wall restaurants and bars, attending my first men's handball game, eating home-made Spanish meals, fun gatherings with groups of long-time friends, sampling quesos at a cheese festival, and hiking and driving through dirt roads and trails in the river valley. This extended time with new local friends was a great opportunity for me to practice my Spanish and for them to practice their English. I am still amazed and grateful for their overwhelming kindness and generosity during my visit.
Men's Handball Game (like soccer but smaller ball and using your hands)
Eating in for lunch...steamed mussels and a hearty mushroom and potato stew
Local specialty of lechazo--unweaned lamb grilled over a fragrant fire of old grapevines
Touring and sampling vino at Bodega Ribera Duero
Sampling delicious local quesos at a Cheese Festival
Amazing views from some of the many castles in the area
James awsome...only now I am hungry😊