La Torre Eiffel

This year as one of the lifts was out of order the wait to go back down was looooong! As I am a very impatient type I left my friends for a thirty some flight walk down the tower. I beat my husband by 25 minutes and let me tell you I had rubber band legs for several days after. Hats off to anyone that walks UP this structure.

Maestra de cocina

Having menu del dia with our Americana amigias. This  was one of their favorite  destinations on our worldwide tour of Tudella Veguin

OLE'

The restrooms at La Torre del Oro in Madrid. I visit this bar several times a year. I adore the waiters (ex bullfighters)  and LOVE the pinchos!

Bar El Valle

My little town of Veguin may be tiny, but it has some of the most charming bars in Spain. El Valle for example is unique. I love the terrace in the back of this enormous bar. Smokers can enjoy a cigarette and I can savor my sidra and soak in the views of the Asturian mountains and Rio Nalon in the background. You will want to stop by El Valle and say hola to Monica (pictured above) and most definitely order 'una botella de sidra'

I am homesick for Spain. I miss pinchos with my drinks. I miss jamon y queso bocadillos. I miss olives. I miss mahou cerveza. I miss the energy of Madrid and the tranquility and beauty of Asturias. I miss chestnuts. I miss seafood soup. I miss hot wine y figs. I miss Bar Orteas empanada. I miss Bar Camacho. I miss Bar Corea. Bar Josti. Bar El Valle. I miss everything Spain. I miss it a lot.

Mis Alto Hijos

Hitching a ride

My friend Charles shot this picture as we were enjoying biers in a brasserie in Paris. We laughed about this and it made us all miss our doggies in the United States that were patiently waiting for us all to come home to them.

First class, hell yes!

 I love the high speed train from Madrid to Asturias. Ten years ago it was a solid 8 hour journey, but with the high speed improvements through the Asturian mountains we can now make it in just under 6. The great thing about rail travel is the seats are unbelievably roomy (even for the wide butt) and so much leg room. It is quite refreshing after a 9 hour flight with your knees just under your chin! Since I will never be able to afford first class airfare I indulge in very affordable first class train accommodation's. The meals are very delicious and include before dinner cava and after dinner liquors. ...........

The food AND the cava AND the liquors were lovely...... as well as the nap that followed  zzzzzzzz