The Road from Santiago

  We are walking through one of those areas where we are between reviewable villages and similar factories.  We are going down backstreets with only olive trees in pots and palm trees to act as our muse.  A single thing is near us, an open air gym.  Luis was not happy.  Three months ago he wrote ‘It's fine, but it's a shame the back door doesn't leave open. It's a huge pain to always have to go through the entire park to get to the monkey bars.’ Towards the end of the day we will pass Escobas Artesanas SL.  They seem to make brushes of the put a witch on them and fly to a sabbat sort of thing.  Marcial gave five stars and no words. I m assuming you have been busy since last time we talked about New Years so let us do so again - in case you forgot. Firstly, have grapes at the ready.  You need 12 of them.  When the clock chimes midnight eat one grape per chime and then try to be the first to eat them.  This will bring luck - although I hav...

  We need to find a way across the AP-7 so we are heading north, under the railway, and towards a roundabout. The High Speed Rail Network is 3973km long, making it second, only to China.  The whole thing kicked off in the early 90s, linking the Expo at Seville, with Cordoba, Puertollano and Ciudad Real.  The connection with the Levante began in 2010, with the line from Madrid to Valencia.  In 2013 they went to Alicante, Elche in 2021 and so on to Murcia. On the roundabout is the Bar Rocio.  Two days ago Juan gave three stars and no words.  Two months ago Rudi gave four stars and said ‘Busy bar, but delicious tapas’  Two years ago Ana opined ‘A traditional bar with simple but delicious dishes. Everything we tried was delicious: gazpacho, beans, tuna, pork loin, and Calatrava bread. The only drawback is the noise, but that's not the restaurant's fault, but the customers'. We'll be back.’ Under the railway we go.    We will pass the BR Fresh Veg...

  We are wandering into the countryside and near Andreas Footwear SL.  People seem to like them. Mario said ‘Organic sandal factory. Very good quality products, quality materials. I've seen the work done, and they're professional. Hats off to you.’  Possibly a different Mario said ‘A very well-maintained (organic) shoe factory. Good prices and product quality. The managers are very hard-working and professional. I recommend it.’ We are heading into a tiny enclave of accommodations.  So small is it that the Plaza Mayor is the Plaza Ayuntamiento.  El Realengo is a bit small and local.  It has a association with a website.  https://sites.google.com/view/asociaciondevecinoselrealengo   The place was built between 1957 to 161 by the National Institute for Agrarian Reform and Development and about 300 people live there.   The people had basically been moved from areas in Albacete which were to be flooded.  I quote - at length - the website. ‘T...

  We are here, on the Feast of Holy Innocents.  As indicated last year, this is the day Spanish April’s Fools, with the merriment that brings  As we are near the Valencian - Murcian border it seems the time to mention in Jalance they celebrate Los Locos.  The town is ruled by the mayor of the lunatics.  In Nogalte, Murica, they have lots of dancing and singing. Back to the road. It is one of those roads with lots of edge businesses/  This being the road from which streets wander off with greater and lesser developments. Cafes, garages and supermarkets cling to them. The first we are going to is Piccolo Sonno - an Italian Restaurant. Of all the reviews Price is top mentioned -112, followed by pasta - 12 and letter -10.   Noelia wrote If you're a group of more than 6, it has to be served with a set menu, but if they serve pizzas and you're still hungry, they'll serve you more, so I don't see a problem with that. Dessert is a tasting menu with unlimited d...

  It is 27th December.  In 1978 the Spanish voted to approve the new constitutional arrangements and Spain returned to some sort of democracy. Let us hum the Marcha Real or the Himno de la Republica on our way out of town. Should we phone home? Well Telefonia nidal is a mobile repair shop.  https://celularesomar.es/   Alas Ana-Maria reports ‘ Seems that this shop is closed, nobody answers the phone, but on Google it still shows open. Came here 2 times in 2 different days, and nobody is here.’ We may have to deal with our disappointment at the Brasteria Taperia Sofi.   https://saliracomerbienenelche.com/braseriataperiasofi/   It has a Facebook page - but while the photos are nice they are not recent.  https://www.facebook.com/Pepealberola28   I love a simple review. Marisol gave five stars and stated ‘I love grilled meat and potato omelette.’  Enrique explained ‘Great value for money. We ordered octopus and grilled meat, and both were quite go...