Tucked in the heart of La Rioja

Funny blighters rivers.  I mean they begin all perky and young, twinkling away with playful gentleness.  Sometimes they develop ox box lakes as a sort of middle aged spread before going all mighty and statesman like towards the end.  I suspect, when a river is named, an image of a particular stretch is conjured up.  For me the Ebro is broad and may be crossed with care, and especially in the company of the International Brigades in 2003.  Here it is still youthful.  It hazards an island and swings around a bit but is doing splendid work as the border between La Rioja and the Basque country.





We start the day wandering through Ollauri.  The Taberna de Ollauri is our first stops. It is open from 9 till 5 today. Tomorrow it is 8am to noon.  It is woman-owned and Nanita enjoyed it.  ‘Tucked in the heart of La Rioja is Taberna de Ollauri where you’ll find typical regional dishes of top quality. For those who prefer a lunch menu, you’ll enjoy the meal in an enclosed dining room. For those who prefer to grab a drink or tapas, there’s an outdoor terrace or else a large open eating space. I tried Torija for the first time there and I’m hooked! It was memorable!! Worth a visit’


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We’ve not popped into a vehicle repair shop recently.  Garage 33 is highly thought off.  Alberto wrote four months ago ‘I had an engine failure due to a low additive, and they assisted me immediately without having an appointment... for me, a highly recommended workshop, I had a good experience. Thank you!’





Today is Saint Lucy;s day.  It is more of a Scandi thing but it is noted in Barcelona.  Barcelona's main Christmas market, the Fira de Santa Llúcia, is one of the named after Saint Lucy -  obvs. It has been held in front of the cathedral since 1786.



Anyway, enjoy the rolling the countryside.  Tomorrow. Another day, another town.





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