Perfect Beauty and Stolen Swings

 Down we go, another 120 metres, in one of those days where we follow roads, footpaths and roadish things that have seen better days.




We start the day near Navajas, another one of those towns on the edge of the wider countryside which has about 900 people, a mayor from the ‘Alternative for Navajas’ party and surprisingly has almost returned to 1950s levels, after a dramatic slump to 450 in 1991.   What has brought people back to this commuting town?  Is the 18th century Parish Church of our Lady of Light? Is it the 11th Century Arab Tower or a 14m almost 400 year elm tree?  Well, we aren’t going so we may never know.



We haven’t talked food for a while so maybe it is time to muse over the joys of ‘ buñuelos de hoja" - a local dish.  Who would not want some borrage fritters

Here is the recipe.

  • ½ Kg of borage leaves.

  • TA small leek, finely chopped

  • 100 g of white flour

  • 2 eggs (yolks and whites separated)

  • 150 ml of milk

  • One level teaspoon of yeast

  • Salt and pepper [and a little spice to taste]

  • Oil for frying

  • Baking powder





Wash the borage leaves well and chop them finely.

Sauté the leek in a little oil and add the borage, stirring until tender. Season and set aside.

Mix the  milk and egg yolks. Add the flour a bit at a time until you get a thick consistency.

Fold in the sautéed borage, the baking powder, and the egg whites whipped until stiff, 

Consider adding some spice, or not.

Heat the oil and when it reaches the right temperature, add the batter by spoonfuls so that the fritters are medium-sized.

When they are golden brown, soak them on kitchen paper and serve.





Onwards and under the motorway and very near the Jardin del Batan de la Cartuja Vall de Crist.   This is a site with a varied history. In the 14th century it was a Carthusian monastery, which expanded during the 15th century.   A textile mill was part of the whole thing and in 1728 paper production began. It was abandoned during the War of the Spanish Succession, reoccupied and then abandoned again during the Napoleonic Wars.  Eventually the ruins were preserved and turned into a botanical garden.



The reviews are mostly favourable although who can not be won over a review by someone who felt the place wasn’t what they expected.

Alicia said ‘Close to the town, perfect for walking. It is a beautiful and historic place.’

Ildwfonso opined ‘Nothing pleasant. It is next to the highway. No playground at all, unless the swings were stolen last night. Be careful with children in the dangerous area in the photo.’




We will pass on and onwards.












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