The coin of democracy meets the web of yesteryear

 Along the old road we go.  The A4005 gives us trees, and trees, and scrub and trees and an absolutely huge roundabout to service a rather modest petrol station - but seeing it is all we have, let's visit.



Estacion de Servicio Repsol, for such it is, has been reviewed 406 times.  It gets 4.2 stars, which, given what it can offer, seems fair.  Juliet tells us, from five years ago, what it has to offer. ‘Easy access just off motorway. A bit of a wait to get a coffee in the small cafeteria as same member of staff covering the shop till and café. Small shady area to sit outside, only one table and 4 chairs. Covered parking for half a dozen cars. Shop well stocked with snacks, cold drinks and local artisan products’

Two years ago Christina added balance to the force. ‘No cheese or jamón 🤦‍♀️nice local oil and fresh bread though. Clean toilet but no paper. 🤦‍♀️ I feel sad that I stopped here. Please fix these things. …’ 

Three weeks ago Sandra said ‘We stopped at this gas station by chance and we'll definitely be back! Guillermo is a lovely, friendly guy and he helps you with anything you need. And the Argentinian empanadas are delicious! Thank you so much!’

We are going to Diezma and we will follow, what I think, may have been the old road that led through the village, before the new one by-passed it and the newer one by-passed that. 


Diezma feels like one of those end of the road before the hills sorts of places. Google translate turns its name into Tithe. I like the sound of it, although it does sound like it should be Tithe, Arizona - famous for one the Wests lesser known gun fights.  About 750 people live here - with a few more in nearby hamlets.  It is the old story of a steady rise from 1842 to 1887.  It then bumbled along at the upper 1600s till 1930, Then bumbled along around 1900 and fell off a cliff in the 1960s.

Politically  it is split. The PP and PSOE both got 201 votes in 2023. This means the PP got three seats, PSOE two - don’t ask me why.  The POSE are in alliance with the local party for local people, who got 162 votes and 2 seats. Vox got 3 votes and the United Left for the People one vote.  Last year Emilia Troncoso Rodriguez stood down as mayor and Juan Carlos Cobo Fernandez took over.

I love a good local website and this is one.  The news - at the point of writing - hasn’t been updated since the 6th June 2023 election where it says ‘The PP wins the municipal elections in Diezma after breaking the tie with the PSOE with a coin toss’ - so, now we know.  They also lead with Covid-19.  https://www.diezma.es/inicio/

The town hall gets 12 reviews and, as is the way of these things, 3.9 stars. No one really says why.

On the way out of town the Restaurante El Guinda offers a 4.4 star sort of a thing.  https://smartmenu.agorapos.com/?id=vljk4ha7#/   Five days ago Ana was very impressed. ‘We had a wonderful meal. The breadcrumbs were delicious. The black pudding was excellent, and the sherry consommé was perfect for a cold day. All of this was enjoyed by a fireplace, which added a cozy, homey touch to the lunch.’  Sonia was likewise impressed ‘Restaurant with homemade food. The picadillo soup was delicious, the grilled meat was spectacular. We ordered entrecote and a mixed platter, everything was incredibly flavorful and grilled to perfection, with homemade potatoes. The waiters were very attentive and friendly. A sure bet. If you're traveling between Granada and Córdoba, this is a great restaurant for lunch.’

Leaving town we head out on one of those roads which look like they need a bit of tender loving care.  Up we go again, 200m to 1293m above sea level - which is roughly the height of Salt Lake City.





























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