Riding the Cheddar Wave

 We are heading towards Los Palacios y Villafranca. It has over 38,000 inhabitants, making it a reasonably sized town.

The place had a small Arab Castle in it when Ferdinand III of Castile took the place in the 13th century. It became less militarised there after Pedro the Cruel ordered the building of a palace on the remains of the old castle in the 14th century and used the place as a hunting lodge. In the 15th century the Dukes of Arcos took the place over and developed the settlement.

The town bumbled along at around 5000 people from 1860 to 1900, then doubled over the next forty years. It trebled from 11000 to 33000 by 2001 and continued up to the present level in the 2020s.  In 2007 it was a PSOE stronghold but the United Left took the greatest share of the vote in 2011 and have dominated since. In 2023 they got 49.23% of the vote., the PP 29.51% and the PSOE 14.54%.

First thing we meet is a town swimming pool. This Piscina is a 12.30 - 7 sort of place, 12-8 at weekends Inigo reports ‘A large, quiet family pool with plenty of shade and a pleasant atmosphere. The only downside is the lack of a bar for snacks. Thanks to the staff at the entrance who were very helpful in getting your ticket.’.  


We’ve been healthy. Now to Burger King.  You know the score, lots of reviews [1617], a tendency to moan.  Look, Cheddar Wave was a key word in two reviews so we just had to look at the them.


Maria was not happy three years ago.  ‘I'm never going back to any burger chain again while I can. A tiny burger with a dry shoe sole and a tiny slice of cheddar cheese (for the sake of a name, since the color was similar) and that's it. The burger didn't come with a Coke and tiny fries. I think it's a joke. I don't understand how people keep eating and going to places like this. Junk food.’

Juan wasn’t happy either eight years ago. ‘I waited an hour and they didn't even have cheddar sauce, it was awful, so slow!!’

We better have a good one.  A month ago Francisco said ‘Excellent experience at the Burger King in Los Palacios. The staff was very friendly and fast, the order was perfect, and the restaurant was clean and well-organized. Without a doubt, one of the best places to enjoy a good burger in the area. 🍔🔥’

So we end the day, clean and stuffed, riding the cheddar wave.







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