Spain 5/10

Today was the most difficult 37 mile ride I can remember. Here's what it looked like. 

We had an hour plus lunch which was primarily a lecture on olive oil tasting.  See photo at left.  There are 14 characteristics to look for, 7 bad ones and 7 good ones.  If an oil has absolutely no bad characteristics, then it is labeled “extra virgin oil”.  If it has only very minor bad characteristics, then it is a “virgin oil”.  It’s refreshing to learn that a virgin oil is only a little bit spoiled.

 

In 2009, Spain produced 41% of the world’s olive oil.  As you ride along you notice that every square foot of land it planted in something, but mostly olive trees.  Just like every hillside in France is covered with grape vines, every foot in Spain is planted with olive trees.  See photo at right.

Tonight we’re staying in the white village of Zuheros, shown below.  I don’t know it’s history but the castle dates back to the ninth century; it was built by the Arabs. Click on any photo to enlarge.

Seeing the village as the sun changes the shadows and highlights, I remember my hobby of 20 years ago, black and white photography.  Maybe that’s a more sensible hobby for someone my age!