Yesterday in Ecija out hotel was right off the Plaza de Espana, a square about 100 meters wide and a block long. We walked it at 4:00 pm – it was pretty hot - and there was not a sole in sight. While walking, I did take a couple of pictures of the many church towers:
At 8:00, after our Happy Hour, most of us went to the square for dinner at a tapas bar. Now, with everything in shade, the plaza was the “to be” place. Everybody was there: families, kids, old men. We occupied 3 tables in the plaza in front of the tapas bar and soon 8 to 10 pre-teens (12 to 14) came to our tables to practice their English, learn about us and tell us about them. They were full of enthusiasm, but very polite. We enjoyed their visit.
I haven’t mentioned that for the past two days while we were cycling through the lush river valley with all the agriculture, the olive trees have disappeared. Apparently they’ll grow in rock soil where other things won’t, so that’s where they are planted. Midway through today's ride, we began to climb out of the valley and so found rocky soil and olive trees again. We also witnessed something new, vineyards. In this area they primarily make a white, “Sherry style” wine.
I haven’t mentioned the earthquake because we know nothing about it. Brenda and I don’t turn on the television and thus don’t get much news. As we understand, the earthquake was west of Granada. We left Granada several days before it happened.
In several places today we found bumpy roads; a first I believe. --- Also on two occasions, while cycling through towns, a Spanish cyclist with good English saw our groups and escorted us thru town. This was appreciated. Although these towns appear small, they are concentrated in the center and are full of pedestrians, narrow roads and cobble-stone streets. It’s easy to get lost. --- We’re at a resort hotel outside of Cabra tonight. The next two days will be difficult cycling.
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