my Olvera fix

Amongst Olvera's many charms are genuine old and rustic architectural features, my special favourites being doors and windows.

These are just a few examples.
There is also fabulous stonework, including some very impressive ducal insignia.

A lot of the older windows and doors have been removed or renovated, but a great many wonderful examples still remain.

olives

the lovely luscious juicy olives for which this region is famed

last resting place

The cemetery sheltering peacefully beneath the Fort.

sunset

Sunset late in November, with a gloriously rich range of colours.










Sun setting over Lake Zahara

a good day out

Another outing to Lake Zahara and the beautiful pueblo of the same name, this time on a quiet day in November when the tourists were virtually nil bar a couple of friendly Canadians and ourselves.  We sat and enjoyed molletas and cafe con leche in the warm sun in the shade of the orange trees before heading back to Olvera via one of several quiet roads leading us through fabulous countryside.

Iconic architecture

A view of Olvera which shows the extent of the impressive Moorish fortifications - and have I mentioned that before the Moors there were Arabs, and before that there were Visigoths, and before the Visigoths there were Vandals - and I musn't forgot to mention the Romans and the Celts!   And that only takes us to the 14th Century.

Torre Alhaquime

Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Remedies

El Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios

situated 2 kms outside the town, with a walkway connecting the two.  The Sanctuary is the location for an annual pilgrimage in Spring

on the campo

somewhere near Olvera...

It doesn't really matter which direction you take, uphill or downhill, out on the campo, high in the sierras, exploring nearby pueblos - the unfolding landscape is a constant delight

out and about

El Gastor, a lovely small pueblo just a few miles from Olvera

shades from the terrace

 the blended shades of picos and sierras fading into the distance   

out and about

On such a horrendous day when it feels as I am living inside a thundercloud, I am cheering myself up by posting a few views to remind me of Olvera's lovely sunny days - which continued until just a few days ago

looking down on a central square in the Old Town

chimney pots

preparing for procession

Moorish arch

looking up towards the Church

sugar and spice

To continue the food theme - there are quite a few pleasant surprises to be had if you root around in the supermercados.  These are delicious aniseed flavoured cracker biscuits.









In Olvera we have at least two splendid cake shops - one within 50 yards of my door! I am not sure whether this is a blessing or a curse.  

And here are two of my current favourites -

uphill and downhill.... and uphill !

                                                       Visitors from Montreal, next stop Grazalema 

Grazelema is the far distant village in the background - see those mountains....
yes, they've got to cycle over them!


 I am sure they had a splendid day

Mi Pueblo

Sergio, the friendly and ever-ready camarero at 'Mi Pueblo' down in the fountain plaza, another splendid tapas establishment within easy walking distance.

flamenco flounces

Flamenco dancing troupe making their way down from the Church where they've been entertaining a wedding party. Noisy, fun and boisterous best describes the welcome the new bride and groom receive when they exit the Church after the marriage ceremony - dancing, music, singing, gunfire .....  and possibly a couple of barking dogs for good measure.

Valentinos

Top bar in town in more ways than one ...

thank you Laurie and Ian for another splendid breakfast ---- and the best cup of tea in Olvera.

fingers crossed

Spain has a very lively lottery culture - although I am still some way from understanding its many complex permutations.
This ticket was bought almost a month ago but as it has just been liberated from the murky depths of my handbag I don't yet know if it has won me a fortune -
fingers crossed.

It's a gas! ... (man)

This wonderful object is my new gas bottle - just delivered by the wonderful delivery men from Pruna.
My excitement on hearing the gas delivery lorry cannot be explained, unless to someone who lives in Olvera.  There is a certain mysticism in local gas deliveries, and to have achieved success on only my third attempt is something I think worth recording.  

breakfast of choice

'Copacabana' breakfast stop

I have become very partial to a typical Spanish breakfast -

a toasted roll slathered in oil with garlic and tomato paste

ladled on top, washed down with coffee and ending with a

refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange.

And (possibly the best bit) never eaten before 10am, when

I saunter down to a local bar, and sit and enjoy in the sunshine.

To ring the changes I might swap the tomato and garlic for

serrano ham, also delicious.

Best enjoyed in company of friends.

Parade of the Virgin

A typical religious procession, attended by large enthusiastic crowds - young and old all out together enjoying the occasion  
 

The young men who spend several hours carrying the huge float up and down the steep lanes of the Pueblo must ache for days afterwards.



Beginning in the sunshine, the procession is still going on hours later, into the dusk.

This was my first experience of a procession in Olvera and I was suitably impressed.

It was lovely to see the enthusiastic involvement of all age-groups, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the many processions they hold throughout the year.

CASA ALBA

This is a view down Calle de Maestro Amado, and half-down on the right is our wonderful old casa, currently under renovation in the competent hands of an established local builder, his men tackling the  work with cheerful energy, determined  to get it all water-tight before the rains arrive.
 Great location, right in heart of old town and just look at these views when I step out my front door! 


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Hola!

Photos of Olvera speak for themselves.  This lovely Pueblo Blanco in Cadiz province is simply stunning.  Viewed from any point of the compass, there it sits rather majestically, looking over an equally fabulous landscape with  the surrounding valleys and picos a colourful patchwork of olive groves, sunflower fields and occasional vineyard, and the more forbidding peaks of the Grazelema sierras marching off into the distance

now, which is its best side?