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Power Trip
  • Joanne Power
  • Joanne Power

Power Trip

Enjoying a Singapore Sling @ Cinco Passiones in Launceston in preparation for trying one in Singapore in 10 days. En savoir plus
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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    12

    Logroño

    14–15 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    After our cooking class, we drove to Logroño. Well, Jeremy drove and put up with me as the anxious passenger. It rained most of the way, which did not help this little passenger relax. It took us a while to find our accommodation and our bnb host. Then it took awhile to shake her off. She was lovely but was up for a broken English chat.
    The next morning, we headed out to the La Rioja region in search of wineries 🍷. The first Ysios was spectacular as the photos attest. The wine was nice but we did not purchase and send any home. A couple others we were hoping to visit weren't open. Marquis de Riscal was, and their range of wines were great.

    Afterward, we headed to a wine museum, which was fascinating and housed a rather extensive display of bottle openers. Wine was able to be tasted here, too. A bottle was purchased but will be drunk before our return.

    With lunch booked the next day at our next fancy restaurant...we headed back to San Sebastián. The La Rioja region was lovely and could easily spend more time there.

    I was a slightly better passenger on our return. Much to our relief and our hip pocket, a huge dent in the car over two panels, which we only noticed at one of the wineries, was not our doing. The car hire place was already aware.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    Egg

    Arzak

    16 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Well, Arzak lived up to the refinement and deliciousness that I had read about.
    Arzak is situated in the house built by Juan Mari's grandparents in 1897. Four generations have served food here for decades. First, it was a cellar and tavern. Juan Mari's parents then turned it into a restaurant. In 1966, he took it over with help from his mother serving traditional basque cooking with his personal touch. He received his first Michelin star in 1974, 2nd in 1977, and 3rd in 1989. His daughter Elena has worked there since the 90s, and together, they've retained their well deserved 3 Michelin stars.
    Every morsel of food/drink that entered our mouth was delicious.
    The Amuse-bouche fired up the taste buds with four delectable dishes: fish, fried garlic soup, crispy corn, and shrimp.
    Fish with peach emulsion and confit lemon was a flavour bomb.
    I had then had butterfly prawn with a mango and papaya chutney while Jeremy enjoyed Hake with a kimchi green sauce.
    The next dish 'Saline fried egg' may just be the best thing I've ever put in my mouth!!!! It's definitely the best egg. It was poached perfectly, encased in fried panko with quinoa and anchovy garum, and served with a crispy strip.
    Thinking this dish would be hard to top the next two dishes proved otherwise. First came mouth watering Red Mullet with chorizo bell pepper and crispy pickled sweet potato. Then the pigeon roasted...so tender. There are simply not enough synonyms to describe just how delicious this dish was.
    The 'acidic moment' to break up the mains from dessert did its job well, refreshing and preparing the palate for more deliciousness.
    They served us two different desserts each. I indulged in a caramelised apple puree dish and a scrumptious 'chocolate ruins' dish. Jeremy enjoyed burnt milk and honey ice-cream and a chocolate molasses bread.
    Artisan chocolates followed, which we enjoyed with a skillfully poured 1964 port.
    Elena Arzac came out from the kitchen, introduced herself, and chatted with us for a short time, which was a nice touch. She spoke about her visit to Australia and time on Master Chef.
    This is so far (will be more in future no doubt) my all-time favourite 3 🌟 🌟 🌟 restaurant.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    Weekend in Madrid

    18–19 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Train ride to Madrid was nice. We arrived around 2 pm. We were in the process of negotiating the metro out to our accommodation when we met up with Nat, Jennie, and Robert on the station platform. A short train ride out to Anton Martin and our accommodation.
    Within a short while, we had all checked in and were out in the sunshine first to Sol Plaza, then to Plaza Mayor. After a little Sangria in the sunshine, we walked around checking out the local sites and admiring the architecture. With dinner booked for the early time of 7:30pm at Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas (serving traditional Madrid cuisine), we had a little down time before heading out again.
    After breakfast, at one a few places opened on a Sunday morning, we spent a few hours at the Prado Museum admiring its extensive collection. No photos allowed, I discovered after taking a shot of Caravaggios David with the head of Goliath. The stories accompanying other art, such as Reuben's Birth of the Milky Way and The Banquet of Tereus, really captivated me.
    Mercado de San Miguel was the spot for lunch reminding me of the Hawker markets of Singapore...spoiled for gastronomic choice.
    With the sun shining being outdoors was a must, so back to Plaza Mayor to people watch and drink Sangria and Champagne.
    Dinner was at Inclán Brutal Bar...with a 4.7 rating on Google. we were a little disappointed by some of the dishes. Jeremy remarking, it is only worthy of 2.5!
    Nat, Jeremy, and I then headed to a cocktail bar Salmon Guru https://g.co/kgs/okQpQXb recommended by the barman at hotel. It was an atmospheric little place serving interesting cocktails.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    Monday in Madrid

    20 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    I am currently on train heading back to San Sebastián catching up on my 'footprints'... I have 5 hours to fill!

    This morning, we had breakfast and coffee with Nat and Jennie. They are moving on to London today. After breakfast, we all walked to El Retiro Park, which is a green haven in the center of Madrid. The park covers 125 hectares and there are more than 15,000 trees.

    After saying our goodbyes, Jeremy and I headed to Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. There was a huge queue probably due to free entry on Mondays. With limited time, we decided to keep walking rather than queue. Unfortunately, the next museum we blindly headed to was not open on a Monday, so we kept strolling.

    After heading to a Mercado, looking around and stopping for lunch, we headed back to the original museum - no queues, so we headed in and admired the art. A great range of art including: Pollock, Miró, Hopper, Mondrian, Van Gogh, Goya, Degas, Renóir, Monet... I was rather impressed with and could have spent longer here admiring the art.

    Arriving back in San Sebastián was like arriving home after a weekend away...however very nice knowing we were returning to more holidaying, not work!!    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirrored RoomArriving back in San SebastianYayoi Kusama Infinity Mirrored Room

    Bilbao

    21 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    On Tuesday, we headed to Bilbao approx 100km from San Sebastian. The bus journey took about 90 minutes passing through some nice scenary.
    Headed straight to Museo Guggenheim. Some of the art impressed me while the rest left me questioning what is art?! I'm not sure if I'm impressed, envious or somewhat annoyed that someone can...1. Be paid for what I saw (Eg. Carboard boxes stuck to the wall, cardboard only fit for recycling) and 2. Be hailed an artist for...
    As for the explanations as to what the art or artist is trying to say...well BS artist is what I get. Maybe I being an artist is what I can become!
    Having said all that i did ratherv like Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirrored Room - A Wish for Human Happiness Calling from Beyond the Universe (2020).
    This artist who is now in her 90s I think has transformed her unsettling hallucinations into mystical visions. You enter a dark room for only about 30 seconds and boom 💥 you are in her hallucination (see photo).
    After Guggenheim, we walked and walked the streets of Bilbao.
    Cathedral de Santiago, The Chrch of San Anton, Mercado de la Riberia, old town...
    We then caught the funicular and enjoyed sweeping views over all of Bilbao. Headed to La Viña del Ensanche for a bite to eat before boarding our late bus home (back to San Sebastián).    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    2Jeremy's favourite...felt it captured the tension between usefulness and art!Jeremy really captivated by the sculptures

    Chillida Leku Sculpture

    23–24 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    At the end of La Concha Bay through to the end of Ondarreta beach lies 'The Comb of the Wind' made up of three of Eduardo Chillida's monumental steel sculptures embedded in natural rocks rising from the Cantabrian Sea and where Jeremy and I strolled to on Thursday afternoon. Eduardo Chillida is considered one of the most influential Spanish artists of the 20th century.
    When installing the artwork, they also developed a viewing platform with blowholes that add to the dramatic effect of waves crashing around the sculptures.

    The following day, we headed out to Chillida Leku, an open-air museum of Chillida's work."One day, I dreamed of a utopia: finding a space where my sculptures could rest and people could walk among them as if through a forest." He is quoted as saying. In the 1980s, he and his wife acquired the land and did as he dreamed.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    Pintxos Pinxtos Pinxtos

    28 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    One of the highlights of our time here (we check out tomorrow) has been the food. Yes, we have very much enjoyed our Michelin experiences. However, the daily ritual of heading out for a pinxtos will be missed. We did not get through all 99 Pinxtos from our book, but a fair selection of them were consumed.
    Foie Gras (from Bar Sport) and Anchovies (from Txepetxa) would be Jeremy's favourites. Very hard to choose but possibly the pasta (from Borda Berri) was my favourite - the atmosphere here was awesome too. Prawns (from Goiz Argi) were pretty delicious...I really can't choose. Replicated the pasta dish myself last night for dinner. The smokey Idiazábal cheese 🧀 just lifts this dish 😋.
    The plan for today...enjoy the beautiful sunshine and chow through some more pinxtos.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    Fuente Dé

    29–30 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    After a long drive, interrupted by stops due to road works on the windy roads through Cantabria and Asturia, we arrived at our beautiful destination.
    Straight to the cable car for the quick (4-5 min) 800 metre ascent to the central massif of Picos de Europa. The man at the ticket booth questioned our 1-way ticket purchase. We mustn't look like hikers because he stressed 14km and 4 hours before selling us the ticket.
    The views at the top spectacular in all directions!!
    After taking pics and Jeremy braving the canterlever platform looking at the drop below, we began our walk back. The last of the melting snow on some peaks, lush greenery on others, surrounded us.
    The pics do not even come close to just how beautiful this walk was.
    Jeremy unfortunately twinged his knee, so the last half of our descent was slow. A fellow hiker kindly gave her walking sticks to Jeremy to use and some ibuprofen, which helped.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    Pub for lunch b4 check in
    View from 'pub' down the road from Casa MaruView from the porch of Casa MaruEnjoying a wine @Casa Maru

    Casa Maru - Picos de Europa

    30 mai–1 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ 🌫 17 °C

    After another crazy drive through road works, windy roads, stopping so one lane of traffic could pass, and even a closed road today, we arrived on the other side of Picos de Europa. Our accommodation Casa Maru is in Cameña not far from the starting point of the Cares walk (24km round trip Poncebos to Cain) we wish to do
    The weather is not as fine today, so I'm glad we have put off our long walk till tomorrow. Jeremy's knee still rather tender too.

    WOW! WOW! WOW! Need to upload all pics just of the Cares walk so new post!    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    Picos Ðe Europa - Ruta del Cares

    31 mai 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    WOW! WOW! WOW! This famous route was absolutely spectacular. I know I used the wows to describe dinner the other night, but WOW absolutely needs to be used here!!!

    The walk begins in the village of Poncebos, near where we stayed. It heads southeast 50 -60 meters above the Cares River, carved into the rock, towards Cain. The first two kilometers was tough going: uphill, at a gradient of 300 m, loose stones, slippery rocks and mean looking goats!!!

    Known as the Divine Gorge, the Cares route is amazing everywhere you look. The rocky landscapes, trees growing out of rocks, almost inaccessible cliffs, the depth of the valley, the green and crystalline waters of the river Cares leaves you speechless. No photo truly captures the magnitude and beauty of this place. However, I still took countless pics.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    Plaza Castillo
    Plaza CastilloCathedral de Santa MariaGothic cloisterSt Catherine's chapelColourful facades af housingRoaming the streets...Not going anywhere fast...Nothing to see here! Spillage concealed!

    Pamplona

    1–2 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Left our beautiful, scenic accommodation this morning, Casa Maru, within Picos de Europa and headed to Pamplona.
    Late afternoon by the time we arrived. We wandered the streets, hung out in Plaza Castillo for a while, and checked out The Catedral de Santa Maria which also houses a museum displaying religious treasures and the remains of a Roman era house discovered under the cathedral during renovations.
    Fortunately, we found a Michelin starred restaurant called Restaurante Rodero, which had a table, so we headed there for dinner.
    Here, they use premium Navarran ingredients aiming to dazzle the senses and... that they did!
    My favourite dish was the anchovy one (I've lost menu so can't be more descriptive) closely followed by the brown little round thing in the Amuse-bouche which in one bite spurted a blue soft cheese into the mouth (description 😋 a little dodgy... I know!)) Kinda reminded me of Spurt chewing gum! Will label food pics when I find menu...Worthy of its Michelin star I will say!    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    Cola de Caballo waterfall with Monte Perdido above.The return journey through Ordessa Canyon

    Parque Nacional De Ordessa

    2 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Drove 200km east today and arrived at our new accommodation Hotel Bujaruelo, Ordesa Canyon area in time to complete another walk.
    The 16km round trip took 5 1/2 hrs. It started with a 'poco a poco' 500 metre ascent. And little by little, I was beginning to think this walk was not a good idea...
    However, we ploughed on. Unlike our previous walk, the first half was amongst trees, only getting a glimpse of the towering mounts surrounding us.
    Lots of waterfalls to admire before reaching the top part of the valley where it opens up to a spectacular open canyon with brooks running through alpine meadows ending at Cola de Caballo (Horsetail) waterfall with Monte Perdido towering above.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    1

    Somontano

    3–5 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    So plans changed at dinner last night...
    We had a lovely bottle of Gewürztraminer from a winery Viñas del Vero in the Somontano region and decided, rather than head to Figueres, we would head in that direction. Technically, it's closer to Tarragona, where we need to be Thursday, so it has worked out for the best.
    Bus load of people at Viñas del Vero when we arrived so took a chance on a neighbouring winery first. Bordega Pirineos was very accommodating and let us taste a range of wines. Their Gewürztraminer is nice, too, as was an "aged" 2018 red. Headed back to Viñas del Vero and enjoyed a tasting and lunch with a glass of Garnacha Blanca.
    Could not check in to our nearby accommodation till 5:30pm so went for drive and discovered Alquézar, Huesca, Aragon. Towering above Álquézar is a castle of Islamic origin, converted into a collegiate church after the Christian reconquest (involving a sneaky beheading). The Vero River, lies below and surrounding are the Balcez and Olsón mountains.
    To be continued...    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    2

    Alquézar

    4 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Day began with another great walk. This walk was not nearly as strenuous as the previous walks.
    We returned Alquézar and began our walk from there: Ruta de Las Pasarelas.
    The start follows a trek down into the Canyon. Eagles and vultures circling above. Barriers and rails helped guide our walk. Walking down was a nice change... even knowing that we would have to walk back up eventually.
    A visit to Sommos, a winery recommended to us, proved fruitfuless. It apparently was out of water, so it was shut. We tried another, Laus, which was OK.
    Tried to find food in Barbaresco but ended up at a Lidl and cooking dinner for ourselves @+ one of our wines!!    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    To Tarragona via Cambrils

    5–10 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    **Really another food post
    Stopped off here in Cambrils for lunch at Rincón de Diego 1 Michelin Star🌟
    The setting was a bit questionable with knife fork spoon lamp shades and eclectic art on the walls but did not distract from delicious food.
    When the Amuse-bouche is great, you know you're in for a great meal.
    Everyone of the 7 amuse-bouche was delightful, especially the Bloody Mary.
    It's nice to have some choices within the tasting menu so Jeremy and I were able to have different dishes.
    Entree was delicious, prawn canneloni. I was expecting canneloni with prawn within, but the canneloni itself was made with prawn and stuffed with other deliciousness 😋. For the next course, I had mushrooms, and Jeremy had sea-nettle rice. The mushrooms had such a rich flavour you'd swear there was meat in the dish. I'd love to think I could replicate so I could eat again, but not sure it's possible. Jeremy's rice was "Utterly delicious! Creamy with subtle flavours of the sea."
    My next dish was pork...delicious melt in the mouth stuff with pear rather than apple. Lost points on account, the skin was not crunchy. Clawed back .5 for the pig shaped wafer. Jeremy had monkfish tail with an exceptional romesco sauce.
    Dessert was the highlight. Jeremy's lemon was white chocolate filled with creamy zesty lemon and passion fruit mousse. My desserts appeared savoury.. a tomato🍅, a garlic, a pepper and some bread however were actually chocolate, cake, meringue etc . Absolutely delicious...best dessert had so far!
    After lunch made our way to Tarragona in time for a swim and a walk along the busy beach. Enjoyed a drink at pop up bar on the sand...watching beach volleyball. Pretty cool way to spend an evening...appeared to be how the locals hang on a Wed evening...    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    Tarragona

    5–7 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Spent the day wandering around Tarragona. Tarragona was the first city settled by the Romans when they arrived in the Iberian Peninsula so Roman ruins dominated our sightseeing.
    The Amphitheatre, perched above the sea was the first stop.
    Followed by Roman Circus...used for chariot races
    Then the Forum...served as law courts, a castle, military warehouse.
    We then visited the Roman Wall...the part that remains is the most ancient monument in Tarragona..likely dated 2nd century BC.
    In the afternoon we visited Tarragona Cathedral 12th century displaying a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
    Another swim and laze by the pool ended the day.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    Mercado Central
    Torres de SerranosExterior of CatedralThe Renaissance FrescoesSt Margaret (confirmation name) front and centrePained face of Gestas (the impenitent thief)The Holy chalice used at Last SupperTHE Holy Grail!More modern artWalk through Jardines del TuriaAgua de Valencia

    Valencia

    7–10 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Valencia lovely place (apart from a bit smelly!)
    Did the some of main sites, lapped up the sunshine, enjoyed a bit of rooftop pool action, got festive with rice, and basically continued enjoying Spain!
    Some of the things we did...
    Torres de Sarranos - Gothic gateway.

    La Lonja 15th Century site. Original Silk and Commodity exchange building. Gothic building surrounding courtyard.

    Walk along some of Jardin del Turia

    Mercado Central - Jeremy braved the horchata (Milky beverage made from tiger nuts)

    On Saturday and Sunday, there was a Rice/Paella 🥘 festival that we made sure we were near for lunch. We tried a variety of paella made from the different rice...bomba, sénia, and albufera. Great atmosphere!

    Catedral - once again, another church built over a mosque.
    The Holy Grail is housed here...pretty impressive. Renaissance Frescoes (angels playing musical instruments) above the main altar, which were rediscovered only during renovations when removing the Baroque vault that covered them are beautiful.
    Other artwork and sculptures are so admired...
    Would've been nice to spend a bit longer here but more of Spain is calling    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    The Alhambra

    12 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    The Alhambra would have to be Granada's most spectacular sight.
    Spent hours here wandering the different areas prior to our 7pm booking to visit the Nasrid Palaces.
    Built in 14th century, the interconnected rooms are spectacular...stucco walls, geometric tiles, arched doorways, columns, pools, fountains. The marble fountain with 12 lions being the most impressive.
    The Alcazaba had beautiful views across Granada. It is the sites original citadel...with historical references dating back as early as the 9th century.
    The Palacio de Carlos is a grand, circular courtyard with 32 columns built in 1527. They obviously still hold events here as a stage, and chairs were set up for a performance.
    The gardens were beautiful to walk around too.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    2

    Antequera on the way to Seville

    13 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Well, the decision to hire a car 🚗 and drive to Seville rather than train or bus it meant visiting Antequera on the way.
    This was a nice addition to our trip...
    We had time to visit two sites.
    The Alcazaba of Antequera is a centuries-old Moorish fortress. It is thought to be built around 12th century. Old Roman ruins can be seen indicating it was built atop. Not as grand as Granada's Alcazabar but still interesting with great views of its surrounds.
    Next door, a church Santa Maria built in the 16th century, one of the first Renaissance buildings in Andalucía. It's austere simplicity compared to the other churches/cathedrals visited was still impressive.
    After a lovely lunch (the best gilda and olives) 🫒 we continued on to Seville. We found our apartment where we are staying till the 26th and then headed out to investigate our surrounds. Beautiful warm and sunny evening. I love the warmth and light evenings x    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    SEVILLE

    14–28 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Arrived in Seville Thursday afternoon after stopping off in Antequera.
    Once unpacked and in our apartment, we went for a walk. Headed down to the Guadalquivir River for a bit of a wander and a drink at one of the scattered bars. Headed out for dinner (italian).

    Friday was a quiet day just. Headed to the Bullfighting Museum - Plaza de Toros and then prepared our own lunch at our apartment. In the afternoon, did a boat cruise down the river, viewing some of the local sites from there.

    The Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold), which is now a maritime museum, was visited on Saturday. There are no photos to show, but it was interesting listening to the audio guide...The 36-meter-high tower was built by the Almohads in the 12th century and was part of the Moorish city wall, which ran between the Alcazar Palace (visiting Tuesday) and the rest of Seville. It's called the tower of gold in reference to the prosperous period during the times of the Latin American colonies.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    CATEDRAL @ NIGHT

    Seville cont...

    16 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Today's sightseeing involved us visiting Santa Maria de la Sede or Cathedral of Seville. Wow!! The world's largest Gothic cathedral did not disappoint. The catedral stands on the site of a 12th century Almohad mosque. La Giralda or the bell tower remains from that time and is where we started our tour. It stands 101 meters tall, and there are 35 ramps enabling us to reach the top. Spectacular views across the city. Twenty-four bells adorn the roof, and ring every 15mins.
    The stain glass, the sculptures and paintings; including a Goya and numerous altars adorning the naves, chapels are amazing. The organs are pretty speccy too!
    The Retablo Mayor, would be the most spectacular part of the catedral. It is the largest altarpiece in the world and consists of 36 gilded panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the lives of saints. It's nickname, the Golden Bible comes about as at the time most people were illiterate so altarpieces were turned into giant books as such.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    Hanging out in Seville cont..

    17–18 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Our days in Seville continue... We are very busy doing not a lot. Enjoying the heat, staying out late, sleeping in, occasional afternoon naps for me, walks, eating...

    El Riconcillo was a must visit. It is the oldest bar in Seville, est 1670. Yes centuries old! Serving tapas and trying to preserve the traditions of Seville.

    We explored the Real Alcázar. This Royal Palace dates back to the early Middle Ages. The buildings showcase a Mudéjar aesthetic (Mudéjar: A fusion of Christian (Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance) and Islamic art). The ceilings and archways are particularly beautiful...lots of looking up.

    We went to a Flamenco show. Not as great as the one in Granada. There were a few more people in attendance so when given the green light took a few shots. There were only 4 of us at the Granada one... The dancers can definitely move their feet.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur
    The amazing huge CryptPart of the cryptA bit of silver!!!Sacred Heart of JesusThe main altar

    Cádiz and beyond

    19 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    Arose early this morning for a change. Visiting part of the Sherry Triangle was on our agenda. We headed to Jerez de la Frontera. We had plans to taste a variety of sherries. However, each Bodega we visited did not do just tastings. In order to taste it, we had to do a 90 min tour. And frustratingly the English tour at each was at 1pm. Bodega Tradición was recommended in the Lonely planet, so we settled on there. The tour was interesting. We learnt about the production of Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, Cream Sherry, and Pedro Ximenez. The Amontillado was both our favourite.

    Following our tastings, we continued on to Cádiz. Cádiz has one of Spain's largest cathedrals. Its dome took 110 years to finish (also features in James Bond movie). In the 18th century Cádiz was a busy port city and was used for gold and silver trade. Hence, the large cathedral and other Baroque mansions and huge admin buildings in the city.

    We had a quick look around Castillo de Santa Catalina, walked along the promenade and found a bite to eat before the drive back to Seville.    En savoir plus

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  • Joanne PowerPower TripVoyageur

    abantal MICHELIN STAR

    20 juin 2024, Espagne ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Eating fine food was our only plan for today... and what a great plan it was!
    After a good 20-minute walk, we thought Google maps had led us astray. After a panicked moment, we thankfully found abantal: a very unassuming restaurant front. We might have walked passed it again if it wasn't for some other diners standing out the front.
    The amuse-bouche once again was a great start with the tastebuds singing with each bite. The beetroot soup was my favourite, so smooth and refreshing.
    The meal began with a salad. Jeremy is a pumpkin hater, and they were happy to remove the pumpkin from his salad. It was a delicious salad with and sin pumpkin.
    Fortunately, abantal was happy to accommodate fusspot Jeremy, and while I enjoyed my fresh oyster he had a clam dish. The only downside of my dish was that it was finished in two mouthfuls.
    Three seafood dishes followed: tuna, sea bass, and lobster.
    The basil broth served with the tuna was mouthwatering but distracted away from the tuna.
    The sea bass was my favourite seafood dish. The addition of orange and cauliflower was a math made in heaven.
    I was thinking the lobster dish may have been voul-au-vent like with the mention of puff pastry. It was nice to be wrong with the lobster shining atop.
    The 'meat' dishes were next: one beef and one chicken. Both cooked perfectly. The chicken just slightly better than the beef in my opinion. Mainly due to the silky smooth, concentrated flavours of the sauce (came close to delicious sauce had at Akelaŕe).
    I love passion fruit, so the first dessert made me very happy. Refreshing and palate cleansing. The ginger combo was delightful. As nice as it looked I could take or leave the final dessert. Under the appealing green dome was a mousse which did not have much flavour. Chocolate as part of the petit fours matched perfectly with the local sherry.
    Another mighty fine dining experience...    En savoir plus

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