Wet Laundry

Escape from Andalucía

OK, so we weren't really fleeing Andalucía—in fact, I didn't even realize we were out of the province until David pointed it out. However, our trip to Murcia was indeed our first venture outside Andalucía since we arrived in Seville last November.

Summer's Here

The roasty Andalusian summer that the locals have been warning us about for months is finally upon us. Temps have been in the 90s since last week, and we're bracing ourselves for two months of the same or worse. We're drinking gallons of iced tea—€”I'm off to the  "100 Pesetas" (i.e., 99 Cents) store later today to get some more ice-cube trays—€”and subsisting mainly on salads. I'm also planning to pick up a blender so I can start making gazpacho, which folks in these parts guzzle like lemonade in the summertime, and my new favorite Spanish dish, salmorejo. This delightful chilled soup€—made of pureed tomatoes, garlic, bread and olive oil and topped with chopped boiled egg and serrano ham—is one of the culinary specialties of Córdoba, where we spent a few days last week.

The Green Acres Split

A week ago we wrapped up a marathon 17-day family visit—first with David's mom Dolores and sister Nora, and then with my mom, brother Colin and his wife Tiffany. In fact, Dolores' departing flight  was on the evening of the day that my folks arrived, so the Polidors and Curiels  got to enjoy a lunch out together. (Thanks, families—we had a terrific time and we miss you already!)

My family flew in and out of, and Dolores also departed from, Málaga, Andalucía's second-largest city, less than two hours from Granada. Because it's on the coast, near a long stretch of beachfront vacation megaplexes popular with sun-hungry northern Europeans—the European equivalent to Florida—Málaga brings in lots of cheap flights. (Those of you thinking about paying us a visit: hint hint!) For David and I, this provided a nice opportunity to explore a new place.

A Bit More Travel

First of all, thanks to everyone who's been following our story and took the time to write us or just offer up a good thought for us. It worked! On the last day we wanted to be in Granada, we found a room in a cool apartment where we can stay for a month or two while our nascent network cooks up something more permanent for us.

Now, we're cruising around the coast of Cadiz (the Atlantic side of Andalucia) until the room opens up later this week. We'll write more when we're not at a pricey internet cafe, but it's been nice to visit the beach and see the sunset over the Atlantic, even if it's a touch chilly at the moment! Currently, we´re in Puerto Santa Maria, which is part of the Sherry triangle (more on that soon!). We saw more free flamenco last night, and have had really good sherry and seafood.

Lots of love!