Life in Olvera

We have been in Olvera for a three weeks now.  The weather has been spring like.  We have had overnight temperatures as low as 2 degrees and highs of  22 during the afternoon.  Generally the temperatures have been between 8 and 19 degrees, with a mix of sun, cloud and occasional rain.

We are outside most of the day, walking and biking. Also we a have taken a couple of overnight trips on the motorbike. Once to the Coast and another trip to Cordoba.

We encountered this cute fellow on a walk last week. He was grazing on a short rope.  He was very friendly and came over to see us.

Over the years we have met quite a few people here.  Two of our friends are heading to the US in a couple of days to cycle from California to Florida. We are meeting up with others for lunch soon for a farewell get-together.

Covid  antigen test are readily available at the pharmacies for $4. We just administered tests to ourselves. I would feel bad if we inadvertently  passed along an infection before their trip

This past week we made an overnight trip to Córdoba, about 180K north of Olvera.  It was a nice relaxing ride up through some small towns on 2 lane highways.  We stopped for a look at Castillo de Almodóvar. Unfortunately it was closing for the afternoon shortly after we arrived, so we didn't get to see the inside. (next time).  However we had a very nice midday dinner at a restaurant at the base of the castle.

This is one of the castles that was used in the filming of Game of Thrones

I'm not particularly enamoured by the prospect of driving though Spanish cities. Road grid systems were not used when these cities were built. Finding your way through a complex network of one way roads , in heavy traffic, is not my  idea of a fun adventure. The rail station in Cordoba is easily accessible, close to nice hotels and has great parking... undercover and free for motorbikes.

 

Below are a few photos of various parts of Córdoba.

 Córdoba is recognized as the hottest city in Spain. Temperatures close to 50C were recorded here last summer.  While were here the day time temps were in the low 20s.

Plaza de las Tendillas in the business centre of the modern city

 

A plaza the edge of old city with the tower of La Mesquita, the once Muslim, now Catholic Cathedral

    

A typical street in a renovation portion of the old city

Entering La Mesquita garden area

There are a lot of parks in Cordoba. This one was on the edge of the old town.