Sunday, October 31, 2010

We Are Back In Spain

We have found a lovely farmhouse AKA Hacienda in the town of Zuheros to stay for a while. It is between Cordoba and Grenada and it is perfect for us. The original property was built in the early 1800’s and was a major producer of olives and olive oil. Over the next century the olive business thrived in Spain and at one time this was the greatest area of olive production for all of Spain. The Hacienda fell in disarray in the late 1800’s but the property was kept for it’s olive crops. In 2004, Luis and his family purchased the property and over the last six years turned the property into a beautiful place to stay.

We are in the Andalusia region of Spain and this area is specifically known as La Subbetica and is a national wildlife preserve. Luis is proud of the accomplishments here. And, while he is renovating the place, he is reusing the original materials. It reflects the history of Spain with influence from the Christian and Moorish rule.

It is off the beaten path, which is what we look for. The only visitors here so far have been cyclist groups who stop here for a little rest and reprieve while on their way to somewhere else.


In the evenings, Luis gives us a cooking class (which includes lots of olive oil!) He also shows us how olive oil is made; from the picking of the olives to the crushing and oil extraction. We never realized how much work went into the making of olive oil but we do know that in this area the oil is outstanding and we are now eating it with everything. We appreciate his knowledge and feel as if we are getting to know Spain better by these cultural and history lessons.

We will head to Cordoba in a day or two and look forward to seeing the area. The weather continues to be perfect so we have planned a few day hikes and bicycle rides. There is the hope of a thundershower in a week and we are excited about that also.

Our bedroom is upstairs and when we open the wooden shutters we capture the beautiful morning sunrise. With this view we are sure there is no better place to be in a rainstorm then right here.

We’ll let you know!