Olla de San Vincente

Today we took a drive out to Olla de San Vincente. It was another hours ride in the car. You take the N-625 towards Cangas de Onis. Take the sign heading towards Puerto del Ponton. After about 6kms you reach the village of Tornin. Once through Tornin, there is a restaurant and a bridge, you can park here and start your walk.

The beginning of the walk is the point of where the River Dobra meets the River Sella. The walk to the Olla is about 2.5kms so at a slow pace it should take around 30-40 minutes. The path itself follows the river and is very rocky underfoot, occasionally slippy too. It's best to wear trainers or hiking boots with a good grippy sole. There are some areas which are narrow and we had to hold hands in order to help each other across.

Once at the Olla (pot) it was lovely. A pebble cove, emerald water and views of the mountains. A great place just to chill and appreciate the beautiful surroundings. We had a dip (it was freezing!). We took a picnic and stayed for a couple of hours and then headed back, stopping for an ice cream in Cangas.

Love exploring what's on my doorstep! It's a wonderful world we live in!

It was cold but she still managed a smile!

Route of the Xana's

Well, here in Spain it's the end of school term so what better way to start our holidays than with a 10km hike! Yippee!

We looked at a few different routes and my daughter chose the Route of the Xana's. A Xana is a mythical water nymph based on Asturian legend. She is small and slender with light brown hair. They live by waterfalls and rivers in the forest. Their hair is tended to with golden combs made from the sun.  Xana is pronounced Shanna here in Asturias and for those of you who don't know, that's the name of my daughter. She is 8 years old and loves the water - any opportunity to have a dip, she'll be there! We hadn't heard of the Xana before coming here. It's a total coincidence and a really nice one at that. Just makes us feel a little more cemented in our surroundings.

A beautiful Xana

So, back to the route.
It was only about an hours drive from our home and we found the area really easily - no getting lost on the way is always a bonus. There is a generous car park with picnic tables at the start of the route. As always, there are boards with route maps and information on what you might see as you go.

The three of us (four including the dog) set off. The first part was following the road for half a kilometre until the next signpost. This led us up a gravel path and on towards the gorge. The paths are slightly tight - you have to step aside if someone is travelling in the opposite direction - but they are well maintained.

The sun was shining and it was very hot especially in those parts of the walk where there was no shade. The views were fantastic though - breathtaking scenery.

We passed through the gorge and although the path was narrow, it wasn't as scary as we thought it was going to be. Yes, its high but that adds to the drama of the scenery. There is also a rope handrail for those who are sufferers of vertigo!

We didn't rush. We took our time and enjoyed the views. The sound of a waterfall could be heard along part of the track and we finally found it. It was a series of mini waterfalls - the perfect place for a Xana to live! There were rickety bridges to tramp across too.

We then had a steep(ish) climb up some steps towards the village. The steps are uneven and quite high but they are doable. Slow and steady wins the race!

At last the church was in sight so we knew that our end point wasn't too far away.

Another couple more kilometres and we were back on the road leading to our car! Downhill all the way!

We survived. Only a couple of moans at the kilometre number 8 mark (Shanna, not me I hasten to add!). It was a really enjoyable route. We all enjoyed it. We are now planning our next hike!

Who doesn't love a heart shaped petal!

One year on...

It was a year ago today that we boarded the overnight ferry to our new adventure. Here's a brief summary of our time here so far.

As you know, we had a bit of a rocky start but it all came good in the end. We have met and made friends with, some wonderful people.  I can honestly say that we would be lost without them. They have helped us with so many things. They came to our rescue when the language got a bit much for us, helping us to fill out forms and negotiate appointments with routine things like opticians or the vets. They gave us recommendations for great days out, places to eat, things to see. We have joined them for picnics and parties and hopefully many more to come. They are a real support network and I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart (you know who you are!).

Spain is a warm and friendly country, Asturias particularly so. We love the old traditions that are very much kept alive here. The nature that is on our doorstep is beautiful. Shanna still gets excited when she sees the buzzards circling above us or hearing the deers call out to each other when we are walking to school. The climate is great. Yes, it rains a lot but that's what makes it so beautiful and green (a bit like Wales on steroids). The summers are longer but not as dry and oppressive as in the South. It's a win-win!

Nathan is happy to be back in the garden. He is trying his hand at permaculture and a bit of sustainability style gardening. We recently got ourselves some chickens and he made their coop himself which he enjoyed doing. He loves going for long walks in the woods with the mad dog Hettie. Yes, he has had to take a job overseas but needs must. We only see him for 2 weeks out of every 8 but we make that time together count. He has also found his love of sidre (although I never really thought he's lost it)!

Shanna has adapted so well. She enjoys school and has made some fab friends. There are only 20 (ish) children in the school in total and being so small has made it less daunting for her. She has the most supportive teachers who are on hand to help her when she needs it.
She experiences a much more free childhood. She is confident enough to go on her own to the park (only 10 mins away) and meet her friends. She's on her bike and she's off!
She has joined a local Scout troop and has been on overnight camping trips with them. She has just finished music lessons and swimming lessons too. She's a happy and confident 8 year old.

Me? Well, after the initial stress of everything, I'm feeling much calmer. Those of you who know me know what a worrier I am. I have learned to accept the situation for what it is. Everything happens for a reason. I feel much more at ease with everything. My days are my own. After my household chores I spend time doing what I want to do - mainly sewing! I could never find the time back in the UK but here I make time. I also spend time in the garden and the most important thing is that I have more time to 'play' with Shanna. Nothing more is needed.
I've learned to write good old fashioned letters again. Yes, we would be lost without our technology (couldn't write this post otherwise) as it keeps us in touch with our nearest and dearest but we all love getting a little something in the post don't we?

Life is simpler and we are all happier for it.

So, to sum it all up...

How has it been so far? Fantastic! With many more adventures to come.
Are we happy? Hell, yes!
Would we do it again? Nope, cos we ain't leaving but seriously yes, we would.

Don't let anything stand in the way of your dreams. Life is for living, get out there and live it!

Home Sweet Home

So, yesterday I was feeling a little down. I just woke up that way - we all have our off days, right? I wandered around feeling like Eeyore with a black cloud above my head.

Shanna and I went to Gijon to exchange a dress which was too small for her (when will she stop growing? Is it normal for an 8 year old to need an aged 11-12!! sigh) and on the drive back the floodgates opened. 'Far, far away' - a great song by Slade came across the airways and that was me. I couldn't stop the tears from falling. It's not a good idea to drive along the A-8 at 120kms an hour with tears blinding your eyes but I arrived home in one piece. Phew!

For those of you that don't know, I was in the British Army for 8 years. I travelled far and wide and never felt homesick. I spent time in Hong Kong and the Falkland Islands. I have also had really great adventure holidays in far flung places such as Mongolia, China and Thailand.

I suppose my situation here is a little different. I'm in a country where I don't speak the language fluently, my husband is working overseas so I only get support from him for 2 weeks out of every 8, there are my family members who are currently going through tough times and I wish I was there to support them. Being on the other end of the phone is sometimes not enough. It sucks!

Maybe its an age thing too. When you're younger you feel you can conquer the world but age and experience tells you that this is not always the case.

Please don't for one minute think that I regret my decision to move here. I love Spain and especially the beautiful area of Asturias. It is a wonderful place, the people are warm and friendly and it has so much to offer. I plan on staying here, so don't think I'm packing my bags and heading back to Blighty any time soon - here is where I want to be!

I have to remember that, in the words of Noddy Holder, I'm "letting loose around the world but the call of home is loud, still as loud". It's all part of the settling in process.

Apologies!

Hello my dear readers, I'm really sorry for neglecting you. It's been hard getting into the swing of things since the Christmas and New Year period. Needless to say, I will try harder to keep you updated with our lives and what we are up to. Consider my wrist slapped!

Anyway, before Christmas, Nathan and I took a drive to Aviles. It doesn't look very welcoming on first glances. It's kinda industrial and a bit scruffy looking. There were once many factories and a steel mill present but most of these sadly serve as ghosts from a more fruitful time. Once you are in the centre it's filled with lovely architecture and has a very arty feel. There is a good mix of old buildings and churches standing alongside modern sculptures and art.
We only had a quick mooch around the town centre and stopped for a coffee but I managed to take a few snaps.

There is also a French style garden in Ferrera Park and the Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre. We will save them for our next visit and update you then.

Time flies.....

Well, today is a special day for several reasons. It's the of 1st December which is when Simon Sparkletoes our Christmas Elf comes to visit. He sits up high on the bookcase and keeps a watchful eye on a certain 8 year old. He monitors her behaviour and reports back to Father Christmas and that determines whether she is on the naughty or nice list. He also gets up to mischief whilst we are asleep and manages to send me photographic evidence! Naughty Simon!

Our advent calendar is also hung and filled with treats. Luckily I have been able to find it in amongst our boxes - phew!

It's also my lovely hubby's birthday. He can't be with his girls as he is working overseas. Boo! We packed him off with a few treats hidden in his case so he knows he isn't forgotten. We will make up for his absence when he gets home.

Last but not least, we have been here for 6 months already. I can't believe where the time is going. There have been tough times but in the main I am thoroughly enjoying our new life in Spain - we all are! What have I learnt since being here? Well, patience is the key. Spain is very laid back. If you expect things to be done swiftly then this is not the place for you. Mañana is spoken often.
The people are warm and friendly. You have to try and integrate in order to move forward and enjoy your time here. Tradition, culture and old fashioned values are a big part of Asturias. If you want 'all day breakfasts' then Northern Spain is not for you. Make your own path and follow it!

Amaguestu

Well, I've been a little lax with my postings lately. Forgive me - life kinda took over. We have been busy just getting on and enjoying it!
Anyway, here is our latest post.

Autumn is here and around every corner there are piles of apples by the roadside ready to be loaded on to the transport and then on to the sidre houses. There are chestnuts everywhere. People are seen walking with their obligatory carrier bag and stick - hoping to gather as much as they can.
Here is Northern Spain, the chestnut is just as important as the apple.

The Amaguestu (Chestnut Festival) occurs every year in late October or early November. It is a Harvest Festival of sorts where the community gathers together to celebrate. Chestnuts are roasted and the first pressing of the apples is tasted (sidre dulce).

Schools throughout the region have their own celebrations and Shanna's school was no exception.
We headed to Torazo (a neighbouring village) and our tour began. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day.

It was a wonderful coming together of young and old and it was great to see everyone so enthusiastic and willing to join in. We watched the village elders make 'tortas' which are a very basic but tasty flour pancake.

The children also had a go at pressing the apples.

There were also ladies who were making fresh chorizo. This goes hand in hand with the harvest as now is the time that the pigs are slaughtered and the wild boars are hunted. Yes, I know that's not to everyones taste but we are talking old traditions here and its important that the younger generation do not forget these skills.

As parents we were each asked to make a dish. I chose to make some empanadas.
Now, I'm no expert in Spanish cookery but I'm pleased to say they were gone in a flash! Phew!
The table was laden with food. It was a lovely community feel.

The chestnuts and sidre were particularly delicious!

Hasta luego!