Category Archives: spain

la tarjeta dorada

28 Thursday Apr 2022

Posted by in covid, spain, travel

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tarjeta dorada

So this was unexpected. I’ve been tentatively planning my upcoming trip to Barcelona (more on that later!) when I realised if I didn’t book my AVE (fast train) tickets then I may not get the times I wanted. And then just as I was about to hit the PAY button I saw an option to put in my Tarjeta Dorada number. Which I didn’t have. So I did a quick google and it turns out that over-60’s can get this card, which costs 6€ and is good for a year, and then get all kinds of discounts, depending on the train, time of day, etc. So yay, I just saved 50 euros on my train tickets (well, minus the 6€ fee). And yes, I’m going to Barcelona! It’s a work-related thing, and I’m really nervous about such a long trip, but fingers crossed I will return home unscathed by Covid.

raúl pérez

28 Monday Mar 2022

Posted by in covid, sevilla, spain, wine

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raul perez

The man, the legend… the missed opportunity! I had been looking forward to this wine tasting event ever since I was told they had sold out BUT would find a place for me. Raúl Pérez is one of the most influencial winemakers in Spain and so for him to be hosting an intimate tasting like this was like a gift from heaven, a dream come true. EXCEPT on Sunday evening I was struck down AGAIN by what I hope is another stomach bug. This one hit me even harder and, after spending all night with severe abdominal pain along with all the vomiting and other unpleasantness, it was clear I wasn’t going to make it to the event. Or anywhere else. Honestly, this really broke my heart. I hope one day I can visit his bodega. Also, I hope I don’t have Covid. Will test in the morning.

cheese, bread & wine

25 Friday Mar 2022

Posted by in food & drink, gastronomy, sevilla, spain, wine

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cheese bread wine

So this was fun! I was invited to a cheese, bread and wine tasting at Sevilla’s new international hospitality school Gastromiun. My friend Rafa Bellido presented five Spanish wines which we later paired with national cheeses and local bread and, as always, I learned a lot. Still hoping to find a good accredited Spanish wine course. Perhaps I could persuade the school directors?