31 Tuesday May 2022
Such a long-awaited event for so many reasons. The last Vinoble took place in 2018 and should have happened again in 2020… and well, then it didn’t. For me it was such a treat to see all these people again, many of whom I hadn’t seen for four years or more. Others I met for the first time. And others I have seen more recently, well, it was just great to say hi and catch up. I loved this so much. Filled my heart.
27 Friday May 2022
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Up early today to catch the train to Córdoba as I’ve been invited to the 100th anniversary celebrations at Bodega Toro Albalá. I have to go and pack now. More later!
17 Tuesday May 2022
By the time you read this I will be on the high-speed AVE train – in a silent car! – heading to Barcelona. It’s a 5.5 hour trip, which I did once before seven years ago. This time it’s for work, a new Decanter Magazine commission. Otherwise I’m not sure if I’d have had the nerve to travel so far for so long (5 days in total, including travelling) especially as Covid cases are skyrocketing in Sevilla after Semana Santa and Feria. Though this might actually be a good time to get out of town?
Anyhow, I have bought FFP2 masks to wear on public transport and I will be as careful as someone can be under the circumstances. It also looks like I’m going to catch a break with the weather though it will still be 36º or more when I get home again on Saturday. Ooof.
Stay tuned on my Instagrams for #barcelonagetaway updates.
@sevillatapas and @azahar
03 Tuesday May 2022
I’ve mostly been relying on surgical masks (made locally) for day-to-day use because I tend to be either outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor situations. BUT… I have a work trip coming up to Barcelona which is both exciting and a bit terrifying. I mean, I haven’t been to BCN since 2014 when I took myself up there for a birthday treat. And I have to say that part of me is really looking forward to being there again, but another part of me is going OMG because, of course, Covid.
Just like the last trip I’ll be taking the AVE fast train direct from Sevilla to Barcelona, a 5.5 hour trip. Which really ends up mostly the same amount of time as flying there (it’s a really short flight). But if you take into account getting to and from the airport, having to arrive at the airport and hour or so ahead of time, and blah blah blah… just no. I really enjoyed the train ride last time. Got to watch a film, read a bit, hang out on social media, and visit the bar car. PLUS I could bring as much luggage as I wanted to.
Of course now the big question is about travelling safely, on a train for all that time. Happily we still have a mask mandate for all public transport, so everyone will have masks on. But it made me think that it was time for a mask upgrade. So I am looking at getting some FFP2/FFP3 KN95/N95 masks for my trip. Still working out what the differences are between them, but clearly they are more effective than surgical masks. Anyhow, wish me luck! My first MAJOR TRIP since March 2020.
15 Monday Nov 2021
casa azahar 