Liz and I decide that today after our majical ride up and down the foot hills, past the most amazing lake, through orchards of olive trees; a bike ride to the local Hot baths would be great for our legs. I am told that Alhama, the town were we are staying, means hot baths in Moslen.
As we wind through the gorge, I begin to feel a instant rush of hot air. As i look to my right, i can see and hear the orgin of the heat. Pooring out of the rock, hot water finds its was down that creek that will supply the hot baths for our muscle aches. Hesistant at first, due to the amount of locals in the pools, people bathing with soap, children screaming,teenagers smoking hash, and just the sheer attention 2 white girls are getting from the crowd. I wonder if we are welcome. As we enter the pools we are greated with smiles. Liz and I are welcome.
After a long soak and great conversation, we head back to the town in hopes to find a good night in the village. Similar to Itallian culture, the spanish live very late in the night. They typically do not even start dinner till 10pm. The beauty of this is that Tapas, the small plates of feed, are served from 4pm-late in the night. Even better, in south spain they are free witha drink. The most wonderful mini-food is unique at every pub. That in its self is a unique sight for the eyes. Hams hang from the cealing, waxed circles of aged chees are kept on the shelf with the glasses, tapas are displayed behind class. I have found my favorite tapas bar in Alhama and the owners really like Liz and I.
Ahhhhh Tapas....... I must mention that each place usually has a speciality. Generally, they consist of little roasted potatoes, with or with out a sauce; skewered shell fish, ham, chicken, and vegetables;vegetables or fish fried, bread topped with tomotoes, cheese, ham, olive spread, fish, egss, and always soaked with the best olive oil. A night on the town consists of hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar. With water and soda priced higher than alcohol, rojo vino or a lemon beer "shanty" is the drink of choice at 1.50 euro for this girl that is on a budget. The only problem is that you continue to eat and dring through out the night and with out warning you are becomming a little too happy to be at the Tapas Bar till the weeeeee.... hours in the morning. The problem can be compounded with the fact that you have a 106 k bike ride planned up one of the hardest climbs in Spain, or Western Europe if this sounds any worse.
Ahhhhh Tapas....... I must mention that each place usually has a speciality. Generally, they consist of little roasted potatoes, with or with out a sauce; skewered shell fish, ham, chicken, and vegetables;vegetables or fish fried, bread topped with tomotoes, cheese, ham, olive spread, fish, egss, and always soaked with the best olive oil. A night on the town consists of hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar. With water and soda priced higher than alcohol, rojo vino or a lemon beer "shanty" is the drink of choice at 1.50 euro for this girl that is on a budget. The only problem is that you continue to eat and dring through out the night and with out warning you are becomming a little too happy to be at the Tapas Bar till the weeeeee.... hours in the morning. The problem can be compounded with the fact that you have a 106 k bike ride planned up one of the hardest climbs in Spain, or Western Europe if this sounds any worse.
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