Monday, June 22, 2009

pastrana


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today i talk about a short route worth exploring.

the reason behind this route is a good friend´s wedding, which took place in an old convent in pastrana. i have to say, the place was fantastic and provided the guests with a great way to spend a summers night under a sky full of stars and far from madrid´s heat.

pastrana is known for being the place where Philip II of Spain imprisoned the Princess of Éboli during the late 1500´s.

the town has great places to eat and are easy to find. the town ain´t too big. its also very nice to walk around and apreciate the different buildings left behind by the middle ages.

i originally planned to take a ride around the area, but was not able to due to the busy schedule and the need to help the groom with last details before the ceremony. however, there are 2 reservoirs in the area and 2 nuclear powerplants which provide with pretty interesting sights.

most of the area is sorounded by fields dedicated to hunting and small villages. loads of turns and plenty of ingredients for an enjoyable ride.



i will post the route i originally planned in case it is of any use and i will add it to my to do list... i would love to take a dip in any of the 2 manmade lakes.


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Monday, June 15, 2009

to do : madrid - burgos - fuente dé


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this route ive done over the last weekend by car.

i started in madrid, but since the way till burgos is all highway i should emphasize the road between burgos and fuente dé.



this road has beautiful landscapes. roads runing between huge mountains, cliffs and rocks... along valleys, small canyons and rivers carrying water from the ice melting in the mountains... its packed with history, full of oportunities to appreciate some of the most important romanic architecture you can see and of course, great food.

i will not say i unfortunately came by car because of the meaning and the reasons behind driving this weekend, but i will definitely have to do this on the queen during this summer.



places you must stop at...

potes, you can have dinner at casa cayo and walk around this beautiful town.

santo toribio de liébana, where you can see the monastery, and take pictures at the top, there is really a great view and a small chappel worth visiting.



mogrovejo, a beautiful little town with more breathtaking views, this time from the bottom.



fuente dé... this is the final destination. we stayed at the parador which was spectacular! the area is fantastic if you like nature, or if you just want to ride around... it is even better if you love your good food ;)



one thing you should do is take the cable car (next to the parador) to the top and take the 14km hike back down. come prepared, with a camera, water and some food. remember the mountain is no joke, but it is an experience you wont forget. there is a restaurant and a hotel along the path, but you never know when you will burn all the sugar you have and bringing a little something is always helpful, specially if you just wanna sit down and appreciate the peace and calm of the mountains.

this trip becomes so much better with good company :)