It was a birthday celebration for Leila and her mother, so they rented a castle in Spain, as one would, and invited some friends. Yes, we accepted.
The drive through the Pyrenees was spectacular.
GPS presented some challenges for each new arrival. The road to the Castell de Llaes is evidently regarded as unpaved. It’s on a hill, of course, and here is our first view.
It’s a rather steep approach. Ingrid is already uphill from the parking space and up the first switchback. Don and Mary have the last switchback ahead.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to carry our bags thanks to Leila who was running the gondola.
We spent lots of time cooking, eating, and drinking. Here is part of the crew having aperitifs on the terrace. Mary, Jane, Leila, Richard, Ingrid, Brian, Tony, Roger, Glenys . . .
and Don
Tony and Jane preparing shrimp.
And then Jane made tarts.
Wow!
Peruvian friends arrived and cooked an amazing Peruvian lunch
Eventually, we ventured out to see the sights
and replenish supplies at our favorite wine shop. An exceptional Rioja at 1.60 euros per liter. Bring your own container. We do wish they had a branch in Sebastopol!
fruits and vegetables
some fish
Lunch, shopping, sight-seeing and we are heading back to the castle
in time for dinner.
Our host joined us
Richard appeared pleased when his girlfriend arrived.
But apparently Henrik didn’t like their matching shirts. He was usually more cheerful.
Evenings found us watching the weather with Richard taking fabulous sky photos.
I hope the birthday girls had as good a time as we did.
Thanks Leila. I wish we could add the soundtrack of Caroline singing in the chapel and the tinkle of the sheep bells.