Nov 8, 2011 - Aviles

We chose to stop for the night in Aviles, just short of the larger city Gijon. Our lonely planet suggested it was a better place to stay as Gijon was more of an industrial city. We checked into our hotel and asked for some recommendations for dinner. The staff directed us to a small Sideria (Cider House) called Casa Lin. We went for a walk and found the establishment and promptly ordered a Sidra (Cider). How to Drink Sidra (Cider). You must drink the whole bottle at one sitting. Cider oxidizes quickly and becomes flat. The ideal temperature...

Sep 23, 2011 - N. Spain - San Vicente to Gijon

23 Sept: San Vicente to Gijon. We crept out of the creek at 8am, as the sun was rising, and made it out without going aground although there was only 0.5 metres beneath the keel at one point. It was quite hazy, but we got a good view of the Picos de Europa behind the spectacular coastline with villages perched on top of steep cliffs. We are trying to motor as little as possible because the sail drives should have had their first service at 100 hours and they are over that already. The problem is that it can only be done when Whimbrel is...

Jun 5, 2010 - Sidra in the City

Gijon is located in the province of Asturias. A Spanish person places huge importance on the state they are from. The people of Gijon are proud to be Asturias and identify themselves as this before saying they are Spanish. They are more likely to display an Asturias flag than a Spanish one. Asturias is famous for its fermented apple cider, called sidra. Sidrerias (bars serving sidra) are located all throughout the old part of the city, with three or four within an apple-core’s throw of the Millars’ apartment . Sidra is served in shots. The...

Jun 3, 2010 - Gijon

The conference finished last night. After sharing in the cleaning up of the facility, we travelled with the Millar family back to their home in Gijon, Spain. The 6 ½ hour journey took us out of the majestic Pyrenees into rolling hills dotted with farms and small villages. Once we hit San Sebastian across the border in Spain, the road hugged the coastline with rugged green hills and stunning beaches. We saw glimpses of the Camino de Santiago as we passed through villages. Gijon is a much larger city than I imagined. It is an industrial...

Oct 16, 2006 - In Oveido

Spent the last couple of days touring around the northern part of Spain and wound up in Cudierllo, a little fishing village soon to become major tourist site. All around Spain and Portugal we have been seening torn up roads. Seems EU has subsidized the infrastruture in many countries, so improving sewers, utilities and building roads is a big time business now hereabouts. Curidallo kinda reminded me of Nehalem, soon to be Newport. Quaint, lots of resturaunts and bars, souviner shops (I stuck to local artensions) and odds and ends. Prior to...

Aug 24, 2006 - driving in Spain and the satnav

Hi everyone Well this post is devoted to Ducky, Jane and to me! We have been through a lot together already. Leaving behine the mountains, it was time to head back for the coast on Monday ( at least I think it was Monday!). I made one last trip into the mountains for a last look at the majesty of them, they are amzingle varied. The part I went to was very lush and green, a serious contrast to some of the other views I have had. After that, I headed towards the coastal town of Gijon - Richard you should be able to find this one on the map....