Looks like I will have to post photos via my phone.
If I lived here in the Logrono area, I would take advantage of all their transportation modes to see more of the small towns. There is a train and bus station, local buses running every which way, and walking/biking paths. I base this reasoning on a lovely day in Haro I had today. The bus left at 9:15am on a bluer than blue day. All was going GREAT until the last passenger boarded. I was sitting in the front seat to the right to get the best views. He saw me writing in my notebook and looked truly stunned at what he was observing. This fellow in a gray knit cap was in the mood to chat, I was not. I suspected he had his first beer of the day already. He shared with me he is African. We exchanged names on his request. The bus was twisting and turning to leave the bus station and the last thing I wanted to do was a conversation in halted English. He asked right away if I was married and if I had a son. This guy in a gray wool cap then announced he wanted me to marry him. Please, just be quiet I thought. I ignored him. He then became pacified with his phone and then fell asleep on the left side of the bus across the isle from my row. Secretly, I was hoping he was not getting off at my stop in Haro because I didn't want him trailing after me picking up on his one-sided conversation.
Yes, he did get off at Haro and I went in the opposite direction. Haro is old, quaint, enchanting, and having numerous bodegas in the country side is a bonus. I took photos with my phone rather than this tablet so I am still trying to figure out how to post them. I might have to do it via my phone which is a pain.
For you wine lovers, 3 reasons to come to Logrono/Haro area:
1) Briones has a huge and impressive looking Vivanco (wine museum) https://vivancoculturadevino.es/en/foundation/vivanco-museum-of-wine-culture/
2) Haro has the Station Quarter I walked through yesterday. It has the centenary wineries of the La Rioja area. This area is outside the town in the country side. The road with several bodegas was busy with huge tanker trucks transporting wine I suspect.
3) Plenty of bars/cafes/restaurants to try the wines with local food.
I also ejoyed stepping into the Basilica of Our Lady of the Vega built with ashlar stone (a term used to describe cut and dressed stone worked to achieve a specific form, typically rectangular; a structure built from such stones), inlaid wood floors, and all the glories one finds inside a church.
The 3 hours went quickly before I got a return bus to be back in time for my afternoon duties. Another highlight was watching the rolling country side glide by in all shades of reds, greens, and yellows. To me, this was similar to fall colors but here for the grape leaves changing color.
The day ended with serving 12 pilgrims the dinner meal (pasta with Chorizo). I am amazed they do a super job cleaning up the kitchen after a much appreciated homecooked meal. They rave about the salads each night. One even helped clean the burners. We do supervise to make sure things go in the right places.
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