Jamón Ibérico

Imagine a supermarket with an aisle dedicated to whole cured hams, hanging like so many oversized flipflops. That's Carrefour, in Zafra, Extremadura, Spain.

Today we had the usual amazing breakfast with our friends at their house in Feria, then drove the mile and a half to the community outdoor swimming pool. I managed twenty two widths. It's not very wide...

After changing back at the house, we drove the 16km to Zafra, The nearest town. We explored the mediaeval quarters on foot. Steve had been there eleven years ago, but for me it was a first. Many fascinating things to see, including an ancient stone pillar at the entrance to the paza chica ( the smaller square leading off the main square/plaza mayor). The pillar is home to a carved niche along its length, which is an early measure for lengths of cloth.

We had a drink in a park, then retraced our footsteps to the car. After visiting both Lidl and Carrefour, it was time to go home and enjoy a three course meal of boquerones (anchovies) and salad, followed by cheeses, and pears poached in red wine, with chocolate ice cream.

Now it's siesta time! Or in my case, time to finish my book.