Pueblo blanco

A day out in the Alpujarras today. S has signed up for another mad adventure in the Sierra Nevada, eleven hikers and three guides attacking various peaks. He is not expecting nearly as much snow as last time. Indeed there may not be any at all, though he has packed ice axe and crampons as instructed.

So after I got back from Spanish class, we set out for Orgiva, where we stopped for lunch. We decided on the same restaurant we went to last time, which specialises in Argentinian steaks. We picked two items from the menu to share, and it was only when the salad arrived that I realised we'd ordered exactly the same dishes as last time. Still delicious though. Even when the waiter did the same thing and delivered the steak before we'd finished the salad. We fitted in dessert this time -- a "lemon" made of white chocolate, filled with light lemon mousse.

From there, we drove up to Capileira, where S is spending the night before setting off in the morning. It's not far, only 15 km, but it takes a good half hour on the steep and winding road. Here it is in less clement conditions than today. S dropped his stuff at the hostel and we went for a walk round this very typical white mountain village. Another view in extras. It was very busy with tourists, and despite its location it has more bars and eateries than hippy central Orgiva in the valley.

I eventually set off for home at 5:30, getting back at nearly 7 pm -- you can't hurry on these roads. Now wondering if I really want to get in the car and drive into town to see another procession that won't get under way till midnight ...