Vejer de la Frontera

Message from Mum: Hi Tracy, can you ask T how he starts his car. Ian  would like to know . mum

Answer: In the glove box is a screwdriver. Disconnect engine end of big air filter hose and push out of the way. Then reach in to starter motor solenoid and disconnect ignition lead from blade terminal. In glove box is a black hot wire lead. Connect one end to same blade terminal on solenoid. Turn ignition key to on, make sure gear in PARK, and put other end of black lead to positive battery terminal. Battery may need a top up charge. Once it starts, reconnect ignition lead to solenoid and put back air filter hose. Place one dollar in piggy bank for every swear word uttered. 

Well, ask a silly question...

On our way to Cadiz, we stopped at a little village in the hills called Vejer de la Frontera. There are quite a few places called something de la Frontera, often beginning with a J so I often thought we were driving around in a big circle. This village, even though we were only there for a couple of hours, will be a highlight of the trip. We had lunch in a place called Califa, a hotel/ restaurant built in an 11 th century building that had a number of uses over the centuries including water storage, and a headquarters for the inquisition...the actual restaurant part was built in the old dungeon. We walked down a number of levels on stone steps before coming to an exquisite courtyard, where it was too hot to be seated, so into the dungeon we went...it was separated from the courtyard with modern concertina glass partitions. There were a few doorways heading off in different directions, one leading to a pretty back street where there away a doorway to the toilets. Everything was immaculately clean, and the views were stunning. Trish would have had pups. 

The menu was Moroccan thank goodness, a welcome change from Spanish fare of which we are beginning to tire. There was a delicious yoghurt and mint cold soup, a rich tomato and chickpea soup, and a mince, eggplant and cous cous dish, charred vegetables, and Moroccan sweets washed down with Moroccan mint tea. We explored the narrow streets afterward, but the heat really was getting a bit much, so back down the winding narrow road we went.

We stayed at a campground across the bay from Cadiz at a town called puerto de Santa Maria. Tony and I caught a ferry across to Cadiz, but as it was 8pm and the last ferry was at 1030, time was limited. From what I saw of the place, it was just a big industrial port, with the obligatory plaza mayor, cathedral and bars and restaurants. We had a disappointing meal, a couple of drinks and caught the ferry back again.

I sampled the local prized produce...jerez, or sherry...dry and cream, and found it interesting, but I think I will stick with the wine.