Weekend Vacay in Prat de Comte - Part 5, A Quick Stop for Produce

While visiting some caves in the nearby Benifallet, we drove by a small sign with some hanging fruit by the gate of a house with some ample garden space. We entered the driveway and an elderly woman opened the door to her house and invited us to buy some organic produce. There's something really special about buying fruits and veggies from someone who has harvested and grown them with loving care. Since we're more than pleased with the quality of organic fruits and veggies, we thought, why not? Paloma eats fruit by the pound now. And summer fruits in Catalunya are the best!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The understated gate that lured us.

She asked us if we wanted to pick some pears with her.

Paloma looks on leerily while Fernando tries some pears of the San Juan variety, which are smaller and firmer.

One point the lady made was that people sometimes complain of occasional bugs in the produce since she grows all organic fruits and veggies. But bugs don't eat perfect-looking fruit found in the store for a reason - pesticides!

Her garage had some hanging dried fruit and herbs. So rustic.

She let Paloma and I try some small, pale-looking strawberries that were the last of the season. Again, not pretty but were so sweet!

Her piece of land. I considered asking her if we could stay with her for a few days in the future just so we could enjoy the countryside and maybe pick up some farming skills.

She sells to locals in the area year-round and formerly sold olive oil until her husband's passing a few years ago.

Fernando chats with the lady while her guard dog does his job.

We came home with some peaches, loquats, pears, and a pound of cherries for 12 euros. All of it was really sweet, organic, delicious and dusted in a matter of days!

This is the last post of our mini-vacation. Thank for letting us share!

Weekend Vacay in Prat de Comte - Part 4, Alcañiz Parador

We drove by the region of Aragón to the pueblo of Alcañiz, where we stopped by a parador. This is a hotel that are historic buildings and are found all throughout Spain. They are converted tourist accommodations which are medieval castles, former palaces or ancient convents. If you're looking to experience Spain's medieval charm, fabulous cuisine, and rich cultural history, staying at a parador is an enchanting experience.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The Parador of Alcañiz sits on a hilltop called the Cumbre de Cerro Pui-Pinos.

It offers some nice views of the duotone pueblo below.

Some modern cars surround the castle's facade, which was constructed in the 18th century by order of the prince, Don Felipe.

Arches are a subtle design to this Aragonese-style palace.

Paloma pauses in a small courtyard where dames and knights probably hung out to shoot the breeze.

Old walls separate the castle from the commonfolk and outsiders living down below.

It has a peaceful interior garden that gets lots of sunlight.

My little squirt and I enjoy the cobblestoned walkways.

Then we took a rest on some steps where Aragonesque legends were formed.

We went into the bar for some refreshments and enjoyed the medieval-style walls.

A mural is preserved on one side.

Pau and Paloma wondered what life was like for the princes and princesses of yore.

...then re-enacted how royalty would enter a room. Let us go thither!

Fare thee well and adieu, my good men and ladies!

Weekend Vacay in Prat de Comte - Part 3, The Natural Spa

To take a rest from our biking trip along the Via Verde and refuel for some lunch, we stopped at the Balneario de la Fontcalda along the way. The warm water supposedly has some medicinal qualities. Nearby, there is a sanctuary where you can sleep or even camp out.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

My first thought was, this is a hidden paradise.

It has some stable, family-friendly walkways.

And it's nicely nestled in between some rock formations.

I can't stop thinking "127 Hours". No one touch any small boulders!

Luckily, if you did get stuck in that tight spot, someone would definitely rescue you due to the many visitors.

There is a small natural bath perfect for some romping kids.

Paloma points to the healthy chlorophyll growing in the water.

Feeling the vibe of being in nature, Paloma does a little hula dance and pays homage to the springs.

People have been dipping their feet in the therapeutic waters since the eighteenth century.

Many more visitors arrived as we left. We'll bring our swimsuits next time maybe!

We arrived at the end of our bike trip where Team P rewarded themselves with some sliding at a playground.

Thanks for stopping by!

More to come!

Weekend Vacay in Prat de Comte - Part 2, Biking Along

During our getaway, we stopped by Horta de Sant Joan. Here we got a chance to rent some bicycles to travel part of the "Via Verde de la Terra Alta", or the Green Route of Terra Alta. It's a beautiful path that bikers can enjoy old remnants of a railroad line. 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The maintenance crew prepares Team P. Ruizes' vehicle for the big 24-kilometer race.

Paloma takes a moment for some reflection and prayer with Baby.

We're all ready to go! Since I'm the "invalid", I pedaled safely in the four-persons bicycle with the kids during the whole ride. The other three adults interchanged with the bikes.

My first partner was the hubs, as we enjoyed the scenery of the green vines.

Agriculture workers greet us from among the grape vines.

Katya riding a bike on this sunny but not unbearably hot day.

Tunnel!! The kids loved going through several of these dimly lit structures running on solar power.

We enjoyed the fresh sceneries and cleaned out our lungs of city pollution and smog.

Our path was all gently downhill, which made it easier for us. Friendly bikers on the opposing traffic was up for a bigger challenge.

Passing by resonant train tracks.

Ruiz Ancheta family makes a pit stop to enjoy the view!

The Ruiz Salmeron fam enjoying it as well.

We passed by a sea blue reservoir that looked great to dip your feet in.

Baby's excited to go into one of the several tunnels again.

Katya's turn as my cycling partner.

Fernando takes an excited look at how far we've cycled.

These kids had a special experience.

This cycling trip ain't over. More pics to come!