However, as we had announced our visit only a few days before, Natalia and Luis had already made plans to spend the weekend with Natalia’s family.
Before we set off, there was one last issue to resolve. We had arranged to meet somebody in a city in Western Spain – but we had no clue how to pronounce it. Helpful as always, Natalia showed us “Valladolid” on the map and repeated “Bayadolith” until we were able to ask for directions, if necessary. She also presented us with some regional Spanish wine.
The night before Natalia had led the way. That day we were going to follow them until a roundabout, then turn in the direction of Soria while Natalia and Luis continued towards Pamplona. In fact, they actually stopped right in the middle of the roundabout. Natalia left the car and indicated the correct exit. Unbelievable. Last kisses for everyone – and we left with the promise that our favourite Spanish couple would soon return the visit in Germany.
After a quick stop in the nearest Eroski supermarket for water and a pharmacy, we were on the road again.
Driving towards Soria, we enjoyed the beautiful landscape of Navarra. Mountains covered in snow stood proudly against the blue sky, the sort of blue Romy likes to call “azul ibérico” because it seems so much richer than back home.
Even though we had left roughly two hours later than planned, we decided to take the national road. Crossing Spain from East to West, we admired the changes in the landscape. From snowy mountain-ridges we continued to impressive limestone rocks as we continued towards Valladolid.
Warm shades ranging from cream to terracotta marked these sedimentary rocks.
We stopped only briefly to fuel the car. In Spain there are hardly any self-service petrol (gas) stations – unlike in Germany. Therefore Romy eyed the petrol guy suspiciously when he just asked “pleno”. A second stop was made for Danni to photograph some storks. It was only when we saw our photos back in Porto that we found a trace of the missing red strap we had used to secure the camera.
Can you spot it?
By that time we were getting hungry. An expert in travel cuisine, Danni had packed various delicacies made for the road: smoked sausage, Avocado, Pecorino cheese, crackers, grapes, cucumber and loads of dark chocolate. A feast – and only another 55 km to go until we would reach our first destination.
Before setting off, Romy had contacted a hospitality club member in Valladolid. Again due to short notice, Miguel Ángel was away for the weekend. However, he had given us the name and contact of a good friend of his who might be able to show us around the city. Alberto agreed to meet us in a bar in “Bajada de la Libertad”. So we left the car in a car park and asked the guard for directions. Once again, we realised how we complement one another perfectly. While Romy nodded understandingly “vale, gracias”, Danni paid attention to his gestures and directions.
Once we had left the car park, we paused and thought. None of us speaks Spanish. But somehow we had got the idea that the guy had mentioned a globe… or had he? There it was. “La bola del mundo”. A fountain on the “Plaza de España”.
Not only were we on the right track and on time, but actually early, unbelievable as it may seem. So we set out to discover some of the city on our own. A roadmap gave us directions of where to go and what to find.
On our way we passed a “plaza” where a fountain showed the everyday life of the simple people. Romy was absolutely fascinated by the detail of a small boy, cheekily sticking his tongue out at visitors and locals alike.
Heave-ho! He obviously needed a helping hand and Danni was only too ready to oblige.
Still some time to throw a glance a the Cathedral and some other church before it was time to find “El Penicilino”, the bar where we were going to meet Alberto.
On our way, we passed an old lady selling freshly roasted chestnuts in the street. Did I say passed? Of course we stopped and had a few.
When we entered the bar, it was crowded and smoky. Young people were sitting and standing everywhere, having a laugh and a beer. Finally he came.
After introducing ourselves we sat down for a coffee and a tea. Alberto was very nice, chatting readily about Spain, the Spanish language and, most important of all, Valladolid. Then he gave us a tour of the city.
One of the most amazing things we saw were the storks. Nowadays rare and under environment protection in Germany, we were amazed to see so many of them.
One of the most interesting things Alberto showed us was an old bullfighting arena that had been transformed into housing. On our way back to the city hall we passed another interesting statue: “el eterno viajero”. Hopefully we would not continue forever but reach our final destination the same day.
Later we had some Tapas together, then it was time to say goodbye. But where had we left the car? Romy was saying something Alberto had never heard in his life, Danni was talking about “little ways”. Finally he guessed where we were trying to get to and gave us directions of how to find the car. We said goodbye reluctantly after a very nice afternoon with Alberto.
When we returned to the car park, the guard immediately recognised us and asked if we had found everything all right. We nodded enthusiastically, paid the parking fee and waved him goodbye. At last we were on the final leg on our way to Porto.
Continuing on the national road, we passed Zamora, following one of the good counsels we had received from the Portugal Forum. Another good advice we took was refuelling the car before crossing the border as petrol is much cheaper in Spain. And finally – Portugal!
At the end of our third day we entered the Promised Land. In comparison to what we had already travelled, Porto seemed within spitting distance. Night had fallen a long time ago – as well as our hopes of reaching Porto before midnight. After passing Bragança, Vila Real and Penafiel, it was two o’clock when we stopped the car in front of Romy’s house. But of course we had forgotten to set the clock to Portuguese time. One o’clock, home at last.
Carina, one of Romy’s flatmates, was still awake and welcomed us. But we were too tired for long chats. Barely did we carry all the bags and baskets upstairs before we went to bed. Our German habits as well as our travels through France and Spain had spoilt us – we were freezing to death in a flat without radiators. Danni just wrapped herself snugly in her sleeping bag.
But cold or no cold, we were there. At last.
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