Life on the Road

I always pictured myself on the road, however, it was in a jaunty caravan driving around Australia. The Grey Nomad call was loud and I was ready to go. Unfortunately, the ex had other ideas so that plan went out the window in a puff of regret and loathing. But enough on that sad part of my life! Of course I could have got myself a little campervan and headed off into the sunset on my own, maybe with a four legged friend to keep me company, but that pesky COVID thing was still hanging around and in the meantime, a road much, much further away was calling.

Fast forward 4 years and I've swapped the Australian outback and long dusty roads, to driving on the right, fiestas, siestas, sangria and vino tinto, pintxos and tapas. Big cities and small towns and meeting a never ending array of new people all intent on having as much fun as I. Oh, I'm not doing the driving - which is probably a good thing, I'm strapped into the jump seat, microphone in hand and balancing everything on my knees. 

Life on the road looks very different to what I'd imagined, but it's brilliant. My dream job. A job that I was born to do and now I get paid to do it. The bonus, the people. Life as a Tour Leader is good and I feel blessed.

This year I had the privilege of kicking off 2 of our Iberian tours, first up the Iberian Inspiration tour. 18th March - hello Madrid and whilst the weather threatened to be wet, the 18 Aussies were not going to let that dampen their spirits. Over welcome drinks and dinner, firm friendships were fast being made. It happens every time. New BFF's.

Off we set, destination Toledo and there to greet us, the ever smiling Elena, our local guide ready to show us around this magical city. Each time I try and visit something I haven't seen yet in each place. This time, although I had visited many years ago, it was the 13th Century Cathedral, the Catedral Primada Metropolitana de Santa María de la Asunción, stunning in all its Gothic glory. With the sun shining, pre dinner drinks up on our hotels roof top bar were a must before heading out to dinner together.

Day 3 and it was on to Cordoba with a stop to look at windmills before our visit to a small family run bodega deep in the wine region of Valdapeñas. With wine flowing and good local food, it was fun all round before getting back on the bus for a little siesta. Wine will do that. Arriving into Cordoba and walking over the old Roman bridge, I pinch myself to remind myself that this is my job. Our hotel, Casas de la Juderia, is one of my favourites and with everyone settled in, we plan for an orientation walk around the stunning old part of town. Off we set through narrow, cobbled stoned street. "Car" is a common cry as we press ourselves against the wall or into shops. Pointing our places to eat and cute little shops we near the magnificent Mezquita, or as it's more officially called, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. We'll be visiting with a local guide tomorrow, but we take advantage of the quite time of day to step inside the patio and breath in the orange blossom that floats in the air from the orange trees that decorate the area. The 1000 year old olive tree is still there, still going strong although it's twisted hollowed out trunk would suggest otherwise. With our stroll around the block complete, the group disperses into the evening air much like the orange blossom to find food or a vino tinto.  The following day after a walk around the old town, we step inside the Mezquita. I love watching guests faces as they look around in wander. It is amazing and to the guest who last year asked if I ever get sick of visiting the same place - nope.  It remains my number 1 attraction in Spain.

The following day we head to Granada with a stop in Ubeda for an Olive Oil experience - 18 new professional olive oil tasters in the world. Once in Granada we set off on another orientation walk before heading to try some of the famous free tapas that come with a drink. Day 6 and we have a full day in Granada, starting with a visit to the magical Alhambra. Luckily for me, they've accidently purchased a ticket for me to enter, so I too get to wander around the Nazrid Palaces and this amazing place. Once back to the city, our 'golden' tickets give us entry into many of the other attractions, so a bit of running around is required to make the most of it and visit more places. With the rain heavy, a churros and chocolate stop is required. But our luck returns and a few of us jump on a bus and head up to the San Nicolas look out for the views across to the Alhambra. The group gets together for dinner in the BiB Ramblas plaza, a fun night.

Day 7 and we head to the jewel in the White Villages of Spain crown - Ronda. Being Monday, the Dolmens of Antequera are closed, so we arrive nice and early and the sun has returned. An orientation walk to look at the stunning gorge and New Bridge (which is not that new, but newer than the old bridge) and to point out a few things before a free afternoon to wander around. The obligatory drink at the roof top bar of Hotel Catalonia always goes down well and spirits are high as we head back to dinner at our hotel.  

Day 8 and we head to the gorgeous white town of Grazalema for morning tea. Voted one of the prettiest towns in Spain, it's a well deserved title. Then it's on to a new bodega for the season. Much more intimate than the large Tio Pepe, it makes a nice change. Time to make our way to Sevilla, our home for the next 2 nights. Before we check in, we stop of Plaza de España. It's stunning and once again the group is mesmerized by the views as they wander around. Our quirky hotel is fun and guests enjoy getting lost in its endless corridors, patios and passageways. But settling in will have to wait as we head out for a Flamenco show. Another excellent performance and we head off into the evening to find dinner. 

Day 9 begins with a guided tour by a local guide of the old city as we head towards the Sevilla Cathedral or as often referred to, La Giralda (which is actually the name of the wind vane on top of the bell tower) and walk around before the visit to the Real Alcazar. This time I don't have a ticket, but I get to go to my favourite coffee shop "Lolita's" and have a coffee while I wait. The afternoon is free to do with as we please, so a walk to Las Setas market is arranged. A Patio Party is always a lot of fun. Even though the fun is cut a little short when we're asked to disperse. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. 

The following day we leave Sevilla and head to the jamon place. OK, I was a little sad to see that Wilbur, Charlotte and Babe were no longer there. The reality that naming the pigs is probably not a good idea hits and we find ourselves surrounded by 15 new young pigs. Pulling into the sleepy town of Aracena, we check into our beautiful convent for the night. It's a change of pace and the guests enjoy it. Several head to the Gruta de la Maravillas and come out raving about how beautiful it is. Most enjoy dinner back at the hotel and it's another great day on the road.

Day 11 and it's time to say farewell to Spain as we cross into Portugal and stop in the little town of Monsaraz. The views are breathtaking, the church is now open and I never get tired of this white washed town high up on a hill. For our last night we check into a Castle in Estremoz. More glorious views, another sleepy little town and a fun last night dinner. 

Our final day looms as we leave our castle and head to Evora, the capital of the Alentejo region of Portugal before beginning our drive to Lisbon. Farewells are always a bit rushed, but it's been another great trip and 18 happy guests head off to continue their adventures. My first tour of the season comes to an end and it's time for a few days off to catch up on sleep and washing before getting ready to do it all again!