So, we’re back.

The weather here is rather inclement and not at all Spanish.  One thing I can say about Spain is that you CAN be certain of the weather when travelling in May.  Not a drop of rain did we see, which doesn’t bode well for their summer, but was fantastic for travelling.

Our brief thoughts on Spain.  (Obviously not all of Spain as we travelled from Madrid going slightly further north to Salamanca and then down south.  Mostly not reaching the urbanisation of the coast but hugging the green, vast mountainous areas just one hour north.)

• Firstly it was the most enjoyable holiday either of us have ever had.
• Everywhere we travelled the Spanish were very hospitable and welcoming.  I think being New Zealander’s must help.  They probably get pretty weary of Europeans and we are a bit of a novelty.  Especially when you mention 20 odd hours in the plane – they know you’ve really made an effort to come and see their country.
• You don’t need to have anything but the merest smattering of Spanish – i.e. enough to order coffee, wine, beer and ask for the menu.  99% of people offering accommodation have sufficient English to cover and everyone we met was very helpful and thrilled we had chosen to visit Andalucia.
• The scenery is spectacular and very varied in the south.  Middle Spain (from what we saw can be rather monotonous – millions of olives and not a lot else).
• Driving is very easy and the roads are good even in the most remote areas.  Spanish will pass anywhere and everywhere.
• As a walking holiday destination it is amazing and I highly recommend Guy Hunter-Watts book – Walking in Andalucia as a guide.
• There’s no public loos – however they are more than happy you use a cafe or bar loo.
• Spanish people are perfectly shaped and very short.  I would say you could take 4 inches of the average height of a NZ woman and 6 inches of a man.  According to them this has always been so and is not a nutritional thing.
• They eat a LOT of meat especially pork.  There is an historical/political/religious reason for the pork eating.
• Accommodation, food and alcohol is relatively cheap especially in the countryside.
• I booked all our accommodation through Booking.com which was excellent, safe and appears full-proof with references from Trip Advisor.
• Three night stops are really good, longer in the villages for more walking would be even better.
• We can highly recommend Southern Spain to outdoor-type people.