DAY 10 - EL PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA to JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA - Thursday 2 May 2024

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It was a relief when the Camino left the town and busy roads this morning and headed up into the hills on a dirt track.  

We had great views back to the coast but also into the hinterland. As the walk today was particularly short, we were able to dawdle, taking photos of birds, butterflies and flowers.  

We also had our first sightings of the famous Osborne bulls. They are black silhouettes of bulls erected on hillsides, originally dreamed up by the Osborne company to promote its Brandy de Jerez, sixty odd years ago. Roadside advertising was banned in Spain in 1994, but after public outcry the bulls were allowed to remain as an important part of Spain's cultural heritage. 

Once we arrived in Jerez de la Frontera we headed straight to the cathedral for our credential stamp, then to a bar for refreshments. 

We wandered through the narrow streets to our b and b, then headed out shortly after for some tapas for lunch. Tapas are small dishes of food to share; on this occasion we had an artichoke tapas and a clam tapas.

We had heard that Jerez de la Frontera was especially famous for three things: flamenco, sherry, and horses. This evening we went to a Tablao Flamenco, where we experienced 'flamenco from the soul'. We were amazed by the individual talent of the guitarist, singer and dancers and the way they worked together. We didn't understand the words but the passion needed no explanation.  

Rows of grapevines outside Jerez de la Frontera 
Toilet facilities on the Via Augusta 
Australian long-distance walker enjoying the Spanish countryside
Iconic Osborne bull, rows of wind turbines 
Pathside flowers
Cyclists heading out from Jerez de la Frontera 
Australian long-distance walker and iconic Spanish Osborne bull
Approaching Jerez de la Frontera 
Birds
Jerez de la Frontera - on the Via Augusta and the home of sherry
Some interesting food photos
Jerez de la Frontera. The queue is at an ice cream shop. 
Front row seats for the flamenco show
Day 10 - Map

Day:                                10
Distance:                       14.13 km
Walking time:               2 hrs 57 mins
Elevation gain:             209 metres
Cumulative distance:  165.98 km






Comments

  1. Murray and Sandra3 May 2024 at 03:49

    My thoughts on today's birds: Barn Swallow, (European) Common Magpie, Barn Swallow, Glossy Ibis, not sure but I think it's a Spanish Sparrow (or perhaps a Tree Sparrow) ... btw keep your eyes open for a light-blue winged magpie (Azure-winged Magpie) that is locally native to much of the country you'll be travelling through in the next few weeks.

    I'm assuming you tried the sherry in Jerez.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers3 May 2024 at 06:56

      The Glossy Ibis had us puzzling! Azure-winged magpie sounds appealing, we'll keep looking. As for sherry...we have a bodega tour booked for today!

      Delete
  2. Victoria N3 May 2024 at 10:26

    The Caracoles didn't tempt you? LOL Washed down with sherry.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aussie Slow Travellers3 May 2024 at 14:05

    No, though we've seen other signs promoting snails, so some people must find them appealing. We've found other things to go with sherry...

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Howie's5 May 2024 at 12:26

    A major catch up today as we have been and still are travelling ourselves. It will looks like so much fun. 🙂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aussie Slow Travellers6 May 2024 at 06:31

      It is lots of fun! Hope you're having fun on your trip too.

      Delete

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