Hello there!

Greetings from Córdoba!

Well here we are, blazing a trail through the south of Spain, gathering arty inspiration at every turn. The architecture and the landscape are immense here. I can’t wait to translate what I am seeing and experiencing into not only stamps and stencils, but also artwork! 

But craft is not just about paper and stamping! As Jane so succinctly put it the other day, ‘it’s whenever you use your hands to make something which gives either you or someone else pleasure.’

Today I wanted to talk about food, another form of craft. Some would say art form. For me, it just needs to be tasty! We didn’t really have much luck in Granada until the last day. Firstly, because we didn’t know where we were going, but mostly because we didn’t know where we were going. I was trying to be adventurous and order what the locals were ordering, by looking at their plates and pointing -, but mine never seemed to look like theirs!  So in the end, I went for plain old chicken and chips – and it was delicious! I have decided that, if Claritystamp doesn’t work out, I am going to start selling salad dressing in Spain. I reckon it would go down a bomb. All that olive oil and all that vinegar, and not even a cruet to mix it up in!

We took the scenic route over the olive mountains from Granada to Córdoba. Impressive. As far as the eye could see, olive groves.

Found the most delightful hotel in the Jewish quarter, which Jane recommended. But more of the hotel tomorrow. Here’s a glimpse ….

Then off we went, to find a good restaurant. Well, I think we struck gold. It’s called Casa Pepe.

We had an exquisite meal. A cheese platter to begin with, and then Oxtail Stew with potatoes. It was delicious! Reasonably priced and service with a friendly smile. Couldn’t have cooked it better myself!

Then we went for a wander through the building…

Rooftop dining when it’s warmer….

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We would have been happy to sit up here. You know what they say about Brits and the midday sun!

What a great place to pull out a sketch book!

But let me show you downstairs, inside the Casa. It was absolutely beautiful!

As you walk through the building, upstairs and downstairs, the artefacts, mirrors and chandeliers are fabulous. Seriously classy. But not opulent at all. Just classy.

Through the bar. This guy was our waiter. He’s actually a silversmith. Really nice man.

As you wander through the corridors, you discover fantastic dining rooms, some large,

Some small and intimate. This pink one was pretty!

Here’s a blue and ivory room,

Orange,

All stylishly decorated,

Each one very individual and special. The colourways were perfect, too. 

Overlooking the lane,

Or looking in on the atrium.

We lunched late, which is why the rooms had emptied out.

Tomorrow we explore Córdoba more! 

Love from one contented, well fed Hector! Xxx