Walkabout in the neighbourhood of the moon

Today, about a week and a half after my trip there, I would like to take you to Barrios de Luna (literally, the neighbourhood of the moon) in the Leon provence, in Spain. It is a beautiful place with a rather unique geology.

The town itself sits, as you can see, right underneath a hidroelectric dam which dominates the views from its surroundings. But it also gives birth to a lake, at the other side of the dam, which makes for some wonderful views.

The mountains surrounding the immediate area of the lake are pretty bare of vegetation, but a little further up and a little further down, life explodes like a fire and vegetation and water dominate the view.

As you can see, it is a very romantic place, ideal for a weekend escape. It is only 350Km from Madrid. The only motel there, a very clean and cozy place, is not only very economic but also directed by a very amiable couple, Pepe and Mari, who will not hesitate to give you stories and kindness and food fit for a king.

Photographic oportunities are plentiful even with a murky sky, as you can see. The place breathes tranquility and peace and, naturally, it is best enjoyed off-season, when the only people around are the locals, whom I found friendly and kind.

There are interesting sights to see, and, if you are willing to move (which one would expect in such a setting), wonders creep at every corner. One such place you must visit is the restaurant Jose Luis, past Sena de Luna. The outside of such a restaurant is pretty average, but when you get inside, the coziness and the class blend together to also bring you the tastiests foods at more than reasonable prices. And don't forget to stop to see the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Pruneda and read it's story.

To sum up, an extremely romantic, beautiful and wonderful place to take a breath, relax, enjoy a walk, the views, the food, the air!

Of course, for me, the best way to move around is with my beloved (who behaved like a true champ):

Jerez 2008

(Copied from my entry in L.E.D.L.M. because I haven't had the time to re-write. I may do it later)

With the last remains of winter and already tasting the spring to come, comes the time for our national celebration. No, I don't mean the blood and cruelty orgy of bull-fighting. I'm talking about the party down at Jerez. This, your local reporter of biker events, travelled there in good company.

I will report in chronological order. The trip was calm (caaaaaaalm) due to the fact we left with plenty of time and although we were eager, we had to adapt to female needs (for a wussy and a princess). Naturally, I have no pics of this because I was busy riding my bike.

Accomodation, far from modest, was the cherry on the cake. Comfort, luxury and far from the noise, in the shores of Rota. To be specific, in Costa Ballena. A place chosen for summer holidays which opened its doors to those attending the party that wanted a litle quiet and class for those well deserved hours of resting. Here are some examples of what you found in the rooms (Damn! I forgot an exterior shot!)

On saturday there was the practice sessions... which I took advantage of to practice my shooting with the camera, optimal expositions, etc...

Later in the afternoon we got together with some friends for a few good beers and some good company, Gady and Mara, make the necessary introductions (in the end there were several different groups meeting) and sharing of experiences, stories and melancholy, etc.)

And on sunday, the Main Event, RACING! Those of you who saw the races on TV know how good they were. Those of us living it up close there could experience the people's emotions (with the waves - the guy in the hat was the one organizing them on our area -, cheering, screaming, hand-held engines, ship horns, drums, etc.), some overtakings on our bend the cameras did not see, a visit of the King to our area, the heat from the sun, the smell of gunpowder from the fireworks, the sea of motorbikes in the carpark (bikepark!)... and you were lucky enough to miss the ride of honour of the "being" who will represent us in Eurovision... I'm without words... because I'm well-mannered...

And some pics set up as wallpapers (1600x1200, since nothing smaller is used now)

And yours truly

And, of course, there was other sites to enjoy...