España: Days 98-102 (El Campello)

Days 98 - 100:
This morning (12th of Oct), we had to wake up super early to get the hell out of Madrid before we get stuck. The 12 of October is a national holiday, Fiesta Nacional de España. The holiday is to celebrate Christopher Columbus's first arrival to the Americas. The day is also known as Dia de la Hispanidad to celebrate Spain's connection to the international Hispanic community. The name changed to Fiesta Nacional in the 80's. In 2000, this date also became Spain's Day of the Armed Forces and they have a huge military parade in Madrid. The King of Spain and Spain's Prime Minister have a part in the parade and other foreign diplomats attend, all seated in the VIP section. Streets have been closing down and work has been going on all week to prepare for this. Of course we saw all the set up happening but had no clue what for or what a big deal it is. We made it out just in time as they were starting to close the street we were on!

Ali's Madrid Road Trippin' home Playlist:

1. Safari by J Balvin, Pharrell Williams, Bia, Sky ❤💛💚 ONE OF MY FAVORITES RIGHT NOW !!!
2. River by Bishop Briggs
3. We Don't Talk Anymore by Charlie Puth
4. This Is What You Came For by Calvin Harris, Rihanna
5. 7 Years by Lukas Graham
6. Lush Life by Zara Larsson
7. Cake By The Ocean by DNCE
8. Sucker For Pain by Lil Wayne, Imagine Dragons, Wiz Khalifa

I always try to get pictures of castles on our road trips because we see so many but they never come out great....this one is Castillo de Chinchilla and is now a historical monument in a town called Albacete and dates back to the 15th century. At one point, for nearly three centuries, this fortress also acted as a prison.

Back in Campello, we made it back before lunch and had food and a bottle of Marqués de Riscal at Pipo.

Enjoying (and trying to make my wine swirl) Marqués de Riscal 2010 Reserva de Rioja at Pipo

What I like to call the "starting lineup!" Our collection of wines from our time in La Rioja, España's wine country

We have been resting up a lot since getting home...chillin', watching movies, cooking pasta. Not much excitement around here but sometimes that rest is needed. I also leave in a week for my trip to Morocco!

Coco meerkating

Pimientos de padron a la casa

Pasta, peppers and extra virgin olive oil

Day 101:
Saturday, 15th October in El Campello and it is a beautiful day. Even though the weather is making a change as summer turns to autumn, I wear my bathing suit today just in case! We went to Pipo again for lunch today and often laugh about how long it took us to finally try this place. It always came off as a steak place to me but they have really, really good pasta (and other great options!)

Sometimes Coco likes to climb me and sit on my shoulder...

A good day for rosé! Marqués de Riscal Rosado de Rioja at Pipo

Scott preparing for his steak to be prepared at Pipo

Pizza sin queso at Pipo

Who's photo bombing who?

Enjoying after lunch ice cream

It tastes so good but I will pay for it later (I am lactose intolerant)

Day 102:
Today we went to Da Riccardo de Maria for lunch and since I was not feeling great (from yesterday's ice cream), all I wanted was a nice clean pizza (no cheese of course). Since I have pizza without cheese here (in Campello) so often, I should say that my favorite place for pizza is actually La Espiga. Not that this one or others aren't good, it is just consistently perfect (in my eyes) at La Espiga. I can also count on a good pizza here at Da Riccardo de Maria ......

Pizza sin queso at Da Riccardo

Gnocchi Bolognese at Da Riccardo

Of course another festival...which means more than 1/2 of the businesses in town are closed for several days. This was the Moors & Christians Fiesta.

Goodnight Moon 🌔