Villaluenga del Rosario

Saturday was a truly rural Spanish day.  We went to the market here in Olvera.  It occurs every Saturday here.  Numerous vendors set up their booths and display their wares, most of which are women and children's clothing.  In these small villages there aren't that many shops so the shops go to the people.  

Pasta on top row, nuts lower row

We again went to Bar la Noria and met up with some folks from last week as well as met a few other English expats.  Coffee and conversation were delightful.

la Noria coffee bunch on this day

Around two o'clock we hopped in the car and drove to Villaluenga del Rosario, to us one of the most charming of all the pueblos blancos.  It's population is 485 and at 2,500 feet is situated at the highest altitude of any of the white villages.  It is the home of Payoyo cheese, a unique because it is made from goats that are only found in this area.  This weekend they were hosting a cheese exposition, an event where many cheese makers present their unique artisan cheeses.  A large exhibit space housed numerous stalls where one could taste, and buy, an amazing array of fine cheese.  It was a bit of a mob scene, people were crowded in front of the stalls to pluck small samples from plates set out.  If you were persistent, as we were,  you were rewarded with an array of flavors and textures.  Yes, we bought three varieties.

Payoyo stall consistently had the biggest crowd

After sampling cheese we were ready to sit down, eat, and relax for a bit.  We strolled up into the village heading to the main square where we were told there are two bar/restaurants.  We encountered another milling crowd of people who had the same idea as we did.  After a bit of time we were fortunate to secure a table in the scenic patio and sure enough were able to eat and relax.  

As the hour approached six o'clock people were making their way to the bullring.  Today there was scheduled a bullfight of "novilleros".  These are aspiring bullfighters, think minor leagues, who perform in smaller bullrings around Spain.  Bullfighting, and this particular one, will be the subject of the next post.

To be continued...