Check out all the amazing products . . . just peer over my shoulder . . .

So its not only mosto that one finds at the feria de mosto in Los Marines. It is a brilliant way to kill a couple of hours wandering from stall to stall, checking out all of the artisan products of the sierras de Aracena, and all while trying a never ending selection of the local young wine aka ‘mosto’.

No more than 5 meters into the village and you find the locals spilling out into the street – This weekend is perfect for the feria – crisp autumn air and brilliant sunshine – what better way to spend the afternoon with friends trying the local mosto, chowing down on migas (not a personal favourite – but when its cold out, a good stodgy plate of migas is quite appealing) and sampling the local artisan cheeses and sweets being sold in the pavilion.

Kini peeking through from behind the mosto barrels

I have been going to the Feria de Mosto in Los Marines for more than a couple of years now. Its not actually that I particularly like the mosto, but I do love that like all local ferias, it gives people from all the different villages a reason to get together and spend some hours in each others company. It is the spirit of community that I love. . . . well that and the fabulous fruit jellies that I always buy.

A colourful selection of fruit jellies

Plus you add the cheeses, pastries, toys and not to mention the live chickens . . . what more can you want.

Yet another reason to venture into the Sierras during the colder months . . . there is always a way to keep warm – in this case from the inside out!
and lets not forget the cheese – in particular the Torta de Casar aka gooey goodness . . . slice the top off and scoop out the creamiest most fabulous cheese ever.
(Just a preview really of next weeks Feria de Queso here in Aracena).

Al in all a great afternoon – thanks to all . . .

On Monday morning I finally was able to make some time to treat myself and I joined my friends in Linares de la Sierra (one of my favourite villages in the Sierra by the way) at the recently opened Hamman for a yoga class.

What a truly relaxing experience – every element was exactly as it should have been.  Given that the temperatures have dropped here in the Sierras, I was concerned that it was going to be drafty and cold . . . and I find it very difficult to focus mentally when my teeth are chattering and my toes frozen  -

Problem solved!  They have the perfect setting for the Monday morning class – the newly opened Hamman Linares – an ‘Arabic Bath House’ or Baño Arabe.  As soon as you enter you are greeted not only by the warmth of the room, but also by the friendliness of the other participants and the subdued lighting.

The two hour class was lead by Susana Lumbreras González and was calm and focused . . . and while I left feeling mentally recharged, I can assure you that my muscles are still reminding me that I challenged myself physically as well (this ol’ gal ain’t as young as she once was).

I was especially taken by the serenity that she created with her own chanting – melodic, soothing and perfectly amplified by the natural acoustics of the space.

I am thoroughly looking forward to the next class and to trying out the Hamman  - possibly a hot rock massage and a quick dip in the hot baths . . . . I will post that experience when I get to it for sure.