Ivan's brother and father arrived late on Friday evening. They had a lot of carne with them for us. We got quite a few chuleton which is Ivan is looking forward to wrapping in his new vacuum packing machine which we're picking up on Wednesday. Anyway, Carlos and Mariano were here for a couple of nights and helped out on Saturday in the bar and restaurant. They headed back north fairly early on Sunday for the long drive back (seven hours to Madrid from here in a car).
Price Group at Hotel Bandolero, October 2006
This is the second group of painters we had stay with us last month; they are Americans. This was, for many of them, the first holiday in Spain and Europe for that matter. They were all very happy with the hotel, the location, the painting subjects and, of course, the food. The group was organised by Maggie Price, a pastel painter and instructor; she was so pleased with everything that she has already booked another pastel workshop for September/October 2007. We were very happy with this group and we hope to grow this group theme holiday business... much better business than drop-ins and individual bookings. There were also non-painting spouses and they found plenty to keep themselves busy as well.... one day golfing down on the coast, another day exploring the paleolithic cave drawings in the next valley, wondering around Ronda for a day and of course, the light rappelling through La Sima del Diablo in the river here in Juzcar. La Sima del Diablo is located in the Juzcar river... it is four cascades of various heights which you climb down.... backwards with a rope and harness. A couple of the cascades have pools on the bottom of them where you can swim/float. One passes through the most incredible (!!) landscape to get to these cascades walking 4km from entry point in the river to the first cascade. It is a workout and you have equipment as well, not much but some. It is something I strongly recommend to everyone to try while staying at Hotel Bandolero, weather permitting. The husbands had a blast that day and were very happy with our recommendation.
We only started working with this outdoor adventure company in the spring. It is managed by a very charming Spaniard named David and his wife. He is very professional and keeps everyone entertained during the whole experience so it was a lot for fun for everyone, even the wives got to see all when the husbands returned as David put everything onto his laptop for viewing. Everyone got a photo memory CD as well of course.
And the weather... today gorgeous and sunny. Very mild temperatures for this time in November. Looks like the leaves the chestnut trees are trying to finally change colors so a very late autumn. The weather has been beatiful since Thursday but looks like there is some cloud in the forecast for the coming day or so. With this weather now, it is perfect for walking, hiking, bird watching or just reading a book with a tall cool drink. Now that the sun has gone down though, it's time to light a fire.
Well, I think I'm going to go home a relax for a while and then have some dinner so adios for now.
