Bandolero, my hotel - taking it day-by-day

FRIDAY, 12 January.... Already!! I don't feel like writing much today so I thought I would upload a couple of snap shots I've been wanting to include in this blog. The first two photos you see are of the crocuses that are covering the hillsides at the moment. As I mentioned in a recent entry, they are purple with hints of yellows and appear as miniature French irises.

THESE next two photos are of the cakes Ivan made for the Three Kings Day, 06 January, last Friday. They are not very sweet and are flavored with essence of orange blosom, orange and lemon zest, some whiskey and brandy, sliced in half horizontally and then filled with whipped cream and are topped with candied fruits, toasted almonds and toasted sugar. They were yummy!! Remember, Ivan made 44 of these cakes, we sold 40 of them.

Chef Ivan making Roscones de Los Reyes with assistance of Dani

AND finally, this next and last shot is of the valley yesterday as I drove back from Ronda. You can just see some of the plumes of smoke because the valley is a bit hazy due to the smoke itself. But as I mentioned earlier, this is the time of year for clearing the groves of chestnut trees of excess limps and all the dead leaves. Everyone who burns must obtain a license from the village hall and this goes on until late March.

WE just had a single woman arrive and ask for a room for tonight.... one can never say what will happen when running a small hotel in the obscure mountains of Andalucia.... can one?

HAVE a nice weekend!! Hasta la proxima!