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Rioseco and Its Monastery
In the middle of July, enjoying a pleasant 28 degrees (thankfully without the humidity of Galicia), I let myself drift along one of the regional roads that cross the Manzanedo Valley. That’s when I felt the need to stop and take in the view of the Ebro River (well, truth be told, I really had
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Asturias Fashion Week
When you explore the Asturian mountains, you expect to find breathtaking views with towering peaks, idyllic fields in deep green, or a peaceful herd of cows grazing quietly. Maybe, if you’re lucky, even a well-preserved “teito” to complete the perfect postcard. What never crosses your mind is stumbling upon a rather sinister mannequin, tied to
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The Horses of Sargentes
In 2017, while I had one of those news broadcasts playing in the background, the kind that shine for their lack of interesting stories, I was genuinely surprised to learn that Spain had an oil field, and that it was shutting down after 53 years of operation. The mere sight of the Castilian plains (Sargentes
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The Viewpoint and Its Flowers
Viewpoints are usually places of great beauty or, at the very least, spots that offer charming panoramas inviting you to stop and take it all in. Some are enjoyed for just a brief moment, long enough to stretch your legs and carry on. Others, like those in the Ribeira Sacra, leave you speechless. Sometimes you
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Architectural Volcano
If there’s one architect who stirs up controversy, leaves no one indifferent, and whose works are a notorious waste of millions, it’s Calatrava. The Palace of Exhibitions and Congresses in Oviedo is a perfect example. You don’t need to look for it among the buildings, it finds you. It doesn’t hide or play coy; when
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The Decline of Architectural Mastery
In recent months, I’ve visited various mining sites across Asturias, and every time I stood before one, I felt a deep sense of respect and admiration. Their towering headframes captivate you with their intricate structures, it’s hard to look away. I think of them as portals to other worlds, like a Stargate of the industrial
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Goat’s Gaze
There are looks that seduce, and looks that kill. I’m not quite sure which one this goat was giving me. In any case, I truly appreciate that it bothered to show even the slightest interest, since animals in the countryside often greet you with absolute indifference. Goats, while not quite on the level of donkeys,
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Discovering the Winemaking Hobbiton
Those of you who live in wine regions are probably used to seeing this kind of construction, but for a northerner like me, where we raise barnacles and enjoy great seafood, coming across these structures embedded into a hillside was more than surprising (my ignorance truly knows no bounds!). When I arrived in Valdevimbre and
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Personal Story
One of the most charming and historically rich parishes in Asturias is Bandujo, located about 37 kilometers south of Oviedo. It’s accessed via a series of mountain roads, a winding route that must be a joy for motorcyclists. By car, it can feel a bit tedious, but the effort is well worth it. The little
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The Wary Stork
The Ruta de la Plata is still on my list, and as soon as I get the chance, I’ll give it the time it truly deserves. For now, the most I’ve managed as a kind of preview was to drive a few dozen kilometers, heading down from Gijón past León, like a movie trailer before
