Opa! Is a Greek expression - I’ve heard it at Greek restaurants when they bring flaming saganaki to the table. So I was surprised you heard it in Spain. I read up on it though and see that it’s been picked up by other Mediterranean countries, including Spain.

Congratulations on conquering that pass! It looks like a monster.

I'm enjoying your stories Kelly. It's helpful to know about the scarcity of granola. That's our breakfast habit. I'll have to bring a bag to start with when we get to Spain.

Had to chuckle about late night suppers... When we visited Spain the summer of '77 with our little 4 and 7 year old girls, we went hunting for supper, walking for over an hour, finally finding a place that opened at 8:30 and us having been on a 5 PM supper schedule for so long. We were all starving. My Spanish was limited... severely. I could read some, but understood almost nothing they said. They brought out a picture menu and my wife ordered for herself and the girls. I chose what looked like pork chops. It came... without any side dishes... A big disappointment, and then I tried to eat it. It was sheep... STRONNNNG sheep! I managed to chew up about half of it and barely swallow it. (by the way my appetite is still notoriously large according to those who know me, and I only eat 1/3 of what I ate back then) My wife tried the sheep, at least she tasted a bit... after which both kids refused to try. I went to bed very hungry! Everyone else was finished by the time I had managed to partially consume my order.

Oh, the culinary stories I have of my overseas travels, well, and here in the USA as well.

I'm sure Jacinto's language skills will serve you well.

Jacinto did buy KT tape last night. It’s purple. He looks stunning. He’s not giving credit to any one thing yet - he has been stretching and taking ibuprofen, but something is working. The knee seems good, as long as he doesn’t stand. Which he is trying really hard to be happy with. You know how he’s allergic to sitting down!

Sounds like a good ride-I'm looking forward to the pictures!
You didn't mention Jacinto's knee - I hope this means it isn't bothering him too much.

Looks like that was a tough ride! I am enjoying your first impressions of Spain. I have never cycled in Spain but I have spent some vacations there. I never got used to their eating hours. Ended up usually cooking although that's not my idea of a vacation!

Did Jacinto have habanero sauce with him for his cooked blood and fries?

If you think this is great, just wait until you get to Segovia!

That’s a lot of climbing for such a short distance. You are a lot tougher than I am!

I love your story about the shower! I’ve had many such incidents. Now I always make sure I have it pointing in the right direction.

Melted cheese is okay but not bad meat! I’m glad he has a cast iron stomach.

He found some KT tape at the little pharmacy in Lozoya. They required masks, he didn't have a mask. But, an employee happened to be chatting with someone outside, so she brought the tape outside to Jacinto. We are putting it on now!

The mercado didn't have any fruits/veggies at all. So much for bananas.

That’s funny about the shower. That happened to us not that long ago too. You’ll be surprised about how much variation there is in bathroom hardware, stoves, brewers, almost anything really. It’s good brain activity.

Sorry you’re stressed, but what a great team portrait!