Day 16 on the road in northern Spain, my first visit to the famous Gehry designed, Marques de Riscal hotel.
Located at the entrance to the town of 'Elciego' in the upper Rioja, near the 15th century church across the way, this imposing, strange looking structure which changed colors w/the evening light took my breath away. Elaborate, other worldly & ethereal, it is elegant & expensive. We sat on the patio. I sipped a Riscal gran reserva. My friends José Joaquín Sanz García & Paloma Dominguez Diaz & I took a picture w/the town in the background. We also went to the mouth of the bodega & got a good long view of the entrance.

Day 15 of this wonderful journey through the north of Spain in the beautiful little village of Torrecillas, in the Cameros region of La Rioja nestled between jagged peaks & the 'Iregua' -a gurgling mountain stream. Staying in the quaint bed & breakfast; Villa Liquidambar w/my friend José Joaquín Sanz García.

Days 11 & 12 of our trip through northern Spain. We have enjoyed the rural parts of Pontevedra & the Rias Baixas although the region is more developed than I remember it. Still has its charm & history. Crystal clear,

Day 10 of our trip in Galicia impressed by the prosperity that surrounds us. Spain's growth level is projected to be among the highest in Europe over the next year.

Day 8, transition from the heat of the highlands to the ocean breezes of the Galician coast.

Day 7 of our road trip to Northwest Spain, Salamanca, with its famous sandstone 'Plaza Mayor' & even more famous cathedral complex. The home of the distinguished philosopher, Miguel de Unamuno. University town full of youth & vitality, conquered in 217 BC by Hannibal. An institution of Spanish learning & repository of heritage & thought...

At this point in the Gredos mountain range near the Almanzor peak.