I can’t help but think, perhaps European guys have it easier. At least when it comes to pursuing matters of the heart with American girls. After all, they only need to work with what they already have in order to woo: a sexy accent, the ability to say titillating things in languages we can’t understand and access to the random thousand year old castle here and there. Allow me to explain…
Saturday night began as normal as any other: a short siesta followed by a merienda of pan, tomate y olives, then a birthday party. However, said party was a little less than lively, so The Spaniard turned and asked me if I’d like to leave and do something else. While discussing the possibilities, he interjected, “would you like to go see a castle? It’s really beautiful at night.” My answer, of course, was an enthusiastic “YES!”
So we visited a small pueblo named Los Baños de la Encina, which is located about 30 to 40 minutes outside of Jaen and dates back one thousand years. It’s as picturesque as any postcard of an old-town European city: cobble stoned streets, antique street lamps, tiny balconies and overall gorgeous views. Overlooking the pueblo is a large castle, which is illuminated in a soft golden light at night. Throughout history, the Spaniards used this castle to defend themselves against the Moors, the British and the French. Today it serves as a hotel, restaurant and tourist attraction, as do many other castles in this region. And located next door to the castle is a grand cathedral. Although it was -2 degress celcius, the entire experience was...enchanting (so sorry to be cliched).
And here’s a fun fact I bet you didn’t know: Spain’s Andalucia region has the most castles out of any other region in Europe. You learn something new everyday (although its usually not about castles!)
Besos,
B
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