Route 66 Spanish Style

Ruta De La Plata "Silver Trail"

Silver road (Ruta De La Plata) is an 800 kilometre trek on the western side of Spain, parallel to Portugal, starting at Gijón. The road winds down some of the most picturesque places in Spain and stops at the magnificent city of Seville. It is being heavily promoted as Spain's version of North America's 'Route 66'.

There are 24 Municipalities along the trail, all unique in their own way and screaming out to be visited. From snow peaked mountains, sun drench fields of gold, quaint little villages nestled around a church tower, chiming every hour, to thriving towns with lusty nightlife - vida nocturna, drenched in culture and mystery.

Car enthusiast, bikers, cyclists, hikers and back packers along with caravans and campers are flocking to this magnificent and diverse trail. The Ruta De La Plata is supported by a cooperation of large Spanish companies, like Repsol, promoting destinations and products with strong enthuses on areas of spectacular beauty and gastronomy excellence.

The cooperation of towns are promoting the area to attract more tourist, from Germany, France, the UK and other countries, through social media, tour operators and local travel agents; at the moment figures suggest over 175,000 travelled the route in 2012, made up of mostly Portuguese and Spanish, sampling the delights that the Ruta de la Plata has to offer.


Images used in this article have links to the original source and are being used with kind permission from:
RED DE COOPERACIÓN DE CIUDADES EN LA RUTA DE LA PLATA
http://www.rutadelaplata.com/
www.facebook.com/rutaviaplata
twitter.com/@RutaViaPlata
https://es.foursquare.com/rutaviaplata

Cities Along the Route

The silver trail cooperation are all volunteers and open to new members, which started in 1997 with the collaboration of the cities of Seville, Cáceres, Zamora, León, Salamanca, and Gijón.

The origins of Ruta De La Plata take us back to seventh century BC, a corridor naturally formed by nature over time, snaked through the western Iberian Peninsula. This became an ideal trade route serving the northern Plateau and moving south down the pass to service cities along the route finishing at the beautiful city of Sevilla.

Map of the trail

Ruta de la Plata Signs

 

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Places to visit along the route

Gijón

Gijón consist of twenty-five parishes on the Central Asturian Coast and is the first town and stating point of the Ruta de la plata

RIBERA DE ARRIBA

RIBERA DE ARRIBA is a municipality situated in the Central Mountain of Asturias with many parishes.

Morcin

Morcin is in the centre of Asturias with seven parishes La Foz (San Antonio), Argame (San Miguel), Peñerudes (San Pedro), San Sebastián, San Esteban, Santa Eulalia (Santolaya) and La Piñera ( San Juan ).

Riosa

Centre of Asturias

Mieres

South Central Area of Asturias,

Aller

Southern Asturias

Lena

Rugged terrain situated in central southern Asturias

La Pola de Gordón

http://www.ayto-lapoladegordon.es/

León

Doorway to Asturias and Galicia Camino de Santiago (Jacobean Trail), A huge favorite with travelers and tourists.

La Bañeza

Province southwest of León with the rivers Duerna, Tuerto and Órbigo.

Benavente

The meadowlands of the Órbigo is overlooked by Benavente which is situated on a plateau.

Zamora

Northeast of the peninsula

Béjar

Southeast of the province

Baños de Montemayor

North of Extremadura,

Hervás

http://www.hervas.com/

Carcaboso

http://www.carcaboso.es/

Plasencia

http://www.plasencia.es/

Casar de Cáceres

http://www.casardecaceres.com/

Calzadilla de los Barros

http://calzadilla.dip-badajoz.es/

Fuente de Cantos

http://www.fuentedecantos.org/

Montemolín

http://www.montemolin.es/

Monesterio

http://www.monesterio.es/

Carmona

http://www.carmona.org/

Sevilla

http://www.sevilla.org/

The Route's Official Website

Birdwatching Guide On The Route

 

This is a fantastic guide in English just click on the image.

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Flamenco

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Spain, Castilla Y Leon

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Zamora

Zamora, Spain
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Dining Al Fresco, Sevilla, Spain

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Bejar

Bejar, Spain
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Canal De Castilla, Palencia.

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Shepherd and His Flock, Palencia.

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Main Square, Carmona.

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Flamenco Scene

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Traditional House, Carmona.

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Giralda Tower, Seville.

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Sevilla

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Flamenco

Flamenco

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Salsa

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Bull Fighter

 

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Flamenco Male

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Waterfalls on the Costa Blanca

Fuentes Algar located on the Algar River on the Costa Blanca in Spain

Tour guides suggest this is the place of the famous hair shampoo advert, where the long haired beauty washes her hair under the small waterfall.

Once you have found the Fonts de Algar it is hard not to feel a little selfish and wish you could keep it a secret, the fresh air chokes in your throat when you first see the waterfall, thousands of gallons of white water tumbles over smooth rocks cascading into crystal clear water, the sound and sight amazes in drop jaw wonder.

Utopia - you have arrived!

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How to get to the Fonts de Algar

Now that you are in or near Benidorm

 

 

By Bus

No 18 Llorente bus leaves La Cala Benidorm at 9.30am on Saturday and Sunday and travels along the Avd Mediterraneo to the Rincon before heading off through Albir, Altea, La Nucia, Polop and finally Callosa. It is only a weekend service (includes Bank Holidays).

ALSA buses, from Europa Av., Jaime I Av. and Bus Station, to the village of Callosa (daily), and then walk or take a taxi to the Waterfalls.

By Car

Drive up through La Nucia Cv-70 towards Polop take the second exit off the roundabout towards Carretera de Callosa d’en Sarrià/CV-715. In Callosa d’en Sarrià take the second exit off the roundabout into Carretera de Bolulla / CV-715. Follow for about 2 km. this road and turned right. Follow for about 1 km. this road (CV-7531)

You will recognise Callosa d’En Sarriá. Because of the plastic covered and netted areas spread out of the country side protecting the Nispero fruits (loquat Fruit in English) from the birds.

No Flip Flop Zone - Flat shoes are advised

 

Fonts d'Algar

Font de Fonts (Spring of all Springs)

Car parks line the road up to the font’s entrance and there is a 3 euro charge for all the car parks so don’t pick the first one as the Eager-Chap waves his arms like a pizza chief enticing you in – it’s a good walk up the hill.

After being greeted and photographed by the key-ring photographer at the timber kiosk entrance and once you have conquered the steep climb up wooden steps to get to the falls you can amble along, stepping over timber constructed bridge walkways along the river Algar (“cave ” in Arabic) to natural reservoirs in canyons that also have ecologically rich Mediterranean vegetation that immerse visitors in this rare natural jewel.

The route through a circuit is 1.5 km long. Adults can relax in shaded areas whilst watching the kids having fun diving off the wooden diving board and like the first time you see it the freezing water will literally take your breath away – rubber water sports shoes are recommended

There are several restaurants toothed in and out of gift shops along the road to the fonts and some restaurants have swimming pools for the use of by its customers.

What you can expect to eat.

Mediterranean menu, rice, Mediterranean salads, Gazpacho soup, fish stew, pasta, sausages, meat balls and grilled meats. Variety of fresh fish and meats.
For desserts Nisbros honey and ice creams.

For a list of the restaurants at the Fonts

Remember to bring your swimwear

 

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Tickets: Adults 4 euros - Children 2 euros - Seniors 3 euros

Opening Times and Days

December, January and February – opening times are between 10:00 to 17:00
March, October and November – opening times are between 10:00 to 17:30
April, May and June – opening times are between 10:00 to 18:00
July and August – opening times are between 9:30 to 19:30
September – opening times are between 10:00 to 19:00
January 1, October 13, 14, 15, 16, December 24, 25, 26, are closed
April 5, 6, 7, 8 , 9 opening times are between 10:00 to 19:00

Fonts De Algar

 

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Nispero Jam

• Print

Ingredients

• 3/4 part Sugar to 1 part Nispero pulp and Water

Instructions

1. 1) Wash and peel the Nispero, remove seeds and blossom ends.
2. 2) Chop finely and place in saucepan.
3. 3) Just cover with water and cook until tender.
4. 4) Add 3/4 cup of sugar to each cup of pulp. Cook until thick, stirring constantly.
5. 5) Place in hot sterilised jars and seal.

The Fonts

 

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Zaragoza Falls Waterfall

Zaragoza Falls

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Benidorm Beaches Spain

Poniente, Levante and Playa de Mal Pas

47 km or 29 miles, the distance Benidorm is from Alicante Airport, with dozens of shuttle buses and now a Speedy bus offering direct transfers to individuals hotels.

Taxis are parked on the right of the main exit doors around the clock, and if you're lucky you could be in one that gets eggs thrown at it or witness some stout red-faced Spaniards going nose to nose, as there's still an ongoing dispute as to who should have the rights to the airport punters. The local cabs of Elche or those coming from the destination towns, this regardless of what the law says.

Yes, that might sound negative to some, but to others they sit back strap themselves in and watch the fuss, all part of the experience, 'welcome to Spain.' the excitement has begun.

The view from La Cruz in Serra Gelada of Benidorm is reminiscent of a Manhattan style skyline. Benidorm's three beaches are pristine-clean and maintained. Playa de Poniente, 'west beach', stretches around for 2974 meters and joins, Playa de Levante, 'east beach', with an additional 2080 meters long this is usually the most populated beach. Both beaches are separated by Playa de Mal Pas,120m long with a width of 75m. This is a small cove on the other side of the marina below the Castilla and gets very busy.

You can also find another beach at the end of Playa de Poniente, La Cala. This is small cove and popular with both tourists and locals, with several bars and restaurants to choose from. The water is easy to swim in here, because it remains waste high for a substantial distance and ideal for the kids to play in and the older generations to stand and chat.

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Benidorm Revisited

Benidorm, arguable one of the most denounced and trashed talked about resorts in Spain, by those knockers who have never actually visited the place.

I defy them to walk along the promenade at high noon and recall their negative connotations as the heat warms their skin. Tension,soothed by a subtle breeze from the Mediterranean sea, the white sand stretches for what seems like miles.

The promenade full of designer flip flops ranging in as many colours and sizes as their wearers, burnt red the preference of the newly arrived. Dodge the Segway riders and street performers, and become ensconced in a comfy chair, alfresco at a café bar, and people watch. Spot the nationality, although some make it too easy, dressed like reality TV stars or those that wear football tops and bold heads, on an all inclusive.

Benidorm is a favourite destination for many Europeans, who visited the place religiously each year, for years, and that’s including the winter months, popular with the older generations. The Spanish also love to visit Benidorm, especially Madrileños from Madrid.

Benidorm has a thriving beach life with early morning aerobics and Metal detectors dot about the beach in search of euros. Cable skiing is popular as well as para-sending, sea kayak, paddle boarding, Jet-skies and banana rides to name a few.

Adventure seekers can explore Benidorm’s hinterland and high ground via Jeep safari, down hill biking, hiking and hot air ballooning.

There is a profusion of entertainment options in Benidorm, in the daytime and a superabundance well into the early hours, with hundreds of bars and restaurants to choose from in the new side and the old town. Benidorm Palace is at the top of the list for popularity with its titillating Moulin rouge-esque floor shows and set menus.

Regular boat trips to the isla de los periodistas or journalists’ is a great way to see Benidorm off shore. The island also known as Benidorm island and peacock island, due it having some caged peacocks and is the head quarters for the local Seagull mob, hundreds of them.

Benidorm Island is six and half hectares, it used to be the landing spot for Pirates to plot and conduct their raids from to the mainland. Fleeing citizens from Villajoyosa and Benidorm in 1834 stayed on the island after a cholera outbreak. Now days the island is a favourite spot for divers, both snorkel and scuba and can be explored by submersible voyage around the island. There is also a café serving a variety of food and drinks.

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Benidorm at Night

Benidorm,…
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Enjoy a Free Trip

Another thing you can do whilst in Benidorm is go on a free trip with PAL. They will pick you up at your hotel, or a designated collection area very close. And whisk you off on a free trip, they have a variety of destinations and reps in most of the hotels, who can take your bookings, or ask at the hotel reception desk. Some of the regular trips offered include, the fonts de algar where you can see beautiful waterfalls, Valor chocolate factory in Villajoyosa, Guadalest, in land from Benidorm and one of the most visited places in Spain. Altea, a picturesque town along the coast. Moraira, again another picturesque town on the sea front next to Calpe. Jalon Valley which is inland and has a huge Rastro (Flea Market) and wine bodegas.


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Benidorm Palace

Established in 1977, Benidorm Palace is famous for producing the most prestigious show in Spain, the experience gets bigger and better each year.

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Sea Journey To Peacock Island, Benidorm.

Playa del Mal Pas

 

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Playa De Levante

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Big Eyes Keane Paintings

The Story of Margret Keane

Sad Eyed Children, Big Eyed Art, Doe Eyed Orphans or Sorrowful, wide-eyed waifs, whatever name you used to describe them, there's one thing for sure, with no grey areas, you either loved them or you hated them.

Artist Margaret Keane was born in 1927, by the 60's she was a pop art sensation. Margaret was married to Walter Keane for ten years, from 1955 to 1965. A film about her life is being made called "BIG EYES". Tim Burton, a fan of Margaret's work, will co-produce the film. Early rumours had Ryan Reynolds and Reese Witherspoon in the staring rolls. The latest to be put up for the lead roles are Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams.

The script was penned by Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander and Tim Burton will direct the movie said to be released in August 2014.

The film will start just before Margaret and Walter meet up, and ends in a spectacular court scene where Margaret gets her day in court.

Margaret now lives in Napa County, California.

Personally I can't wait until the film comes out. Now I have to go and find all those paintings my sister had hanging up on her anaglypta-wallpapered bedroom walls in the seventies, as they should skyrocket in price after the film.

The script

BIG EYES by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski

At the beginning of the script the year is 1955 and Margaret with her eight-year old daughter Jane, leaves her first husband, and lands in the wild and cool beatnik epicenter of San Francisco. The place is foreign and strange, yet she gets a sense that this would be a great place to settle as an artist.

Margaret runs into Walter Keane whilst sketching tourists for a few dollars at Fisherman’s Wharf. Walter made an impression on her dressed like a Parisian Artist in a turtle neck and black beret flogging his Paris street scenes with the gusto of a fairground sideshow boss. As soon as Walter meets Margaret he foreshadows his future actions by criticizing her for selling herself and her artwork too short.

It’s not long before they pitch their easels next to each other in the park and start a courtship. Jane, Margaret’s daughter notices that Walter’s canvas is always blank. We learn that Walter is really a commercial realtor. They soon get married and honeymoon in Hawaii. in this script version, they decide not to delve in length into the reason why they get married so hastily, just a letter from Margaret’s ex-husband accusing her of being an unfit mother.

Walter’s artwork is shunned by a Gallery owner which motivates him to rent wall-space in the hungry I, a hugely popular and hip jazz club, and he exhibits his and wife Margaret’s work. At this time they both sign their works as Keane and Walter is soon credited with the sad-eyed-girls, hungry for sales he takes credit for the works. The Jazz club is further instrumental in their success when the club owner and Walter come to blows and are caught on camera; this catapults both the club and the paintings to overnight popularity and Walter deeper and deeper into his lie, a lie that eventually becomes real to him.

The paintings start shifting even though art critics snubbed them, one critic suggested they were “the very definition of tasteless hack work”. The layman loved them, and Walter found they had to start printing off posters and framed prints to keep up with demand.

There’s not doubt Walter had a flair for marketing, he opens up a gallery across from the first gallery that shunned him and started giving paintings away to famous and influential people including, Natalie wood, Jerry Lewis and Kim Novak also sending one of John Jr. and Caroline Kennedy to the White House.

Walter Keane churned out work, sausage factory style, well before Warhol and his helpers. Walter’s sweat shop consisted of Margaret only, whilst she grafted he wallowed in his self-promotion, and the secret was kept even from Margaret’s daughter.

Margaret becomes more and more depressed, which reflects in her artwork, almost self-portraits, which makes it more difficult for Walter to explain his inspiration.

The script heads towards the climax, where Margaret gets her day in court after remaining silent for years. A radio interview in 1970 prompted Margaret to admit she and she alone painted the wide-eyed waifs, and at this time challenged Walter to a public painting contest, Walter was a no show.

A couple of years go by and Walter surfaces suggesting to USA Today that Margaret thought that he was dead and that’s why she was making her claims. This led to a slander suit from Margaret.

When they both walked into the Honolulu federal court, 20 years had passed since either one had seen each other. Walter was 70 and Margaret 58, the whole trial lasted for 3½-week with plenty of sparks. According to Margaret the only reason she was obsequies and gave into Walter’s wishes was because she feared for her and her daughter’s lives.

Margaret brought into court paintings from her childhood, and clinched it when she painted a boy’s face in fifty three minutes, showing obviously that she is in fact the creator of Big Eyes. Walter was challenged to pick up a paint brush but declined clutching his should, saying he was taking medication and declined the challenge. The court awarded Margaret $4 million for damaged reputation and emotional distress at the hand of Walter’s false statements.

At the end of the Script a reporter asks Margaret if she feels vindicated by the high award, she replies that it was never about the money and anyway she doesn’t think that Walter would pay up. Margaret adds that she just wanted rightful credit for her work and to get her art back, my prayers are answered.

This was an early draft of the script and there will be many changes to the finished film.

ShearArt Image of “The First Grail”, 1962 by Keane

Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams to Star in Big Eyes

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The eyes were asking

'Why are we here, why is there suffering? What is the purpose of life?'

Getting older

Girl with Yellow Rose

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Girl with abstract lines

1997

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''I think what Keane has done is just terrific. It has to be good. If it were bad, so many people wouldn't like it.'' -- Andy Warhol on Keane in 1965

Hibiscus Miss

1968

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No Dogs Allowed

The Gypsies

"The eyes indicate the antiquity of the soul."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Keane 1977

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A Boy and His Dog 1962 Keane

Otter Delight

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Margaret Keane

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1967 untittled

Walter Keane

Walter Keane

KEANE EYES GALLERY

Andy Warhol Margaret Keane painting

Andy Warhol Margaret Keane painting

Lion and Child 1964 Keane

Lion and Child 1964 Keane

At the Fair 1962 Keane.

At the Fair 1962 Keane.

Three Harlequins 1962 by Margaret Keane

"The Waifs", 1963 by Keane

Beachhead-'63 1963 by Keane

Peace on Earth 1961 by Keane

The Caretaker 1964 Keane

OUT AFTER DARK 1964 Keane

The Wildcat 1964, Keane

The Reluctant Ballerina 1964 Keane

The Ballet Class 1964 Keane