Born this Way (Olèrdola, Sitges, Catalonia)

We had a more relaxed start to the day. Breakfast was the usual fresh, luscious fare. The NRL semi-final was on and delayed our departure somewhat, after which we drove into Sitges and were dropped by the beach. We had free time until 5:15pm when there was a wine tasting. Mmmm, wine (say it like Homer Simpson). We strolled the promenade or boardwalk and checked out the markets. At the end of the line, we turned back towards the main beach and the town. It was time for an Aperol Spritz.

A white wagtail.

The first place only allowed guests who were eating, to sit with a view of the beach. The second place was reasonably crowded and was situated on the beach. Unfortunately the 'up close and personal' placement of the tables made a group of 5 almost impossible. Jayne and I left our friends at the table to go in search of a pharmacy to purchase some strapping tape. Now there's an interesting conversation to have in a foreign language.

The church across Sitges beach.

After several discussions we were successful. It would have been a lot easier if the chemist stores were larger. A lot of stock is not on display and is hidden away. Tape secured, we wandered back toward the beach looking for a bar. We found one where no-one was smoking and settled down. I didn't recognise any of the beers and chose one of the draught beers at random. Clara was its name. I reveal this, dear reader, because if you like a beer that is like an orange flavoured shandy this one's for you.

Tiled street signs.

Jayne was particularly disappointed. And then the smokers commenced. Lucky Strike, not a brand we're familiar with in Australia. The smell was disgusting, like burning rubbish. His second cigarette saw us sufficiently motivated to leave the bar and hit the boardwalk again.

The Catholic church dominated the headland at the northern end of the beach. The boardwalk and park that led up to it was dotted with statues. My Catalan is not so good so I have no idea who or what they were commemorating. Curious, I watched two pre-teen boys approach the nude. One kissed it on the right breast, the other went for a grope lower down. Weird.

The nude the young boys liked.

On we went to the church because we had time to burn. Apparently the church was open but we missed the side door. Around the lee side of the church there was a water fountain at which people were filling their bottles. I really love this aspect of Europe. The old town section of Sitges is all shops. They generally don't open until 4 or 5 in the afternoon and then close around 10pm.

The water fountain.

We crossed paths with others from the group as we walked the town. Eventually we met up at a wine shop at the prescribed time. This was no Dan Murphy's. It was a one room establishment, with bottles lining the walls like books in a library. Johannes, our host, seated us at the end of the shop where we would be tasting 5 wines and eating charcuterie and homemade hummus.

Impressive.

Wine tasting.

Next stop was a tapas restaurant. Surprise! No dear reader this one was different. There was a man on the jamon carving station. That is his job, to carve paper thin slices of jamon. He then plates the ham. Not so simple, it was a work of art. 

An artist at work.

As we were leaving the restaurant, we saw a man with a very interesting T-shirt. Sitges is the gay capital of Spain and last week hosted a Bear festival. Even the town symbol has a bear on it. For those of you who aren't sure what I'm talking about you can Google it (I'd use incognito). To honour Sitges our title today is  Born this Way by Lady Gaga.

Read the caption on the shirt.

Because we hadn't eaten enough food, Matt had organised a gelato for dessert. It was about a five minute walk away from the restaurant, not long enough to walk off all the food and wine we'd consumed that day. The shops and bars were all open now and the previously quiet town of Sitges was buzzing. 

There is a section of one street in the gay quarter where a café purposely has tables lining both side of the narrow thoroughfare. The seats are arranged so that each set of patrons can sit and face the other side of the street. This way they can size up the potential on offer across the way, as well as perusing the passing traffic. 

The church at night.

After another night of gastronomic feasting,  it was back into the vans to the villa. The night continued for the stayers till the small hours, even though they knew tomorrow was designated "Wine Day".

Until Wine Day.