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The Wild Asparagus Hunters are Out and About

It´s that time of year. Cars parked in odd places, the solitary person - usually a man, popping up above a bank or from behind an olive tree. The hunters of the wild aparagus are here. The plentiful rain scattered with a day or two of sunshine has brought them out in droves. Some have their route, others instinctively know where to go. They appear, walking back to their cars, with a huge bundle of foot long green spears of asparagus. And off they go, probably not to be seen for another year - or another week if the rain continues. No matter how hard the shoots try and hide the older men hunt them down with stick in hand, to fob off the spiky old growth, and uncover the tender new stems of wild asparagus. Everyone has their favourite way of cooking them but the most common seems to be in a Tortilla - the thick Spanish potato omelette to which you can add anything that comes to hand - or is hunted down. My one or two shorter stem finds don´t come close to the experienced hunters catch. I...

The Patios of Cordoba - UNESCO Site

The application, which was denied last year, has now been approved and the Patios or Courtyards of Cordoba have been granted the status ¨Intangible Heritage of Humanity.¨ by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural - UNESCO.

Cordoba Patios


The tradition of the locals celebrating spring by decorating their homes, gardens and patios goes back to Roman times and was later resumed by the Moors. In 1933 a competition for Best Patio was inaugerated to keep the tradition alive.

Cordoba Patio


The competition, in May, means private patios are open for the judges and public to visit for twelve days. Maps are provided so you can walk around the tiny back streets and courtyards to see the colourful displays.

Cordoba Patios

The patios also open, this year from 19th Dec to 4th Jan, for a "Christmas in the courtyards of Cordoba" display. The dates for 2013 are 8th -19th May.

Patio at Christmas


The historical centre of Cordoba, home to The Mezquita, Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Torre Fortaleza de la Calahorra, is also on the UNESCO list as a World Heritage Site.


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