Spain is the greatest country on earth

**hallelujah** · 03-12-2023, 01:44 PM

I got sent there with work recently (hard life this TEFL stuff) and suitably reacquainted myself with the good stuff after an absence of far too long. Chitty obviously approved cos he kept texting me "twat" back.

Spain is the greatest country on earth-20231116-070516-jpg

It had been - surprisingly - 12 years since my last visit, despite countless trips before, and I'm now thinking about moving there next.

You forget just how arid this land is though.

Spain is the greatest country on earth-20231116-164830-jpg

Great football? Yes.

Great weather? Yes.

Great beer and wine? Yes.

It's the greatest country in the world.

Spain is the greatest country on earth-20231116-140333-jpg

Gambas pil pil, oh yes

Spain is the greatest country on earth-img-20231116-wa0011-jpg

My Spanish is ok after so long in Colombia, but my man didn't tell me that my albondigas would be in a mushroom sauce this time

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**S Landreth** · 03-12-2023, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by hallelujah

I got sent there with work recently.........

Two seats?

**Edmond** · 03-12-2023, 02:05 PM

Nice place.

I think 3 lads trips there from 18-20, all to the islands. But probably the best trip was a 2 month climbing and mountain biking tour with my ol' fella when 16. Down from France, amazing mountains etc in the north, down south, then up along the coast for an extended time in Barcelona, then up through Andorra.

Greatest country on Earth.... or greatest place to live in at least.... Australia.

Then Italy.
Then Thailand.
Then Spain.

#Ed.Fact

**hallelujah** · 03-12-2023, 02:15 PM

I've told you before, Spamdreth, that I'm not a fatty.

You are TD's biggest wanker though.

Well done you!

Anyway, where was I?

So the work lunch was rubbish and I decided there were better options.

Spain is the greatest country on earth-20231117-131102-jpg

Spain is the greatest country on earth-20231117-131208-jpg

I wasn't eating at the time, but I took a photo of this cos I cook it all the time, but with lentils instead of chickpeas. Chorizo makes the world go round.

Spain is the greatest country on earth-20231117-144100-jpg

And then I got well stuck in.

Spain is the greatest country on earth-20231117-152516-jpg

All the big hitters there and look at the way the pintxo is cooked.

Spain is the greatest country on earth-img-20231117-wa0055-jpg

So here we were.

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**hallelujah** · 03-12-2023, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Edmond

Nice place.

I think 3 lads trips there from 18-20, all to the islands. But probably the best trip was a 2 month climbing and mountain biking tour with my ol' fella when 16. Down from France, amazing mountains etc in the north, down south, then up along the coast for an extended time in Barcelona, then up through Andorra.

Greatest country on Earth.... or greatest place to live in at least.... Australia.

Then Italy.
Then Thailand.
Then Spain.

#Ed.Fact

Spain pisses over them all.

Admittedly, I haven't been to Australia, but I've met a few.

**39TG** · 03-12-2023, 03:59 PM

Is it easy to get laid in Australia? Given the number of Aussies in Thailand, I doubt.

**malmomike77** · 03-12-2023, 04:01 PM

^ Looper?

**Edmond** · 03-12-2023, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by 39TG

Is it easy to get laid in Australia? Given the number of Aussies in Thailand, I doubt.

I was in my early 20s and collected a large number of flags from all the gap year girls and round-the-worlders. Hooked up with my first Thai GF there and we came to her native CM for 3 weeks which was my first trip to Thailand before heading back and hooking up with a half-caste French Canadian. Thankfully I didn't go to Canada.

**hallelujah** · 03-12-2023, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by 39TG

Is it easy to get laid in Australia? Given the number of Aussies in Thailand, I doubt.

Have you met BLD and headwank?

Spain is the greatest country on earth-explan-jpg

I think it's the females who want to go abroad for a shag, so you should be bang on,.

**helge** · 03-12-2023, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by hallelujah

Spain is the greatest country on earth

In the same sense as Ten Hag is the 'greatest' manager ?

Nice place to visit as a tourist (summer excluded) but so is Thailand, Iceland and Farawayistan.

Did you go to Calella as a kid ?

Or were you the Ibiza type like Mao ?

**david44** · 03-12-2023, 08:23 PM

The food and drink varied landscapes all attractive at a superficail level.

If you work there be aware of
corruption
Worst of Catholics communists , fascists (VOX)
7 regions of Separatism for good or ill
Drugs
La Botella
Hooliganism
Rape culture
Unacknowleged parts of history from civil war or the dirty war
Latin American gangs
Political prisoners
Drink drive as common as here, better breaks, testing hospitals and roads mean fewer fatalities
Enchuffe rings

I would far sooner live her or in Lao Malaysia NZ
If forced t live in Europe Czechia Denmark and of course after my godmother's abode Lisdoonvarna the finest town in the world Skerries.

Plato, pilates and pubs: has an Irish town found the secret to the good life? | Ireland | The Guardian

Oh, Lisdoonvarna... is a town unlike any other in Ireland

Home to the legendary Matchmaking Festival, Lisdoonvarna is a town unlike any other in Ireland.

IrishCentral Staff
@IrishCentral
May 15, 2023

Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, a truly special place. GETTY

A trip to Lisdoonvarna should be on everybody’s to-do list. As folk singer Christy Moore so elegantly put it: “Cause Woodstock, Knock nor the Feast of Cana can hold a match to Lisdoonvarna.”
The name Lisdoonvarna translates to ‘Enclosure of the Fort in the Gap’ and the town is home to a Victorian spa complex, which is fuelled by therapeutic mineral waters containing sulfur, iron, and magnesium.
Situated a very short distance from the UNESCO Geopark of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher, Lisdoonvarna is the perfect place to set up camp while exploring the West of Ireland. There is so much to do and see in this beautiful part of Ireland, including nature trails and walks, surfing, or taking a ferry to the Aran Islands. And if you’re looking for love, all the better as during the month of September the town is home to the legendary Matchmaking Festival.

So what exactly is the charm that this town in the West of Ireland holds for so many? Well, we’re not saying that the turning of water to wine as depicted in the Wedding at Cana actually happens there, but many would say the magic of Lisdoon isn’t far off.
This article was originally published in Ireland of the Welcomes magazine. Subscribe now!

Matchmaking is an Irish tradition that is literally as old as time and there are very few true matchmakers left. A popular holiday destination from the mid-1800s, the arrival of the West Clare Railway in 1887 opened Lisdoonvarna as a destination, particularly for bachelor farmers who holidayed in September as the harvest was in and they could focus on finding a wife. Traditionally seen as shy and not entirely socially capable, farmers who lived in remote areas and worked the land all day every day came to Lisdoonvarna in search of love. However, the practice of courting was beyond many and there was a much-needed focus on helping them to socialize, particularly with women, and right there and then this spa town became the home of matchmaking.

3

The colorful Matchmaker Bar in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare.

Centering around The Matchmaker Bar, matchmaker Willie Daly holds daily sittings throughout September where he matches singles from literally all over the world. Following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps Willie Daly has 50 years of experience in matchmaking and currently has been involved in excess of 3,000 marriages. Willie believes in true love and that such love can be found by simply sitting around tables, having conversations, and most importantly getting couples dancing with each other in order to ignite any sparks that may exist.

Further to this, Willie is rarely seen without the ‘Lucky Book’. This book is known to contain 150 years of love-seeking profiles and those lucky ones who get to touch the book will find love and be married within six months, so legend has it. Which is no mean feat in this day and age.
And fear not for those who are already married, Willie will tell you that simply touching the love ledger will result in you and your beloved recreating that initial honeymoon period of your relationship, ensuring that once created, the romance is never lost.

3

Matchmaker Willie Daly.

The Outing Festival is an offshoot of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival and caters to people from the LGBTQI+ community who are searching for love. The Outing Festival started off in the home of matchmaking, Lisdoonvarna but has recently relocated to Dromoland in County Clare. Ireland’s only gay matchmaker, Eddie McGuinness, is at the helm, ensuring that love can be found in County Clare for all. Taking place in February, the festival boasts attractions such as comedy, live music, and drag performances. Certainly a much newer festival than Lisdoonvarna but no less popular.
The streets of Lisdoonvarna during September, and particularly at weekend come alive with the sounds of conversation, music, and singing. The Matchmaking Festival attracts some of the top names in Irish country music and there is barely a bar where a lady won’t be asked up to dance. The old Irish traditions of singing, dancing, and socializing will most definitely be experienced in Lisdoonvarna and maybe, just maybe falling in love may also be on the cards. One thing is for sure though, if you don’t go and give it a try you’ll never know for sure.

**Bogon** · 03-12-2023, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by Edmond

I was in my early 20s and collected a large number of flags from all the gap year girls and round-the-worlders.

He stitched all the flags together to make a blanket.

Didn't realise there were so may African nations.

**Edmond** · 03-12-2023, 09:05 PM

^ Variety's the spice of lifeumbuktu.

**david44** · 03-12-2023, 09:17 PM

africanhoors from Dolphin's barn bargain abasement eh

**hallelujah** · 03-12-2023, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by helge

Did you go to Calella as a kid ?

?

Calella

Got sick the first time.

Spent a week in Booth Hall hospikal when I got back.

Not fond memories.

Went to the Camp Nou though.

My later visits ended up 0-4, 3-3, 2-1 (

).

**Neverna** · 03-12-2023, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by hallelujah

So the work lunch was rubbish and I decided there were better options.

I wasn't eating at the time, but I took a photo of this cos I cook it all the time, but with lentils instead of chickpeas. Chorizo makes the world go round.

And then I got well stuck in.

Good to see the Spanish attempting a version of our traditional British sausage, beans and chips dish. Seems the waitress hasn't plated the chips yet, though.

**david44** · 04-12-2023, 12:14 AM

Originally Posted by Neverna

Seems the waitress hasn't plated the chips yet, though.

Don't be cross and Inkwell Heinz.
Sliver plating is extra, as you know it's better to be a has Bean than a nevernana

**hallelujah** · 04-12-2023, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Neverna

Good to see the Spanish attempting a version of our traditional British sausage, beans and chips dish. Seems the waitress hasn't plated the chips yet, though.

You get chips with almost everything in Spain. I think that was one of the few times I didn't see them!

And, of course, they love the beans!

**Edmond** · 04-12-2023, 02:48 PM

Will probably head back to Europe to spend me early 50s there while the kid goes to uni there in another decade.

Spain has now kinda popped up on my radar.

Buriram Boy's topless MX5 would be just the ticket up in those amazing northern mountains for rides out of Barca. A canyon carver for day blasts would be a must.

Have you mentioned which area your based in yet, or will we wait for Nev to tell us?

**hallelujah** · 04-12-2023, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Edmond

Will probably head back to Europe to spend me early 50s there when the kid goes to uni there in another decade.

Spain has now kinda popped up on my radar.

Buriram Boy's topless MX5 would be just the ticket up in those amazing northern mountains for rides out of Barca.

Have you mentioned which area your based in yet, or will we wait for Nev to tell us?

This was just a short trip to Malaga and nearby. I'm back in the Arctic now.

I'm thinking about doing the Camino de Santiago in spring or summer though (have been for a while). Always fancied the north of Spain but have still only ever passed through parts on the train.

**hallelujah** · 04-12-2023, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by david44

If you work there be aware of
corruption
Worst of Catholics communists , fascists (VOX)
7 regions of Separatism for good or ill
Drugs
La Botella
Hooliganism
Rape culture
Unacknowleged parts of history from civil war or the dirty war
Latin American gangs
Political prisoners
Drink drive as common as here, better breaks, testing hospitals and roads mean fewer fatalities
Enchuffe rings

.

Reading that little list, Dave, I was wondering if you were actually describing Thailand.

Do you honestly think any of those things are worse in Spain than the Land of Stares?!?!?!?

You can have the Catholic one though.

Originally Posted by david44

The food and drink varied landscapes all attractive at a superficail level..

How are good food, beautiful beaches/mountains etc and great culture superficial?

**david44** · 04-12-2023, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by hallelujah

north of Spai

The best

I have lived and worked in Navarre , Gipuzkoa , Bizkaia with the Basques.
There is great food esp if you like Fish all the way to Galicia
Cantabria not so keen tho Gama ,Laredo Santillana del mar nice
Asturias many holidays try Llanes, Poo, San Vicente de a Barquera
Galicia aka squid central the Islas de Cie a short ferry from Vigo is a wonderful place in the Rias Bajas (The southern Fjiords)
c 100km from Santiago terminus.
The free meal for arrivees I wouldnt pay 10 euros for

Away from the coast you will find nicer safer friendlier Spain Soria Teruel, La Rioja, Extremadura or Zamora

PM if you want any tips on digs restaurants along Camino del Norte

Get a pilgrim passport at St Jean Pird de Port office accesible by train from Biaritiz from La Palme airport walk bus cab to La Negreese take any train via Baaiona (BAYONNE IN FRENCH source of the Bayonet)

About 2 hrs 15 Euros
With Passeport Pelerin you can use the cheap dorms approx a day hike 20m alog the route
If you have hobbit feet travel real light and lucky with weather can be done in 4 weeks
If tight on time skip first 100miles start at IRUNEA/PAMLONA in Navarre but miss spectaculr Pyrenees which IMHO is the bets scenery of teh whole route.

Other routes like La Plata from Sevilla or along the coast are tougher less footpaths more dangerous rds
NB It can be cold and wet in the Pyreese at night into May which together with Sept is bet smonth to do it.
Sadly armies of fffit ou nggermnas set off at dawn and grab bunks at nearly all hostels at 15-30 Euros
Hvaing to wander around seeking beds nearby at 40-100 euros is apin after a literally blistering day

French IGN produce a v good map and there are many books. By school hols hardly need a map with mobs of 50-100 leaving teh dorms at dawn.

**hallelujah** · 04-12-2023, 03:12 PM

Green owed, davey!

I've most likely got 6 weeks to play with, so I should have ample time.

I'll be in touch.

**Edmond** · 04-12-2023, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by david44

PAMLONA

We just missed the Pamplona bull run by a few days.

We were in a van with a load of rock climbing equipment, 2 mountain bikes on the back and 2 months of summer freedom. Having done 1 month mountain biking in France 2 years previously when 14. Besides the odd half-brother from a girl 11 years younger than him that no one's ever met, he's alright my dad.

**Edmond** · 04-12-2023, 03:18 PM

https://www.ride-in-tours.com/tours/...os-europa.html

Fok this shiz.

I'm dumping E&E and fokin' off to Spain.

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