Asturias vistas

Asturias vistas, a set on Flickr.

We've been really busy with work and projects for a while but still managed to take a few shots at the changing colors of Asturias. Every new year uncovers a different combination of shades of brown and orange and green in October, announcing that there will be many short days and long nights ahead. This winter we didn't have much snow, at least not in Oviedo, and February had really mild weather, announcing a gorgeous spring that has already arrived; wonderful greens and prairies dotted with tiny pink, yellow and white flowers.

In the late summer we visited the dry Babia plains past Caldas de la Luna, and came back via Puerto de Somió -some sights and a very narrow road going down hill. In the late winter we explored the different beaches of Muros del Nalón, walking from beautiful Xilo up into the woods of the coastal trail; then it was Villaviciosa estuary and a couple of farms on the way to the Pontal, watching the tidal changes. We also had time for a short trip to Playa de San Juan de la Arena near the Airport of Asturias, which resulted in a mix of awe at a nearby stretch of open beach, and sadness looking at another beach near the village. The latter with remnants of something to dark to be sand, branches and logs that the sea washed ashore from the winter storms ... lying sadly on a stretch of muddy sand.

Last week it was time for Naranco Hill where we saw some amazing ponies.

Oviedo winter icy whites

Naranco "Pista Finlandesa" walk started on Uria St. where a quick glimpse of the hill behind FEVE was a call to go back home via the Finnish path. It started snowing heavily half way through the path uphill, but by then it was too late to go back.

The way down vía VIllamejil was awesome: free of cars and buses, not a human in sight. Street lights spotting falling snow that soon became a soft white carpet, on a road now empty and easy to walk. By the time I arrived in Pando my fingers were somewhat frosted -bad quality gloves, lesson learned, next time remind me to wear the King Kong ones.

The final stroll across Pando was easy by the time I saw a police car followed by the one bus coming downhill. The next day (Sunday) walking on ice to go roaming in Oviedo City was not so pleasant at first, it started by having to identify fast which pedestrian crossings were a frozen no go. Past the Milán square (become ice ring) it took a while to get to Parque San Francisco, which was sheer delight: rows of trees dressed in glamourous white with the Naranco background in the sun. We didn't find any fairies -xadas nor dwarfs... but Oviedo version of snow white was well worth walking on the thin ice.

The river

The river - - - > See the whole set of images.
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

Monday November 2nd was a holiday in Asturias, so we took off to visit Fuensanta area. The drive from Oviedo was fast, not much traffic along the way... and the weather was like a spring day with the usual showers and brief shots of sunshine.

Getting there was easy and the directions proved right... we found free parking under the trees and noticed a fountain with the mineral water brand, where locals came to fill their plastic bottles... lining up.

I ventured into the forest that smelled so very good... taking shots at almost everything the camera could focus on, the colors were so dazzling... Yellows and browns, fading ochre and golden shades with bright green grass framing the dashes informed by the many falling leaves.

It was a nice walk with some splashes in the mad along the road up hill, until we encountered a naughty looking cow... it looked more like a bull with its short horns pointing straight ahead and so we stopped and pondered the way. Loud dogs in the neighborhood contributed to inform maybe this wasn't the day... and a light drizzle started to fall, so we paid attention to their barking.

We've found a great jogging spot then coming next spring... soon it'll be winter ... time to switch to ski moods and gear... and head it up the Pajares and San Isidro mountains!

Wot an electric Saxo?

Wot an electric Saxo?
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

Had I not gone to the "Feria" with a young Twitter friend, I'd probably have missed this beauty, namely an electric -or part electric- car resembling my first car in Spain, a white Citroen Saxo I had from 1999 to 2001. Just the sight if it and the hope that one day soon we might be using this in Oviedo normally, made my day.

The "Feria de Gijón" expert young guide insisted we go round and round visiting each and every building, except one that was not too inviting with a description that said: synthetic cement. Someone mentioned we might find a private collection of pictures in here, not informed by any signal or brochure, so we just went past it (the Twitter friend wasn't too tempted to go in, neither was I).

Other than the electric car novelty, the exhibit and theme voted by both of us as most attractive was "Living in Space" (cajAstur & INTA) where the hosts were charming. We also enjoyed the exhibits of "Montaña Central" and "Valle del Nalón". The rest was a mix of Petticoat Lane flea market and the snacks and drinks alleys you find in attraction parks. My friend had a big laugh with the Gijón City Web2.0 sports exhibit when they asked him if he'd like to participate in some video "virtual".

I thought it rather funny that most exhibits would close during Spanish lunch hours: 14:30 - 16:30hrs when most people are visiting. We went for a walk in the nearby gardens of an Asturias and its people thematic centre, after tasting Spanish sausage sandwich and homemade sweets followed by coffee from a brand you don't find in supermarkets, it tasted like the real thing.

Did I mention we saw an electric scooter? "cool people ride electric" says the brochure. The leaflet we got at the Gijón City Council building re-directs to a web of Fundación Prodintec that today informs: "Headlines, In these moments we have no(t) headlines". (somewhat perplexing)

The other side

The other side
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

It took a couple hours and a firm resolution not to go back when we were half way up Naranco hill... this time we made it to the Cristo parking area in order to easy going jog all the way down the main road to Oviedo.

The trail heading up after you pass by the lodge is rather narrow, at spots it makes you wonder if it's safe to keep going. This was last Sunday so when I mentioned in class this Monday that I'd been up there, there was word of wild pigs, snakes and you name it... but I don't know if that can be taken seriously. Students are creative with narrative making fun of the stories most of the time ... which is most welcome.

After we reached the new road (a mere gravel path really ... zilch indication signs by the way) connecting Lugones to Oviedo via Naranco uphill, it felt safe though rather lonely. At last the actual road up from Oviedo to Cristo came through and with it cars of course... We did find another trail heading up through the green, sort of, for half way through you're in antenna land but can't complain... we need them to tweet right?

Jogged the way back down via the main road past the barbecue place, we re-discovered the ancient church site, (stills mandatory) soon followed by the snack and restaurant area which was not too bad. In all it was circa two hours and plenty of non-stop running so better don't ask if my body is informing today, I should do this more often ;-)

Yet another vista

Yet another vista by MarquiBeck

View Larger Map Link to this map

It was cloudy in Oviedo so we went elsewhere to look for the sun and found it in Lastres... that is, before it started raining. A fishing village along the cliffs of the Asturian coast line, Lastres was mentioned several times by friends as a good place to go scuba dive (not my favorite sport by the way, must be theirs). They said it was a special place, and later I found out they're shooting episodes for a TV series in the area, good that there were no signs of that really.

Leave the highway as soon as you see the sign (yes there is one for Lastres), follow the road heading down to the port. You'll find traffic lights right at the place where I would normally panic with the restricted maneuvering space, for instance when faced with a car heading your way, which happens all the time in these tiny coastal villages.

The way down was rather crowded even though it was hazy that Sunday, but there was a parking spot about half way down to the wharf. The perfect place to park I would soon discover.

It was a photo expedition really, for neither the day nor the actual beach were too inviting for a splash. The vistas walking down were awesome... so much that I stopped several times in the middle of the road, umbrella on one hand, camera clicking on the other. There were nice welcoming folks at the bar, "Café Lastres", specially Sandra, the bartender, who shared some of the local stories and agreed to keep the mineral I bought on ice till I returned from the walk.

Lastres demands another visit to see the lighthouse, (wonder where the heck it's hidden) and check a story shared by the locals about "the house on the cliff that has a huge garden with reproductions of ... " we'll tell you more when we find out.

Llanes in summer, almost

April 4th was a holiday in Oviedo so we took off to visit the coastal area of Llanes. Following directions gleaned from a well informed student and a young lady, whose favorite beach place happened to be on my to visit list, resulted in a perfect, iterated drive.

The map shows the village of Llanes

View Larger Map

I left the highway from Oviedo at the Celorio-Barros exit, finding few directions or signaling to guide the way after that. With 3 years of experience living in Asturias and some more in Cataluña I've adapted to the fact that asking the locals will definitely drive you towards the unexpected, and unplanned (they love to send you in the opposite direction you were heading to or else, that's the way I copy ;-) You'll find them looking at you with that sort of: "what the heck are You doing here!" expression, which keeps your mind open and alert. Meaning... grab the map(s) and start interacting with any gadgets at hand that provide access to updated directions, which is the same as to say: do your homework.


View Larger Map
There is a place called Cué, same as an associate in one of my projects, but I didn't find the place (the friend&associate is usually missing in action too most of the time...but loves to still be listed) eventually I managed to reach Andrín, the final destination for this trip. Andrín appears to be a dream-like village with very narrow roads (one track only operating as two most of them, so prepare to negotiate your way...). I found a kind of snack bar & barbecue kiosk (chiringuito for local standards), an appealing place with wooden benches outdoors like many an English pub, but this one is on a promontory right on top of the beach. Must be a fun place for the villagers at night :)

Bellota beach is pretty and pretty much deserted, the way down from the road is ... well, bumpy, so better drop the car and prepare "for a long and winding road"... to the hidden beach.

Playa del Toro was deserted but this was a working day, it probably gets very crowded on week-ends. Lovely sights ... funny rocks conforming a kind of extraterrestrial reef ... freezing water at least for my standards in June. I found a river but don't ask me the name... I'll check it out with one of my students, and let you know.

Spring in Cabranes

Spring has arrived...(a bit late if you live in Oviedo) We can confirm this after visiting Cabranes today.

A colleague mentioned the "Festival del Arróz con Leche", namely: Rice Pudding Festival in Cabranes today. I got lucky.

This has been going on for 30 years now, with a jury to try circa 70 contestants' produce, a village procession with bagpipes, and ... well, see the pictures, they tell the story.

Afterwards the village was going to have a barbecue, though I preferred to go jogging along the beautiful river trail and see where it led... I did visit the market and walk the alleys, to mingle with local folks and visitors for a great spring day.

You could see lot's of cider being splashed Asturian style "escanciada", listen to long speeches -in Spain the presence of the authorities still follows top-to-botton memes. Anyways .. it was not only great fun and a lovely day, I also discovered a great bar Casa Joselu (B&B too) with charming people and a beautiful trail to go biking or jogging (pic-nic areas included) by the river, which seems to go all the way to Villaviciosa... we'll have to check this out with a bike pretty soon.

The police where charming (yes!) ... the ones in Oviedo should go down there for some training on: how to plan in advance (all diversions of traffic worked beautifully) , treat people nicely (Cabranes ones not only responded to my questions...they smiled!) and be of service. (Yes, I said service).

Cabranes is an amazing place, while it brings back to mind the long gone voices of 80% of the population that had to migrate at the beginning of the XXth Century. (My grandparents on the Spanish side of the family and my dad included, but they left from different areas in Spain). There is a square named: Plaza de los Emigrantes, which is where the Festival center area was, the party was very much spread throughout the whole village. Word is they were able to ship their cherished rice pudding bottled to those living in South America... I'm thinking I'll have to go back to Cabranes... to learn some more :-)

See:

Cabranes Council Web

Article in buscolu.com

**Edited to comment that the trail is actually a few miles long... there is a plan to connect it with the other trail in Villaviciosa...we can only hope...

Pajares with plenty of snow.

snowy mountain hush
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

The mountains are always a mystifying experience, in particular with few people around and somewhat funny skies.

Pajares on January 2nd was such an experience: not far from home and still a universe away ... I finally made it there to learn that it wasn't such a tough road, nor such an expensive experience as it was in Cataluña. Over there you had to pay the gas, the toll-fee, the lifts, and so on. Here it's 1/3 of the gas for the runs are 66Km from Oviedo. Though I'm not sure how this might be on a snowy day... it was a very nice day, well most of the day, still the road was pretty icy (and narrow on the final stretch).

There is only one place to rent your gear, lucky me mine that had been left untouched for more than two years was still in reasonable shape. Two places to purchase your lift pass, but only one was open. People just took it as normal that they had to spend 30+ mins in line on the snow. (and it was pretty empty!)

The coffee shop at the base has acceptable coffee, the tenders were friendly. We shared our usual claims about the carrier Movistar not being worth a dime, much less the money we pay if they're not able to provide coverage at one of the main winter attractions in Asturias.

The lifts were okey, not too fast, not too slow, I've seen better and I've seen worse. The runs are all right ... not very extended but we enjoyed the options: crowded and easy going on the sunny side "del Sol", icy and bare on the shady side "el Tubo". Personnel were charming at all times, skiers mostly guys (where are the lady skiers in Asturias?), not so communicative as they can be in the Andes, though I did manage a brief conversation or two.

Fall in Asturias

Fall in Asturias
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

So autumn is here, and New York Times Photographer Bill Cunningham seems to be thrilled: See.

In Asturias September and October remind me of the best weeks in Monterey Bay for the weather is similar, the aromas and sounds are not of course.

River vistas

River vista
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

En route from the village of Grado to Cangas del Narcea. Con la nueva vía de Oviedo a La Espina se llega pronto a Grado, el camino a la Espina y luego Salas está en construcción (tremendos viaductos) así que vayan con paciencia.

Grado tiene mercado los miércoles y domingos ... lo que se traduce como sitio/momento de encuentro de la gente del lugar que puebla las terrazas con todas las abuelas y abuelos -una de Fellini: mucho jolgorio.

Camino de Salas topé con una planta de Danone y poco más allá un casco antiguo de aparecer en libros de historia. (dejamos esa parada para otra vuelta pues el verde tira más).

Siguiendo el río Narcea en Tineo aparece lo mejor (en Cangas el pueblo no conseguí info local sobre sitios especiales para visitar ... así que flowers, seguí viaje). Bajando por el embalse de la Florida la zona esconde maravillas al natural -sin mucho acceso al río también para disfrutar. O eso me pareció: no di con paradas por el camino con accesos y más info, sí algún sitio para pescar de lejos y los tradicionales bares del camino para parar con una mesita casi en la ruta. Queda para otra vuelta regresar de la Espina hacia la costa, con encuentros pendientes en Ballota area, el camino a Degaña e Ibias en dirección a León, la Reserva de Muniellos y tanto más...

Explorando Oyambre

Oyambre July08
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

Ver full set

De regreso de un día full con clases y cursos en Santander, a eso de las 6 de la tarde me aventuré por un camino desde Caviedes siguiendo la recomendación de los amigos de la Repsol. Pasando por la villa del Tejo (increíbles vistas a Picos) donde por cierto hasta tienen un Mesón comme il faut, se baja hasta la Ría de la Rabia para optar: la villa de Comillas hacia la derecha, Oyambre y San Vicente de la Barquera hacia la izquierda. Donde vean un pequeño cartel algo escondido: Playa de Oyambre y Camping... allí está la entrada a un mundo aparte. Dicen que todo depende de la marea y hay que tener aguante para vientos y oleajes, por eso es terreno de juego de los kite-surferos. Importante: tiene una especie de cafetería-snack bar con buena pinta al menos desde fuera. Algo que nos falta en más de una playa en Asturias.

Explorando la Playa del Silencio

Playa del Silencio
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

Por suerte Google Maps indicó mal y salí de la autovía antes de Ballota (otro lugar donde me han recomendado una hostería fantástica para turismo rural y excursiones). Así pude conocer la ruta comarcal de Santa Marina hasta Ballota y dar de improviso con el cartel: Playa del Silencio 1 Km.

Si bien hay que dejar el auto algo lejos y andar -a mi me encanta- bajando escaleras entre grillos y mariposas blancas ... vean por qué vale la pena el viaje. El agua aún está fría pero creo que di con un sitio favorito para leer tranquila oliendo aire puro y mar.

En espera...

Awake in Sardinero
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck

Mucha actividad y buenas nuevas desde el encuentro Twittero de Asturias en Oviedo en abril:

* pasé mi primera oposición en España (merece otro post observando desde Sistemas en Blog en breve.)
* cumplí mi 4to. año como free-lance (sostenible al fin) y sí, se lleva mejor en el norte y repartido en varias regiones
* sin + actividad en Flickr al momento pues no para de llover!!!
* la lluvia se ocupa del estado-del-humo así que tampoco hay mas "bitching" sobre nubes diversas..
* se viene el verano y por suerte sigo trabajando hasta casi Agosto!!! (je je, los free-lance y autónomos comprenderán)
* Hacienda: cumplimentado! ... di con buen gestor. ¡Espero me traten mejor que el año pasado!
Gran shock luego de la movida desde Cataluña, descubrir que aquí en Asturias, les dan comisión para quitar lo más posible a los ratones... ¿pero cómo, no es que la administración está a nuestro servicio, y para ayudar a las personas autónomas? Qué va!! a los autónomos no nos ayudan ni ahí y el programa Padre (paternalismus dixit) discrimina a los mac-eros y, es horripilante. También discriminan al colectivo de formadores profesionales autónomos, parece que a los del show business les tratan mejor, y pueden descontarse viajes y viáticos que son gastos exclusivos de la actividad (talleres fuera, cursos, etc.) nosotros depende del humor del día pero igual hay que discutir cada cvo. y sólo dicen que sí luego de mucha disputa...y reclamo. ¿habrá que hacer algo de Lobby? O te invitan a montarte una empresa: gastos iniciales -solo pueden tramitarse vía notario y comienzan por los 1200€ para burocracia implicada. (Confirmado en la Cámara de Comercio de Oviedo, sección, ventanilla única), implica también otras movidas administrativas, etc. etc. Me parece que este sistema está montado para la España pre-flexibilización laboral ¿cierto?
* sobre TwittAstur -versión pandilla, parece que será nomás para kedadas solo, pues andamos muy busy todos y no ha prendido gran colaboración para "hacer más", lo cual está bien. Así que mantendré este para otras novedades. Y espero que pronto haya otra kedada de TwittAstur, que habemos mucho que contar y compartir. Stay tuned!

Posting en Estereo

Hola Gente! (Este post está apareciendo en versión WP en construcción, así que duplicamos mientras tanto aquí).

Roberto de La Brújula Verde comunica que se realiza hoy un B&BAsturias encuentro de Beers&Blogs (Cervezas y Blogs) en el Acuario de Gijón, luego de una charla relacionada con emprendedores y de seguida un vino español. Hoy no llego a tiempo, espero poder arrimarme a otros y enterarme de lo bien que se lo pasarán hoy de voz de quienes también vengan al encuentro Twittero el Sábado. Disfruté de un B&B en Barcelona V.2005 cuando se organizaban espontáneamente en las ciudades donde aparecía el Profe y Comunicador experto en Blogósfera Don Orihuela convocado por una conferencia, talleres y demás varios. Maravillosos encuentros de gente con intereses y/o aficiones en común.

En Asturias parece que la mano viene de emprendedores, all right! En fin, que el Sábado 26 a partir de las 19.30hrs esperamos hacer cruza de mundos y emprender conversaciones múltiples donde parece que ya hemos dado con un sitio-en-común! hemos ido a parar los Twitteros al mismo Café Oriental donde los Blogueros se venían juntando!! Milan Kundera decía que había que prestarle más atención a las coincidencias...vale. Me anoto.

TwittAstur en el lejano Norte

Los Twitteros en Asturias estamos re-conociendo el Norte y nos gusta mucho la iniciativa de @Gatit ... así que se levanta el telón verde en nueva versión!

Próximas novedades en http://twittastur.wordpress.com/ y pueden sumarse también a: http://twitter.com/TwittAstur ... les vemos por allí y con suerte en el Café Oriental sábado 26 en el , si les parece bien? ** Post modificado a las 20.00hrs pues hemos convenido en que mejor encontrarnos en un sitio que ofrece Wifi y es mas céntrico también. Se puede votar donde encontrarnos en el futuro. **

Quedamos a eso de 19.30hrs y/o ... a seguirla con TwittAstur en Twitter y el nuevo blog-en-común (un Commons del norte!) cortesía de arranque de Gatit. (y otro birdie pajarito anda diciendo que hay cumple este finde...)

Picos, lagos y mar...

Picos, lakes and sea
Originally uploaded by MarquiBeck
Recorrido desde el Lago Ercina al Enol por la zona de la laguna "que a veces está", y vuelta a Ercina por el otro sendero.

Cada lunes desde el otoño de 2006 viendo sus imponentes siluetas en la carretera de camino a Santander desde Oviedo: se van anunciando majestuosos desde Colunga, pasando por la salida hacia Ribadesella y rotundos en la Roca del Acebal. Dependiendo de brumas y mareas del otro lado se ve el mar, cambiando azules con olas de tormenta y juegos de bufones. Les he visto de lejos vestidos de otoño, con nieve o con grises y ya verdes en primavera. Este sábado finalmente tocó adentrarme y el día de sol reinó por completo así que pasando de largo por Covadonga fui derecho a los lagos, aparcando en la Ercina. Santi había sugerido el camino al refugio de Vegarredonda pero no di con el la senda a Pandecarmen. Así que me dediqué a pasear por los lagos aprovechando los senderos y el camino bien marcado pasando por la laguna que "a veces está".

Descubrí que se hacen más amigos al andar que habitando la ciudad, y que por estos para mi nuevos caminos la estela del valle de Nuria en visita obligada en verano va quedando atrás. No di con ningún "yogui" ni "comillo blanco", si bien se agradece pues andaba solari, sí di con personas amables informando a gusto a veces y sin idea de donde andaban otras.

Luego de subidas, bajadas y algún trote por los prados, le dejé el parquing a unos recién llegados y me fui a recorrer el camino hasta Panes para luego bajar al mar en Pendueles. La carretera de Cangas a Panes no tiene desperdicio, cada villa que aparece, cada vista invita a parar. Para una primer exploración vale pero ya se anuncian varias más... Se agradecen sugerencias y propuestas de pic-nic y trekking Twitteros.

¿Árboles empetrolados?

¿alguien sabe a qué responde esto?
Foto tomada en Oviedo en la zona del campus del Milán. Obra realizada durante enero ante la mirada atónita de los paseantes.

Pregunta: ¿no sería mejor educar y promover el cuidado del medio ambiente por parte de los habitantes, que prevenir a golpe de alquitrán y cemento?

Pregunta: ¿por qué no podemos tener más zonas verdes en estás plazas y parques imitando otras ciudades con sus "greens" (zonas verdes) y "commons"(zonas comunes) al cuidado de todos?

Otros comentarios y observaciones de una contribuyente y habitante local sobre hechos y des-hechos en Oviedo y zonas linderas.
Les invito a contribuir puesto que el medioambiente es responsabilidad de todos: quien calla, otorga.

Twitter para un observatorio eco-informativo

Luego de un recorrido por la costa Asturiana durante los días festivos, no puedo sino proponer que utilicemos todas las herramientas y co-creatividad (que la habemos cuando nos ponemos las pilas colaborativas) para comunicar, informar y generar conciencia eco-ambiental sobre algunos temas que impactan y nos impactan en el territorio en que nos movemos. La presentación mas abajo destaca deshechos inaceptables en una costa que se denomina "paraíso natural", y de hecho, en cualquier costa que no se tenga por basural.

Me pregunto si plataformas como Twitter no pueden ayudar a compartir datos en breve y links para estar atentos. Pregunta para seguirla con los amigos de la comunidad Twittera...

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Twitteros en Oviedo

Buscando en Twitter vemos 39 enlaces en tres páginas, son 44 pero observamos que hay tres de un Oviedo que no está en Asturias, y dos con Oviedo como nombre.

Aparece una tribu diversa... tal vez sean múltiples tribus y algunas personas con "twitter" en común.
(y hay un par protegidas...vale, es una opción).

Folgueras, Marquibeck y el amigo Raúl nos encontraremos hoy en el Bodegón de Teatinos... si algún Twittero de Oviedo anda por allí a eso de las 7PM encantados de conocerles en el Oviedo non-virtual.

**Bodegón de Teatinos: C/Puerto de San Isidro, esquina con Puerto de Tama**.
Nos encontramos en la sección de "no fumadores". 19.00hrs hoy Sábado 17.

¡Nos vemos!