”The Principality of Asturias, a region of northwest Spain, is known for its rugged coast, mountains, religious sites and medieval architecture”. But we’re in Asturias not for any of that, but to visit Janet & Celso, friends who we’ve known for more than 50 years (Sandra & Janet trained as nurses together). We last caught up with them when they lived in Madrid, but they recently relocated to the city of Gijon (or Xixón as it’s know in the local lingo) and have taken on the monumental task of completely renovating an apartment in an early 20th century “listed” building in the centre of the city.

But Janet & Celso take time out from chasing up the various contractors who are months behind in finishing their complex renovation to introduce us to a variety of local delicacies…..

…..local wine (and traditional cider), the city of Gijon and the surrounding beautiful scenery

The surrounding beautiful scenery…..we spend a day in the mountainous region south of Oviedo (30 km from Gijon) the capital of Asturias.

Celso is driving some narrow windy roads seeking a a “typical” local restaurant for a long, late lunch. I’m the navigator and I’m using Google Maps with the help of a lady with a nice American voice. We’re directed down a narrow country lane, with the designation “MO-5” - turn right onto “Missouri 5”, intones our Google Maps guide! And then a little bit further on we are instructed to turn left on to “RI-2” as the unsuspecting locals know it, but…..you guessed it…..“Rhode Island 2” intones our Google Maps guide!!

Never have we travelled from Missouri to Rhode Island at such speed……😂😂