Fish sauce anyone?

We went for a brief exploratory wander round Almuñecar this evening. I expected it to be just another typical seaside resort, so we were a bit surprised to come across a Phoenician fish-salting factory in the park. A source of the famously smelly garum, a Roman fermented fish sauce that was exported around the empire; Almuñecar was a major producer in the 5th century BC. So this is my offering for Derelict Sunday this week.

In the morning, S went for a walk in the hills around Itrabo. As he approached the summit, a Landrover passed and stopped. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the driver said, "By the way, do you want to buy a farmhouse?" "No," replied S. "Oh. Do you have any friends who do?" Sadly he was unable to oblige.

For lunch we went to our local. The place was heaving -- the terrace was full with long tables for a group totalling perhaps 60 people, and all the tables inside were soon taken too. The staff, rushed off their feet, served us a three-course meal, drinks, bread, and coffee for 9 euros each, and it was excellent value. No wonder it's so popular with locals; at that price it's hardly worth cooking lunch yourself.