14/09/2023
2023.06.05 Monday Pola de Allande to Grandas de Salime 39,9 km.
Our stay at Hotel Nueva Allandesa at 49€ for the night was pleasant and we had a great dinner for 14€ for two, including two beers at Restaurant Lozano around the corner.
Some unexpected work items came up and we decided to get our laundry done in the morning and attend to the work from one of the cafes.
We put our laundry in one of the washing machines at La Lavanderia de Pola (3€ to wash and 2€ to dry) and took residency at Café Centro Pizzeria Pola de Allande next door.
We decided to either find transport to Grandas de Salime or stay another night in Pola de Allande.
The cafe owner was super helpful and we took the 16h15 bus to Grandas de Salime from outside the laundromat for 8€50 each.
The route took us through spectacular countryside and over a mountain.
The profile picture of the route gives a very concise explanation for the presence of so many Peligrino Taxis in the town!
The bus trip trip took slightly more than an hour and a half. It was evident that the driver worked in the South African minibus taxi industry at some point. An exhilarating experience to say the least.
We managed to find a private room, with an ensuite bathroom at the recently renovated Albergue Porta de Grandas for 38 €.
Our feelings of guilt for taking the bus disappeared with the assistance of pizza and beer at the tavern next to the church. It had 3 tables inside and 4 outside. We had a great evening with the local residents and their dogs. The owner and his daughter were great hosts.
Grandas de Salime is geared for festivities and there is a large communal braai facilities in Parque Principe de Asturias.