A few days ago we stopped in a small town called Umieta after spending much longer than excepted on the road. Our intended destination was San Sebastian but the bicycle path we were following changed from a pleasant dirt track to one more suitable for mountain biking. Amaya had endured 20km of pot holes filled with muddy water and we were exhausted after a couple of days of difficult mountain passes. So in spite of being only 10km short of San Sebastian we hastily found a hotel. The hotel owner was excited to hear Shoshanna was from New Zealand and called out to the neighbour who also happened to be a Kiwi. Yos has lived in Umieta for the last 9 years with his wife, Maria, and lovely daughter, Intza.
Yos invited us to have lunch on Sunday in a Cider House. We had no idea what an awesome experience this would be. It is an amazing place, people eating big hunks of bloody meat, seated at long timber benches and yelling to make themselves heard. The best part of it all is that cider is drunk directly from the 14000 litre barrels. One simply holds ones glass under the tap and, presto, freshly pressed apple cider.
It was a feast of protein! Chorizo, fish omelete, massive steaks and sheep cheese and walnuts to finish.
Amaya took an instant liking to Intza and they waltzed around the cider house like long lost friends.
Walking between massive barrels of cider
An apple pendulum!
To add to the experience a semi professional rugby team from Barcelona was celebrating their win over San Sebastian. There were a number of kiwis in the team who treated us to a display of the Haka. A magical clash of cultures!
We left full of cider, protein and joy. Not making it to San Sebastian after that nasty day of riding will be something we always remember with fondness.
Babyonabike 
Thats the funniest thing I’ve seen for a long time, and am imagining things or has Amaya got a tail in one of those pictures?? Have you got a tail Amaya?
Don’t think she has her tail on. She would have if she had thought about it. Glad you like the Haka!
Wonderful!! What a brilliant surprise after such a difficult few days. It must have felt like you’d fallen into a fairy tale!
Just LOVED the haka! Amazing who you find in these wonderful corners of the world… GO AMAYA! xxx
It was great that our paths crossed on your journey. It’s what makes travelling worthwhile. I hope the memory will last long. If you ever have the urge to pass by our little town again there will be plenty of chuletas and sidra to consume. As we say in Euskera, TXOTX eta ONDO PASA.
Yos, Maria & Intza.
Hi Yos
We really had a wonderful time with you! Not a day goes by where Amaya doesn’t ask if she will see Intza again. So if ever you come through Sydney please let us know!
Sounds like fun! Especially the big hunks of bloody meat 🙂 How awesome to discover all these interesting people and places along your path. I’m in Nicaragua now, thinking of you guys!
Hey Susan. Awesome to hear you are in Nicaragua. Hope all is going well there! We hope to make it back one day.
What wonderful adventures! Amaya looks so very happy – being on the road clearly suits her! We’re thinking about you every day and are glad you are all so well.
Hey Tim and Carol. Thanks for your support throughout our journey we really appreciate it. Hope both of you are well and we look forward to seeing you next year at the wedding!