Magic Word Iberico

Monesterio. Today we set off from Seville towards Montemolin, our third stage on the Via de la Plata. We had to cover about 100 kilometers to reach this small community with just under 1300 inhabitants – our longest stage on the Silver Road. However, we opted against the highway and for the N630, where we intend to cover most of our route to Gijon on the Atlantic coast.

We did not regret our decision. We traveled along the spacious country road, practically alone except for a few motorcyclists and cyclists – all of whom were heading in the opposite direction – and had the chance to enjoy this unique landscape. After just a few kilometers, we left Andalusia and entered Extremadura, a region with a natural diversity unmatched anywhere in Europe. Here, an impressive number of bird species, including the bluethroat, the griffon vulture, and the majestic Spanish imperial eagle, make their home. When Icke takes her camera in hand, she begins to tremble slightly with excitement.

I'm less interested in the birds; instead, I’m much more fascinated by the Iberico. These are the small, swift, mostly dark-colored pigs that produce the tender ham that tastes so nutty and nearly melts on the tongue. The flavor comes from the acorns with which the animals are fattened. We marveled at the many peculiar trees that stand in the meadows as we drove along. Icke identified a tree as an oak with her app, and now it's clear why so many of them grow here. They provide the acorns, the feed for the pigs.

We had bad luck today. The town hall in Montemolin is closed – it’s likely to be like this on Saturdays. This means for us: no stamp in our passport. So, we drove back to Monesterio and are now parked at an official spot right next to a supermarket. I took this as a sign – you know I believe in signs, fate, and such – and I bought a kilo of the various types of Iberico. With the long wait until Monday – when the town hall hopefully opens again – feeling hungry can be very unpleasant. Furthermore, my old boss Bernhard Stuhlfelner said: “You must know what you are writing about.” So, you can already prepare yourselves for the next few days – your mouths will water, as they say in Uckermark …