Viejo Molino de Cela

Today I found myself reflecting back to this same calendar day a year ago, last May 23rd when we slipped away for an overnight stay at a charming 17th-century mill on the banks of the River Tuerto.

The Viejo Molino de Cela was the perfect retreat for a birthday celebration, being only a ten minute drive from our city of Astorga.

There abundant wisteria gracefully laced its way through the lattice for overhead shade

above a private patio for refreshments and intimate chats. 

The Old Milll of Cela’s estate was surrounded by the river on all sides and a terrace that provided a view of its garden, whose lily pond I found particularly enchanting.

After a long walk through the woods we were delighted to return to find we could play table tennis next to open fields of green and in the company of a friendly horse who came to say hello during our rousing competition. 

Although we liked all of the classic-style rooms we especially liked ours with wooden floors and a private marbled tub.

Later that evening we were served a delicious vegetarian meal upon request of carrot soup with fresh baked bread and vegetable pie in the spacious dining room over the river.  Unforgettably rustic and romantic to the very last detail like this birthday note from proprietress and author, Mercedes Unzeta Gullón. Her book, of which I'll write more later, came home with us, of course. 

Happy Birthday Memories, Enrique my love. Here's to many more to come!