On September 10th, 2022 in the Sierra de Gata, Extremadura, we are celebrating our wonder and joy in life, and especially the coming together of our lives in the present moment. Each of us brings to the other a lifetime of family and friends and gratitude to you all for helping us be who we are today. We would be delighted if you could join us for this day – or days, if you can stay longer.
The Event: What to expect
The location: The Sierra de Gata.
John has lived in the Sierra de Gata, in the NorthWest corner of Extremadura, for 14 years. It is worth a visit. Here is a link to a short film about Santibañez el Alto where he has a house within the fortress walls. https://youtu.be/rBV46qCHRoQ
If you can give yourself a few days to explore the Sierra you will surely find delights aplenty in its restaurants, natural pools for swimming, its birds and its villages and a people who are always welcoming and generous.
What might happen on the day
The village is celebrating the Day of Extremadura. You are invited by the Mayor to participate in all the events of the day and you are especially invited by Callie and myself to our own ceremony which we are planning alongside the village festival.
Santibañez el Alto is on a steep hill and just in case that is too challenging for some of you our ceremony and evening meal will be in Cadalso {8km from Santibañez el Alto} and is by the river.
Before that, however, Santibañez el Alto has a full day of activities including a village paella at midday to which everyone of you is invited.
At about 7 pm drinks will be served and some of our children will say a few words about their parent. Other contributions will be welcomed.
The ceremony itself will take place after this and Callie and I will plight our troth and a bit more. Food will be served and we are hoping to arrange music and dancing.
Attire
Hopefully the men will be in kilts.
Apart from the men, nothing over dressy is required. We would like you feel free to mix in with the local community which is rural and traditional. Just don’t outshine Callie by too much.
Accomodation.
In Cadalso, Casa Piri has reasonably priced rooms and is near the swimming area.
Tel: 927441500
Booking.com is getting short of places for that weekend. If you have problems please send us a Whatapp +34669499380
There is a Youth Hostel in Torrre Don Miguel. tel. 651119645
They also offer pizzas. These villages are all close together.
Please be in touch and especially let us know if you need a bed in our house in the bull ring. +34699499380.
Transport
Public transport can get you nearby.
The Sierra de Gata is most easlity visited by your own transport. It is about 3.5 hrs by car from Madrid. However, we are going to arrange mini-buses for those who need either transport from the Airport or collection at a Renfe station. Plascencia is the nearest station and is about 70 k from Gata. There is also one bus a day from Madrid to Plascencia with connections to Moraleja which is about 25k distant.
Again please ring for help. +34 669499380
Finally
We know that a number of our friends have special needs and attending this special day for us might be challenging. We hope you can make it and please let us know if we can help in any way.
Please do come and make this a special occasion for everyone. We do not see ourselves as the central characters in this day: far from it. It is you, our children our families and our friends whom we see as trully remarkable. Come and meet each other and discover these rich seams within the clans. And enjoy the day{s}.
There is no gift list and no gifts are expected.
Link to the original Raft-of-corks site. https://the-raft-of-corks.com/blog/