Rute - 18 September 2007:

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About 35km north of Antequera is the town of Rute.  The destination of 53 people attracted by an outing of visits to Anis, Turron, Chocolate and Ham factories and museums, together with a lunch at a local 3 star hotel. All organised by the Valle Association’s Social Committee.

 On Tuesday 18 September, the coach left the Hotel Romero at just before 9am. As we travelled north via Colmenar, Anne Dibden explained the programme for the day and handed out maps of the town of Rute for those who chose to explore.

 A free raffle was held for Association members on the coach with cash prizes. (2 x 50€ and 5 x 20€) which were drawn as we approached Rute. (well done David and Yvonne who managed to claim 2 of the prizes)

 The first stop was a restaurant at Estacion de Salinas for coffee and comfort break.  Then on to Rute via Iznájar and it’s reservoir. (much bigger than Vinuela but similarly low)

 Unfortunately the Donkey Sanctuary wasn’t available, (a late message from the Tourist Office) so the first visit of the day was to the Anis museum and factory.  Here we wandered past stacks of barrels and an assortment of tools and gadgets into a pleasant courtyard where we could relax amongst the trees, shrubs and flowers.  In the factory, the process of producing the Anis was explained followed by “tastings” of the various drinks supplied from the factory. Then, of course, on to the shop where quite a few bottles were purchased.

Just round the corner from the Anis factory was the Ham Museum. Here we were shown some of the history of the ham production together with “tastings” of samples of ham and sausage.

 We then made use of our maps to walk through the town, via a visit to one of the many churches, to meet the coach again. Some of the ladies took the opportunity to visit some of the shops on the way through the town. (and still got to the coach on time!)

 About 5 minutes on the coach took us to the Hotel el Mirador. A fairly modern hotel situated across the valley from the town.

 The hotel’s dining room was partitioned off for us and tables laid out for 8´s and 10´s. The waiter was very efficient and the service quick.

 Lunch consisted of a choice of a soup or pasta starter, followed by a local meat or fish delicacy. The sweet was called “pionono ruteño” a combination of a soft pastry filled with a creamy butter. Very nice for those not watching their waste line. Beer and wine was also provided on the tables. We had an hour to relax, have a coffee and wander through the gardens of the hotel before we were back on the coach for our next visit, just across the town.

 The Garrido factory has been producing nougat, marzipan, ice cream, cakes and biscuits since 1948. From a gallery we watched one of the wrapping and packing processes, with surprisingly, very few machines involved. Our visit coincided with the first day of production for this season, building to a rush before Christmas. Some of our group were tempted by the produce displayed in the shop. Unfortunately, the sweets museum was not ready for visitors nor the chocolate factory (our next intended port of call), which didn’t open until November! (Bum information from the Tourist Office).

 On the way back members of the social committee collected comment sheets from those who wanted to make a comment or suggestion.

 We got back to the Hotel Romano just after 7pm after a very enjoyable day.

 Well done and thank you to the Social Committee.

 Peter Goreham