ANDALUSIA
DETOUR NEWS AND BITS………
It would be fair to say that we didn´t expect very
much and were not overly excited when we finally launched Andalusia Detours
earlier this year. But we saw the potential……and boy is there ever such
potential……. We didn´t under estimate….or perhaps we did a little…..the task
ahead, how to convince the seasoned and well-travelled motorhome visitor that there is so much more to
Spain than the contrived, crowded and relatively expensive Costa´s.
Its mid-December and I have just returned from a
semi business tour of a few campsites in Andalusia. Many of the sites along the
coast are heaving; ok I understand fully the attraction of Christmas on the
Costa offering like-minded companionship and the chance of much improved
weather….although it would not be for me……but sitting in a bar on one site I
was amazed to hear, time and again, that there was nowhere to go “inland” and
no campsites.
OK, I will concede that there are few campsites
but on my trip the ones I visited were all but empty. Motorhomes moan about the
lack of inland campsites, even though they have not looked….and the point is that
nobody is going to invest in rural sites while the existing ones are
underused…..
Anyway, back to the point. We thought long and
hard about “doing our own thing” in Andalusia as we had been approached and
pushed by a major club to research, recce and run motorhome tours in the region
exclusively on their behalf. A tempting offer but no thanks and no hard
feelings….although who knows, we may well do a few dates for them in the
future.
So, Andalusia Detours launched itself onto the motorhome
touring market with an ambitious 8 tour dates scheduled for 2013. As I write 3 dates
are already FULL. The style remains as with all “Detours” tours ….. Off the
tourist trail and expect the unexpected.
We are strictly limiting these tour groups to
just 9 vehicles….but we will book 10 vehicles allowing for the inevitable
cancellations.
The Andalusia tours will have no impact on our
long established Moroccan tours i.e.
[www.desertdetours.com ] as
we are recruiting additional staff and sourcing extra escort vehicles. In fact a number of clients are joining both
our Moroccan and Andalusia tour on a back-to-back basis, not a bad idea given
the historical and cultural links…..but also the attractive discount
offered!!!!!
If you are interested in one of these outstanding
tours check the website and-or send for an itinerary.
And remember, book before 1st January
1013 and you will receive a FREE Wi-Fi Booster Antenna. …….. Thinking about it
I must post a review on these great bits of kit.
MUCH MORE THAN JUST ROOTS………..…
This Blog is of course primarily about Andalusia
Detours and Andalusia itself…….in fact it’s much more about Andalusia than us
as a company. But perhaps I can take just a few lines to introduce you to our
very own town-village….Alhaurin el Grande…..A locality well worth a visit in
its own right, our transit base to Morocco for many years but now our permanent
home and business location for the last 12 years.
I have but only one regret about leaving the UK to
settle in Alhaurin el Grande…..It is in fact a long story and one I will not
bore you with, suffice to say that Alhaurin was the location where we finally “drove
the peg into the ground” and decided to stay after just two months on the road
at the start of a World Road Trip……Yes, I said it was a long story. Where was
I? Ah yes, just one regret. I regret that I didn´t move here 25 years ago!!!!
That´s not to say that I had a problem with living
in the UK and jumped ship, far from it. Although the chilly and wet life in the
UK was good and the business even better a career of endless travels meant that
I never had the deeper feeling or contact with the UK that perhaps I should
have had. Perhaps my originating from Saskatchewan, Canada had something to do
with it. Who knows? But this piece is about Alhaurin, not me!!
Alhaurin el Grande, from our office window.
We, its inhabitants, are known as alhaurinos
or laurinos. We are also lucky in having an indigenous and ancient
population of Spanish Gypsies, known as Gitanos, who add a mostly colourful and
cultural aspect to our town. [The word "Gitano"
comes from "Egipciano" that is the Spanish for "Egyptian".
Like in the word” Gypsy", which come from "Egyptian", is due to
a medieval belief that the Romani people came from Egypt].
With a population of around 25.000 Alhaurin el
Grande is the thirteenth largest city in the entire province of Málaga, second
only to the coastal municipalities, the cities of Ronda, Antequera and nearby
Alhaurin de la Torre. There is a large presence of foreigners settled in the
town, estimated to represent nearly 5% of the total population, with the minority
of incomers being “Brits”. It also contains the neighbourhoods of Chorro or
San. Anton, el Bajondillo, San Isidro, Camino de Coin, la Huerta, el Barrio del
Alemán and la Fama…..Great names!
We are actually perched high above the town on Sierra
La Mota overlooking Alhaurin with its Serria de Mijas backdrop. Our
re-established finca occupies the ground of an ancient and bloody battle; with
its associated “ghostly apparitions”….and there is another long story. Behind
us rolls the stunning Natural Park of Sierra de las Nieves. We are indeed
fortunate and never forget it!
In the town we can finds traces of ancient
civilisations, abundant Roman and Moorish remains are clear with signs of an
even earlier history marked by the evidence of Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans,
Visigoths and of course Arabs. Indeed it was the Moors who gave us our name,
Alhaurín, meaning "Garden of Allah".
Before then the Romans called us “Lauro
Nova”. In the surrounding forests there are signs of Neolithic occupation,
these traces were found at Las Huertas Altas and near La Casa Forestal.
A summer afternoon in Alhaurin
As with most everywhere else in Andalusia the
earlier “golden age” became more than a little tarnished during the time of the
Visigoths. Although the town was in no real danger of disappearing its
development was exceedingly slow. It was not until the Moors took over and
built a fortress on a hilltop called Torres de Fahala that it began to move
again. The fort was partially wrecked in the destructive zeal of the
Reconquista, but at least the village survived. In the following centuries the
town suffered from invasions, epidemics of plague, and even an earthquake in
1680. During the Peninsular War of 1808-14 it was occupied for four years by
French troops and suffered considerable bombardment.
As side note …… If you believe in fate and
providence it is perhaps not altogether too strange that my aborted “World Road
Trip” should have end at a location where I have so many interests and
“emotional” connections. My office
overlooks the now restored Moors fortress.
If you are ever in the area call us and you may
even get a pint or coffee! There is now a quite acceptable rural campsite, www. Malagamontepark.com , just 5 km outside the town on the A404…….
JUST SOME ANDALUSIA BITS………
SO WHO ARE THE EX-PATS THEN………….
I was
thinking, always dangerous and often pointless. I live in Spain…Andalusia…. And
am considered an Ex-Pat…….By how and why I ask myself, ignoring the obvious?
In 711AD
Spain was invaded by the Umayyid Moslems, or Moors, who overran the crumbling
Visigothic kingdom of Roderick. The Moors originated in North Africa, i.e.
Mauritania and Morocco but originally came from Arabia …..Ex-Pats…… and crossed
the Straits of Gibraltar. OK, the bulk of their army was made up of the
indigenous Berber stock.
In effect the
Moors became ex-pats bringing their culture and customs with them.
Under the
Emirate of Cordoba, the cities of southern Spain, Toledo, Cordoba, and Seville,
speedily became centers of the new culture and were famed for their
universities and architectural treasures like the Alhambra (made possible by
the arch), luster glazing, delicate and lace-like wooden carvings, calligraphy,
gold and silver smiting, the development of steel etc. etc. etc.
Not only were
physical and ascetic changes introduced, but the Moors also introduced the
social custom of chivalry, practiced across the Moslem world. Their impact was
to last seven hundred years and was to have a significant part in leading
medieval Europe out of the Dark Ages.
So, what have
the modern day northern Europeans brought and contributed to Andalusia? Ehhhr,
now let me think……. NOTHING!!!!!
At about the
same time the Moors invaded Spain, the Vikings started raiding from Northern
climes, which was to last for three hundred years. The Viking era culminated in
the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, two weeks before the more famous Battle
of Hastings. Less well known and acknowledged is where Vikings raided, Viking
traders usually followed. Before my family launched off to the shores of the
southern hemisphere's new world in the 1800’s, we can trace our roots back to
the Dane law (or Danelagh) of North and East England and before that Denmark.
It would seem that ex-pat living is in our blood.
In 1066 the
Normans invaded England and won the throne implementing a Norman culture over a
Viking-Anglo-Saxon culture. But where did the Normans come from?
In order to
stop Viking raids in Northern France, the French King offered the Vikings
tracts of land which have since become known as Normandy – home of the North or
Norse men, in effect Viking ex-pats. It was these same North men, or
Francophile-Vikings, that laid claim to the throne of England in 1066. In
winning the throne of England a whole new range of Franco-Viking customs, laws
and language was introduced to England. In order to supplant Anglo-Saxon
culture with that of the Normans, the ruling class of Normandy almost decamped en
masseto England effectively becoming ex-pats again.
And the rest,
as they say, is history….But clearly I need to lie-down for a while, it must be
something I ate !!!!!
MANANA…………
This is absolutely true…so I am told.
Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz was on television with British TV host Anne Diamond when he used the word 'manana'. Diamond asked him to explain what it meant.
Alejandro said that the term means "maybe the job will be done tomorrow, maybe the next day, maybe the day after that. Or perhaps next week, next month, next year. Who cares?"
The host then turned to Irishman Shay Brennan who was also on the show and asked him if there was an equivalent term in Irish.
"No. In Ireland we don't have a word to describe that degree of urgency," replied Brennan.
I MUST
REMEMBER, FLAMINGO IS A BIRD, FLAMENCO IS A DANCE……..
There are few things as emblematic of and as
unique to Spain as flamenco. The distinct guitar, passionately sung songs, and
the heart pounding, rapid and emotionally expressive dance amount to a national
treasure of Spain. This style of dance began in Al-Andalus in the middle Ages
when Muslim rule was in decline, but had existed for centuries. While the
specific origins of flamenco are lost to history, it is clear that there are
Arab influences, especially in the style performed in the Gypsy caves in
Granada.
On a recent walk up to the gypsy caves in
Sacromonte I got into a conversation with a local man, for unexplained reasons
the conversation turned to flamenco. He explained to me that there was in fact
a connection between the centuries of Muslim rule and flamenco and that many
Spaniards were beginning to recognize it as well. This was of no surprising to
me because I had always thought of flamenco as a sultry style of dance,
although hardly a style associated with the stereotypical modesty required of
Muslim women. I had always kept this in the back of my mind whenever watching a
flamenco performance, although I am no real expert on the origins or style of
dance, indeed any dance, I could definitely identify Muslim influences.
Intrigued enough that I returned to the Albaicin
and did some research on the subject and found an article from Saudi Aramco
World about the very connection that the man I met on the way to the gypsy
caves was talking about. (A side note: Saudi Aramco World is a publication by
one of the largest oil producers in the world, based in Saudi Arabia. The
purpose of the magazine is to publicize the positive aspects and history of the
Muslim world.) In the article titled “Exploring flamenco’s Arab roots” from the
November/December 1994 issue it states “the Arab roots of flamenco run deep.
Some scholars believe the word flamenco… is a corruption of the
colloquial Arabic felag mangu, meaning “fugitive peasant” and derived
from a root meaning “to flee.” The term came into use in the 14th century, and
was first applied to the Andalusian Gypsies themselves, who were called either gitanos
or flamencos.”
What I have found most interesting about this
connection though is the fact that Spaniards are beginning to acknowledge and embrace
their Arab roots as well. If they are willing to concede that one of their
unique national treasures is derived from the period of Muslim rule, then
perhaps they are open to the idea of re-connecting with people whom they share
such a history with just across the Straits of Gibraltar. As it is many
Americans inclination to resent the influx of immigrants from Latin America, it
is also the inclination of many Spaniards to resent the influx of immigrants
from the Muslim world. While I do not think for a second that the
acknowledgment of flamenco’s roots will solve this resentment, it may just be
one way to build a much-needed bridge between the cultures that share some
common history.
A POEM…….
Picaso...1906
I spotted this poem, not the picture, while looking for something else [Spanish Gypsy History] on the
internet and liked it!
My Andalusian
Spanish Horse Boy
That Europe wants cast from places too wet and damp
that actual humans can't inhabit
I can teach you how to be more human
but your grass grains kept my Elders alive
and they covered for you when they ran into the night with their diamonds.
Your eyes are such dark pearls
Your mouth is as dark pink as a berry-freshly picked
Your face is gold shone blown from the air
Spanish Horse Boy
That Europe wants cast from places too wet and damp
that actual humans can't inhabit
I can teach you how to be more human
but your grass grains kept my Elders alive
and they covered for you when they ran into the night with their diamonds.
Your eyes are such dark pearls
Your mouth is as dark pink as a berry-freshly picked
Your face is gold shone blown from the air
My Andalusian
Horse Spanish Boy
My Pygmalion ways
would cause catastrophe: for you are pure art.
Yes, that I would live in your tree houses
Yes, that I would play guitar with one string
And learn all your dances
and leave my best dresses behind.
But Roma, Roma, Roma!
You have no home state, no country to make demands from
And they are not impressed with flamenco music
or the special way your women wash their hair with flowers.
Europe pretends to be strong against every gypsy who has broken horses.
I would walk down that road with you
I would walk right in the middle
to be with my Spanish Boy Horse
to show him we are all galaxies and roads are paved with pastness.
I would walk down that main road for you.
But you have no diamond for me.
Still, I would love you from afar
My Andalusian
Spanish Boy.
Horse Spanish Boy
My Pygmalion ways
would cause catastrophe: for you are pure art.
Yes, that I would live in your tree houses
Yes, that I would play guitar with one string
And learn all your dances
and leave my best dresses behind.
But Roma, Roma, Roma!
You have no home state, no country to make demands from
And they are not impressed with flamenco music
or the special way your women wash their hair with flowers.
Europe pretends to be strong against every gypsy who has broken horses.
I would walk down that road with you
I would walk right in the middle
to be with my Spanish Boy Horse
to show him we are all galaxies and roads are paved with pastness.
I would walk down that main road for you.
But you have no diamond for me.
Still, I would love you from afar
My Andalusian
Spanish Boy.
By Eli Spivakovsky
LET’S
DO A PROVINCE…………
Now
and then I may post a brief overview on one of the Andalusia provinces’. So, where
should we start? Jaen is as good as any…….and it’s an area we feature in one of
our tours.
It
is impossible to mention Jaen without in the same sentence mentioning olive
oil. It is the largest single producer of olive oil in Spain and the world.
After years of wholesale to other European countries for repackaging and
rebranding, Jaén is finally now recognising and communicating the exceptional
qualities of its fine olive oils.
Taken from the Arabic word meaning ‘crossroads of
caravans’, Jaén was not always a sleepy, rural province in Spain; it was a
strategic location for both the Romans and the Arabs. It is thought that the
Romans introduced the olive trees to Spain and as a testament to the important
role olives and their ‘liquid gold’ play in Andalusian culture, the typical
scene of rows of green olive trees against the local white chalky soil is
regarded as the inspiration for Andalucía’s flag.
Even before the immense contribution of olive oil,
Jaén had a booming pottery and crafts industry which combined with geopolitical
factors meant wealthy nobility invested heavily here.
The province boasts two of Spain’s most remarkable
renaissance towns, Úbeda and Baeza. Thanks to the relative lack of economic
development over the last half of the twentieth century, these two towns have
remained almost untouched; a living museum of some of the finest palaces,
churches and public buildings. Now these towns are a huge source of cultural
tourism to the area, with visitors drawn by the unprecedented, preserved
architecture, beautiful countryside and exceptional cuisine.
Jaen Cathedral
Úbeda was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
2003 and is centred on the imposing Vázquez de Molina Square, surrounded by
ornate, golden sandstone buildings. This is a town to explore at a mellow pace,
as at every turn there is a site to relish.
Neighbouring Baeza was also recognised by UNESCO is
2003. It is a smaller town, but no less impressive with many of Spain’s best
examples of Italian Renaissance architecture. Elegant squares, intricate
fountains and palatial homes define Baeza. The original university, now part of
the University of Granada, and the cathedral are amongst the highlights of this
exquisite town.
Both cater for the sophisticated traveller, with
boutique hotels, upscale tapas bars and swanky restaurants. These are islands
of culture amongst a sea of olive groves.
Jaén capital was bombed by the Nazis in 1937 and much
of the modern development is without note but at the heart of the city is its
Cathedral, probably one of the most important renaissance cathedrals in Europe.
To enjoy the very best view of the city, climb to the top of the Santa Catalina
hill in the town. At the very top is an ancient fortress dating back to the
ninth century Moors. It is now a Parador Hotel and offers the most privileged
vantage point from which to enjoy the city.
It is the province’s natural beauty though which
probably leaves the most lasting memory. Jaén is lucky enough to have some of
Spain’s most spectacular natural parks, including the exceptional ‘Sierras de
Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas’ Natural Park. This is Spain’s largest protected
area, covering more than 200,000 hectares and is a testament to the unique
biodiversity of Andalucía.
Eagles and vultures fly overhead, whilst the rivers
and lakes teem with life; and the forests of pine and oak are a popular hunting
ground for Iberian game. The scale and drama of Cazorla is immense, without
comparison in Europe. The park is popular with those enjoying not only
tranquillity and relaxation but also adventure sports and mountain activities,
catered for by a range of boutique and rustic accommodation.
Like I said we feature parts of the Jaen province
in one of our tours……all be it a more off-the-tourist trail.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFT OVER
TURKEY BITS………….
Left-over
turkey, even dry, overcooked, scrappy bits are good in soups, salads,
sandwiches, stews, smothered in sauce or topped with a poached or fried egg.
But here is a local bar favourite
alternative I enjoy…… I am not sure how “Andalusia” it is, but it’s were I had
it so it is as far as I am concerned……Actually I think it is of Mexican
origin…. But hey-hoe, it beats Curried Turkey hands down!
THE STUFF YOU NEED…….Of course you can improvise ……
- 1 (15-ounce) can
chopped tomatoes, drained
- 1 small, firm white
roll, toasted and torn into small pieces
- 3 ounces Mexican chocolate (such as Ibarra),
chopped
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds,
toasted
- 1 teaspoon ground
cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon whole
coriander seeds, toasted
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly
ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground
cloves
- About 1/2 cup
vegetable oil
- 16 dried mulato chilies,
stemmed, seeded, and deveined (about 8 ounces)
- 6 pasilla chilies,
stemmed, seeded, and deveined (about 2 ounces)
- 4 ancho chilies,
stemmed, seeded, and deveined (about 3 ounces)
- 1/2 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 small onion, roughly
chopped
- 2 cloves garlic,
sliced
- 2 cups Quick Turkey Stock
- 1 chipotle Chile
(canned, from 1 can chipotle chilies in adobo sauce; reserve sauce and
remaining chilies for another use)
- 1 tablespoon (packed)
dark brown sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher
salt
AND THEN WHAT YOU DO………
·
In large bowl,
combine tomatoes, bread, chocolate, sesame seeds, cinnamon, coriander seeds,
black pepper, and cloves. Set aside.
·
In large, heavy
skillet over moderately high heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil until hot but not
smoking. Working in about 5 batches and adding 1 tablespoon oil between each
batch, fry mulato, pasilla, and ancho chilies until beginning to blister and
change colour, about 15 seconds per side (do not burn). Using tongs and shaking
off excess oil, transfer chilies to large bowl. Add boiling water to cover and
let soak until softened, about 45 minutes.
·
Meanwhile, in
same skillet over moderately high heat, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil until
hot but not smoking. Add almonds and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes. Using
slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel–lined plate, reserving oil. Add raisins
to oil in skillet and sauté until plump, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper
towel–lined plate, again reserving oil. Add onion and garlic to skillet and
sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
·
Transfer onion,
garlic, almonds, and raisins to bowl with tomato mixture. Add 1/2 cup stock.
Transfer mixture to food processor and purée until smooth. Return to skillet
and set aside.
·
When the chilies
have softened, drain, pat dry, and transfer to food processor. Add chipotle and
1/2 cup stock and purée until smooth.
·
Transfer the chili
mixture to skillet with tomato mixture. Stir in remaining 1 cup stock, brown
sugar, and salt. Set over moderately high heat and bring to simmer, then reduce
heat to moderately low and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Let cool, then use to coat turkey or store
in refrigerator up to 3 days.
TIME FOR A DRINK……..OR
TWO!.........
Málaga
began as a deep brown, rich, raisin wine, from a recipe and method created by
the Greeks in 600 BC. It found its way to the Andalucia region of Spain - the
same region that Sherry originated in - around the
1100s. It was originally called Xarabal Malaguii, "Málaga
syrup", and was very sweet.
|
In 44 AD, Columela wrote about the fine wines available in the Roman Province of Málaga. Its popularity grew. During the 1500s, something had to be done to wine to allow it to last the
Long
ocean journeys. Brandy was added to allow the wine to last longer, and to be
more resistant to temperature changes. This is why Málaga is termed a
"fortified wine".
Spain now produces 5.8 million gallons of Málaga a year. Practically this whole region is dedicated to the creation of these fine wines.
Málaga is mostly made with the Pedro ximinez grape, along with some Muscat of Alexandria. Málaga must actually be aged in the city of Málaga to earn the name. Málaga is regulated by the Consejo Regulator.
There are 16 main types of Málaga. Common ones are:
Spain now produces 5.8 million gallons of Málaga a year. Practically this whole region is dedicated to the creation of these fine wines.
Málaga is mostly made with the Pedro ximinez grape, along with some Muscat of Alexandria. Málaga must actually be aged in the city of Málaga to earn the name. Málaga is regulated by the Consejo Regulator.
There are 16 main types of Málaga. Common ones are:
- Lagrima
- very sweet, free run (i.e. not pressed)
- Moscatel
- sweet, aromatic, using the muscatel grapes only
- Pedro
Ximinez - sweet, using the Pedro ximinez grapes only
- Solera
- coming from a dated solera (see sherry for a description of
solera)
These wines are very sweet and velvety, and differ slightly depending on the grape mixture used. Málaga wine is best served around at 20C.
A REALLY GOOD
READ………..
The every-ready Kindle had hidden in its well loaded depths …… I often
forget what I have bought for a later read….. one such gem. The Cross and
Crescent is a must for anyone interested in the history of Andalusia Spain. But
it is so much more than that……… An outstanding read and, using the over-used cliché,
one I couldn´t put down.
The Cross and Crescent is about the spiritual quest of two men, a Muslim
and a Christian, caught in the collision of worlds, during the first major
confrontation between Islam and Europe. But like I said there is so much more
than that.
In the early 8th century, the Muslims conquer Spain and begin moving north, entering an alien world of dark forests, inhabited by Germanic people who the Muslims regard as barbarian infidels. A refined Arab noble, Ali, captures a beautiful Frankish girl and her escort, Christival, and brings them to the sun-drench splendour of Cordova [Cordoba]. Ali’s tortured love for the Christian girl and his growing respect for Christival challenges his belief in the supremacy of Islam and the righteousness of its Holy War.
In the early 8th century, the Muslims conquer Spain and begin moving north, entering an alien world of dark forests, inhabited by Germanic people who the Muslims regard as barbarian infidels. A refined Arab noble, Ali, captures a beautiful Frankish girl and her escort, Christival, and brings them to the sun-drench splendour of Cordova [Cordoba]. Ali’s tortured love for the Christian girl and his growing respect for Christival challenges his belief in the supremacy of Islam and the righteousness of its Holy War.
Seven years later, Christival returns to his northern homeland,
estranged from his wife and primitive people, who worship Jesus and sacred
trees in the same breath, and regard the distant south as a world of heathen
devils. Christival must wrestle with his Christian roots, his rich memories of
Cordova, his forbidden love for a Muslim girl and his admiration for Ali.
In their journeys into strange lands, in their struggles to find wisdom, faith and love in a ruthless age, the lives and spirits of Ali and Christival converge – even as their competing civilizations move toward the Battle of Tours (732 AD), a bloody contest that will shape the future divisions between Islam and the West.
In their journeys into strange lands, in their struggles to find wisdom, faith and love in a ruthless age, the lives and spirits of Ali and Christival converge – even as their competing civilizations move toward the Battle of Tours (732 AD), a bloody contest that will shape the future divisions between Islam and the West.
Cross and Crescent was an outstanding read and one that not only
delivers a story of pace and depth but delivers an insight to those complicated
and often miss-represented times. In fact as I closed the last page I started
again at the beginning!
Written in the tradition of Shogun, Cold Mountain, The Killer Angels and As a Driven Leaf, this novel transports the reader back to a little-known and extraordinary period of history.
Written in the tradition of Shogun, Cold Mountain, The Killer Angels and As a Driven Leaf, this novel transports the reader back to a little-known and extraordinary period of history.
Available of course for the Kindle ……… Cross and Crescent by Michael Uhry Newman and if you do
read it let me know what YOU thought!!!!
