For some time I have been dreaming of going to Falset.
Something about the name conjured up an image of a garden of delights.
When we finally went there a couple of weeks ago it didn’t disappoint.
We had only one night, staying with a kind and interesting aunt who made us very comfortable in her beautiful house with it’s idyllic walled garden

Walking around the town, I heard and saw my first swallows of the year

The place seemed peopled by some strange new race who smiled and greeted you on every corner. Even the children called out Bon Dia and Adeu! The houses have hooks outside the doors conveniently placed for tying up your donkey

Duna found a friend and spent half an hour circling and sniffing and approaching and retreating without a single growl or curling of lip

We walked on Sunday morning to the St Gregory hermitage which is set in the rocks and scented by wild rosemary, passing on the road this strange mysterious arch

 The aunt has adopted the wonderful habit of eating all her meals out, thus avoiding the problem of shopping, cooking or washing up. Who is it that does this in London? Gilbert and George I think.
So we had lunch and dinner in the restaurant at the local pool, La Piscina, where she was greeted with hugs and kisses from all the staff and we ate wonderful things like grilled asparagus with Romesco, fish soup

 baked cod

 and of course puddings!  Crema catalana and apple tart

All accompanied by the delicious wine of the region. Perhaps it is because I first tasted the wine from Falset before going there that I had such a predisposition to love the place.