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Holiday focus Spain
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18 - 25 June
€510 (farmhouse) €420 (camping) Early-bird 10% discount for bookings before end of February 2010
Spain still has a strong tradition of herbal medicine. Local folk pick wild chamomile and collect wild food from the country around their homes and they will consult the “curandera” or “curandero” (healer) specialising in such things as bone-setting, or skin complaints. In the local markets the herbalist’s is usually one of the larger stalls, with sacks containing a fascinating variety of spices and herbs, culinary and medicinal. The herbalist and author, Julio Donat has lived for over two decades in his typical Alpujarran cortijo, La Palmera, surrounded by lush green gardens. He has brought up his children in this wonderful environment, and devoted his working life to the study, cultivation and use of medicinal plants.
Hidden in the valley of Padre Eterno his home is named after the palm tree beside the house. He has chosen a simple and healthy lifestyle; growing, gathering and preserving herbs, making unguents and selling products in local markets and shops. He owns no car; to reach his home you follow the old camino down a steeply terraced hillside, or find the path beside one of the three Moorish acequias which water our fertile valley. Sophie Paulding grew up in the Alpujarras and returned to the UK for her higher education and degree studies. In 2006 she graduated from Middlesex University with a BSc in Herbal Medicine and she has now returned to the area to practice her skill. Their expertise, skill and wide local knowledge will be shared with you during this week of herbalism and walking.
The week: Julio is a skilled and enthusiastic teacher, and has run courses for the last decade. He will introduce you to the vast and intriguing world of plants, teaching you to identify the varied flora of the Sierra Nevada (including medicinal, edible, and dangerous plants). You will learn about the qualities of different plants, collecting methods, drying,conserving and cultivating....Sophie will teach simple traditional methods of preparing plant medicines: infusions, decoctions, tinctures, creams, ointments, poultices, liniments, syrups, vinegars and sprays. By the end of the course you will be able to create your own home-made herbal First Aid Kit! Throughout the week you can explore the region’s exceptional countryside on walks with us, giving you an opportunity to experience the wide variety of plants found in the Alpujarra – a superb setting for your growing knowledge and a wonderful activity holiday!
Accommodation: will be in neighbouring converted farmhouses (€510pp,single room supplement, €70, limited availability), or on camp at La Dominga* (individual tents - €420). Early-bird 10% discount for bookings before end of February
Food: the usual Bootlace vegetarian board!
Group size: up to 12
Workshop time: approx. 15 hours
Walks: two full and two half-day excursions
For more information contact Bootlace c/o Cortijo Romero Tel: 01494 765775 or visit www.bootlace.com
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