Tuesday 20 December 2011

la sala de camós and idyllic catalan countryside

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After the Dalí museum last weekend, we spent the night in a hotel that used to be a ... sala. Having asked and forgotten at least three times what a sala is I finally read the hotel's webpage, which informed me that "during the Medieval period, when the threat of wars lessened, noblemen abandoned their castles to dwell in defenses called 'salas.' These buildings were characterized by strong stone walls and a watchtower." So.... a fortified house, I guess. Anyway, should you ever find yourself in the countryside between Catalonia and the French border, or, as my boyfriend would say, Catalonia and Catalonia North, I highly recommend La Sala de Camós, lodged in an original 12th century building. Inside it's cozy, with a roaring fire that we ate dinner in front of (and then fell asleep in front of by accident) beamed ceilings and friendly staff. Outside, well, despite being December it was a sunny and glorious morning, and both the sala and the rectory next door were were like a trip back in time, nestled amongst the green Catalan fields.

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Photos by me and Albert

I'm wearing an Only dress, a scarf made in France (but bought in North Vancouver somewhere) and boots from Barcelona four years ago.

31 comments:

Anita said...

Lovely photography.
http://xtheperfectmess.blogspot.com

Anita said...

Lovely photography.
http://xtheperfectmess.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Wow that place is amazing, I've read about salas before (my brother is so into castles since we were children) really nice that they made it into a hotel! Last picture of you is breath taking!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

Rachel Marie said...

You have such a beautiful blog! I love the header. The Wizard of Oz is a story that's always close to my heart :)

Thanks for visiting my blog and for taking the time to comment! I always appreciate feedback from my readers :)

www.thequirkypoet.blogspot.com

Virginie's Cinema said...

Sure seems like Albert and you are enjoying the Holiday season to the fullest! I enjoyed your post about the Dali museum so much, I'm a huge huge fan of his art and himself as a character!

The happiest Holidays to you my dear!!

Virginie ♥

Closet Fashionista said...

Wowie! you've been going to so many beautiful houses/castles lately! :D
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

joy said...

The photos are gorgeous and I love your dress :)

Unknown said...

Oh goodness, what beautiful photos! I hope someday I'll make it to the Catalan countryside - it looks amazing. Also, that dress is lovely on you, and that scarf complements it so well!

rose japan said...

Holá Emily este lugar es muy bonito, hermosa esta bufanda,No sé si ese es el nombre de scarf- bufanda...
Disfruta bien de tu viaje
besos rose jp

Rebeccak said...

I love the photos and am continuing to be jealous of your travel adventures!

Chelle said...

Amazing photos, and you are beautiful!

Xo Chelle
discoveringelegance.com

Rachel, Cold Knees said...

Sounds like such an interesting place! I'm pretty jealous of all your castle and nice houses you seem to end up sleeping in :p xx

C.G. Koens said...

Love that pool, looks like a beautiful place to visit and relax (mmm...falling asleep in front of a fire? Yes please.), and that final photo of you is just beautiful! Merry Christmas!

Norbyah said...

i'm living vicariously through you....your pictures and this place are amazing. i love the shots with the sun behind you, just kind of peeking through bits of your hair....so sweet....

hope your christmas is merry!
xo
n

Diana said...

honestly dali is one of my favorite artists -- i love his wacky art its seriously so interesting. I went to his art exhibit a few years back at the MOMA in nyc and it was incredible, but they didn't have the pieces in your last post! they're so unique and i had no idea he made jewelry!! ps your travels are gorgeous i love these hillsides (and you look so french!) love this outfit :) xoxo

http://dressedupallligators.blogspot.com/

Opal Wells said...

beautiful photos! My husband and I are visiting Europe next spring (it will be my first time out of the states) and plan on going to the Dali museum. I'm sure it was wonderful.

What was your favorite part of Barcelona? We will be there the longest.

anna said...

that's one of the things i'd love to do sometime: live in a castle for a day... or perhaps just a little more!

thank you so much for visiting and for leaving a comment! and on top of it a revolutionary one! :-)

callie said...

I always love reading your posts and seeing your amazing photos. I know I haven't been a great commenter as of late, but know that I've been lurking! Your posts help to satisfy my wanderlust a little until I can afford to go somewhere again.

When I was in Provence I wanted to hop over to Spain so badly but I never had the chance. Next time!

gs said...

Beautiful pictures - makes me want to go traveling again!

-Gillian
www.oystervintage.com

Zane said...

love that dress on you, beautiful photos as well

sweet harvest moon said...

Beautiful pictures!

Marise said...

That place looks amazing in every single way! I'm loving those pretty houses!

And your dress is more than lovely :)

Maria- CityLaundry said...

aah this place looks so magical!
i love the stone walls, these pictures are great!
you look lovely!
xx

http://www.citylaundry.blogspot.com

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

From castles to a sala, your travels as of late have been rather romantic. Really lovely photos, Emily. Both of the countryside and of you!

Ashley said...

these are lovely! I'm wishing I could sleep on that hammock, next to that sala...just lovely.

Monique said...

you guys go on the best dates! falling asleep in front of a cozy fire sounds perfect right now.

out of order said...

ooh lovely photos :)

Ana said...

gorgeous photos!!!
Sounds like an awesome trip!
:D

Helen at THELOVECATSINC said...

beautiful photos!

definitely going to be following your blog!

helen @ thelovecatsINC

http://thelovecatsinc.blogspot.com

b and e said...

beautiful images!

bxx

The Semi Sweet said...

You have some pretty cool adventures heading up to old castles and what not. Love these photos!