The Ham Shop That Stops You in Your Tracks

One of the things I enjoy about wandering through Spanish cities is that you don't have to go looking for a food experience. Sometimes it simply appears in front of you.

In this case, it was an unassuming little shop selling ibéricos — those wonderfully Spanish cured meats — somewhere in the streets of Segovia.

The first thing that caught my eye was the enormous cured ham hanging above the entrance. Then I noticed the rows of hams suspended inside the shop, almost like a rather unusual chandelier. Through the window, there were shelves and counters piled with beautifully arranged slices of jamón, chorizo and other cured meats.

And clearly I wasn't the only person who had been tempted inside. There was already a small crowd gathered at the doorway, with people studying the displays and waiting to see what deliciousness was on offer.

I particularly like the way the shop looked against its surroundings. The old Segovian building had its ornate iron balcony, weathered walls and a wonderful tangle of overhead cables, while the smart dark-green storefront looked almost theatrical by comparison.

And then there was that €5.90 sign advertising a ham-filled baguette.

Suddenly, sightseeing seemed to have a very practical purpose. 😄

Segovia is, of course, well known for its food traditions, and Iberian ham and other cured meats are very much part of the gastronomic landscape of the province.

For me, this photograph is a little reminder of one of the pleasures of travelling: sometimes the most memorable discoveries aren't monuments or famous sights. They're the ordinary shops that make you stop, look through the window and wonder what everyone else has discovered.

And judging by the queue, this particular discovery involved jamón.

Silent Stories#12

The effigy of Sir John de Montacute, 1st Baron Montagu, is a remarkable medieval sandstone funerary monument located in Wiltshire, England.

Key Features of the Effigy

• Design: It consists of a recumbent, highly detailed stone sculpture of a knight, resting atop a tomb chest decorated with tracery.

• Attitude: Sir John is depicted lying face upwards, with his hands clasped together in the traditional pose of prayer.

• Armour and Costume: He is dressed in full medieval armour typical of a knight of the period.

• Unique Details: The monument is particularly notable for its representation of distinctive medieval armour details, including spiral lacing.

Context of the Monument

Sir John de Montacute was a prominent English nobleman and a loyal servant of King Edward III. He was associated with the military campaigns of the period, including the Siege of Calais. Although he died in 1390, the monument itself is believed to date from around the late 14th century. Detailed studies and illustrations of the effigy are preserved in historical records, including prints held by the British Museum.

The answer to my previous post's little mystery.

Mystery revealed! 

Here's a wider view showing where it is.

A few of you came very close with your guesses.

The mystery photo was taken looking up at the decorative installation hanging in the atrium of Hotel Palma Kotor in Montenegro. From directly underneath, it creates an interesting optical illusion and almost looks like a giant wheel or umbrella.

Thanks to everyone who joined in the guessing!