4th Encounter of our Friends and Adopters: What an Amazing Day!
On Sunday, March 13, around twenty Friends and Adopters of Ralda + Friends gathered in Godall to celebrate the traditional Annual Encounter. It was a very international group with over 20 people of 5 nationalities with people from Argentina, Peru, South Africa and Italia living between Ampolla, Barcelona, Tamarit, Salou and Terrassa. Because of the pandemic, the last meeting took place 2 years ago already. Finally, though, we all enjoyed the warmth and finery of our village and its Oil and Asparagus Fair with its new format in the hearth of Godall.
The group gathered at Ralda’s house from 10.00 am, just to be welcomed with coffee and local delicatessen such as the Rotllets d’Anís (delicious fried doughnuts) or the “cócs de maçana” (apple cakes) prepared by Yaya Pili. Pierre and Lorena introduced both the project and the family history, especially to our most recent friends. Next, a tasting of our Pack Trio oils served as a prelude to a guided visit to the local Oil Mill. The explanations led us to discover the careful process that each olive follows, from its harvesting until it becomes the finest oil. Innovations and improvements on the facility were presented to us, to explain how the local Cooperative has become internationally recognized in recent years.
Around noon, the group completed a pleasant promenade that took them to visit some of the more characteristic spots, as well as the attractions and stands of the Fair. Some of our friends bought excellent traditional products, whereas others took profit of the free samples, to taste many dishes of the local gastronomy, such as “borraines” or asparagus omelet.
Finally, the lunch was held in “Temps de Terra”, a unique place which is an ecological enterpreneurship in the neighboring Amposta. Under a very pleasant sunshine (it had rained the previous days and rained again the days after), the group of Ralda & Friends enjoyed a generous calçotada, followed by a splendid country menu in one of the most surprising -and cheerful- places in Terres de l’Ebre.
Lamb and snail stews, asparagus omelets, salads, roasted artichokes, and every kind of appetizers, were followed together with a variety of grilled meats. All of them were products of proximity, as well as the good local wines that led us to a smooth custard dessert.
Undoubtedly, beyond the visits and the gastronomy, what will remain of that day will be the feeling of reunion of friends who like to live genuine and “joie de vivre” experiences.
Alfredo & Pierre RALDA
