Those of you who know where my office is will know that I am in a brilliant location to observe life in Tortosa. They come late morning, off the train from the coast, all nations are represented in these tourists; sadly the one common fact is that once the shops shut for lunch, they think that is all there is to see. So they sit in the cafes until mid afternoon and on to their train back to the coast they go. That was Tortosa?

If they had just walked a little further beyond the end of Sant Blai (the main shopping walkway) passed the old bridge towards the cathedral. They may have seen a different city, with its history depicted in the various architectural styles of buildings. It is not their fault; Tortosa seems almost shy to advertise itself with the exception of the Renaissance Festival for four days in July.

On the first morning of this festival, there is an air of tension, shopkeepers are there early and every available hand is hammering, wiring or tying the bunting, pendants, palms and canopies up. Bands have been practising for weeks, bails of straw have arrived, but what you see later that day happens like magic. Come four oclock the traders return dressed in medieval costume, they set up their wares outside their shops in 16th century fashion. Then the parades start from the main Plaza. Its worth fighting your way through the crowds to see the spectacular pageantry, then through the street they move up into the ancient city this continues through the evening. The atmosphere is electric, heightened by the costumed drum bands and street actors.

Those who know Tortosas old quarter and Remolins will also know that some of the best restaurants and bars are in this area. With the regeneration of this part of the city well underway, there is an opportunity to try many new ones opening. This area is multicultural and now this influence has spilled into the type of restaurants and the food they serve. Bon Profit.

Over hearing a conversation last week in a shop, a man was saying she was a right old battle axe hoping they were not referring to me!! Plus talking to a friend about Tortosa the next morning, drew me to think of The Red Sash Women of Tortosa, The history of the city I read quoted the following

"The Order of the Hatchet was founded by Count Raymond Berenger of Barcelona in 1149 to honour the women who fought in defence of the town of Tortosa. The Moors were defeated by the heroism of the women, who were thenceforth empowered by the count to wear the red sash of the Order of La Hacha (The Axe), to import their clothes free of duty, and to precede their bridegrooms at weddings".

So if you see in Tortosa any women wearing a red sash it might be wise to give them a wide berth! Or maybe some women will try anything to cut the cost of their wardrobe!