Road Tripping North: Madrid to Etxauri with Little Eaters

Today was a big travel day - we left the hustle and heat of Madrid behind and began our scenic road trip north toward Etxauri, a small town near Pamplona surrounded by mountains and vineyards.

We started the morning with a quick but hearty breakfast at our Airbnb - scrambled eggs, fresh bread, and fruit. It was simple, but it did the job before loading into the rental car and hitting the road.

Midway through our drive, we made a stop in Soria for lunch at a quaint little spot called Taberna Mercedes. It was charming, and the adults were ready for a break. I ordered a beautiful salad filled with fresh local ingredients - it hit the spot. Unfortunately, it wasn't a win with the kids. The "hamburgers" turned out to be pork-based, and had a hot dog flavor that didn't sit well with anyone under age 10. Despite our efforts, lunch was mostly a miss.

To turn the day around, we promised an ice cream stop before reaching our final destination. We made our way through Logroño, where we found a gelato shop - but there was a catch: they only served containers, no cones, and not enough variety for every child to get their own unique flavor. Cue a valuable lesson in sharing and flexibility: you get what you get, or you skip ice cream. Most of the kids opted to adapt - and yes, everyone enjoyed a sweet treat.

After winding roads and golden hills, we finally arrived in Etxauri - and the Airbnb took our breath away. With stone walls, antique doors, and sweeping views, it looked like something out of a medieval fairytale.

There was just one hiccup: we didn't plan dinner. And in true small-town Spain fashion, nearly everything was closed by the time we went looking (this is what happens on a Sunday). Thankfully, we found one little spot open just down the road - a surprising combo of Spanish and Chinese food, Hostal Don Javier. The kids were overjoyed with a spread of egg rolls, fried rice, pasta with chicken, and French fries. It wasn't fancy, but it was exactly what they needed after a long day.

The evening ended with some impromptu soccer in the park, laughter under the stars, and a very tired group heading to bed.

🍴 Little Eaters Takeaways

• Not every meal is a win - and that's okay. Sometimes pork burgers taste like hot dogs, and no one's thrilled. Letdowns are part of the journey.
• Flexibility is a skill. Sharing ice cream when choices are limited? That's real-world practice in being adaptable - and it can still be fun.
• Unexpected meals can become favorites. The surprise Chinese-Spanish dinner wasn't part of the plan, but it brought smiles, full bellies, and a little reminder that food doesn't need to be fancy to feel special.
• Always pack a backup snack... and maybe scout a dinner plan in advance. Lesson learned for the grown-ups, too!