In Seville

Hola!!

We are really enjoying our holiday in Spain. The Alhambra in Granada, deserves its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was astounding. First constructed as a fortress in the 9th century, then built as palaces for the last Muslim emirs in Spain and the Nasrid dynasty. We spent 4 hours there.

At the Alhambra

Our last night in Granada we stumbled upon a Flamenco school concert. Although it was after 11 pm the performers were aged from about 6 to 15. It was really entertaining and amusing. The 6 yr olds were a study in diversity.

 

Talented young dancers

 

Some took it very seriously displaying the requisite stern face of the flamenco dancer, whilst another interspersed her clapping routine with enthusiastic waving to her parents, not once but several times. Cracked us up every time.

After Granada we caught a train to Ronda. Ronda is unique. Two parts to the town, perched at least 100 metres above a chasm through which the river flows, are joined by bridge known as the "new bridge" (built in the early 18th century!!!) Much quieter and smaller than other towns we've visited

New bridge

The bull ring is the oldest operating ring in Spain and had a very interesting museum attached to it, displaying the costumes worn by the proponents of the sport and their followers. Apparently the fans used by the senoritas are used to convey "passionate messages", hopefully not distracting the matador at a critical time. Matadors first wore buckskin as prescribed... " Buckskin must be worn, Though stiff and prone to chafe. Through it can pass no horn, For the body to keep safe". A chronology of firearms in Europe also there on display and we are now the full bottle on duelling - used as a way to settle disputes of honour. "Slights of honour" could be minor, serious or grave, the latter involving physical contact such as a punch, being hit by a cane or slapped in the face with a glove. The grave ones always led to a duel one line really amused us...."taking care when aiming is not considered gentlemanly conduct".

Seville is a big city. Our hotel is in a great location on the edge of the Barrio Cruz, an area of lots of very narrow streets where you can get lost easily. We are also two doors away from a fabulous tapas bar- the best tapas so far in Spain and no bread to be seen- all wonderfully creative dishes, many of them gluten free. Also we are 3 doors away from a restaurant listed as number 1 of 932 in Trip Advisor, so we will be trying that out at least once! Last night, a flamenco show - flamboyant, intense, passionate and colourful. Superb and also within a 3 minute walk

 

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From Madrid to Granada

Madrid is a beautiful city. We really enjoyed our time there. Attractive wide tree lined boulevards contrasting with narrow cobbled streets, interesting architecture and spacious open spaces in the centre of the town. We managed to see a lot of the city, riding the hop on hop off bus.

Parque del Buen Retiro

It appears that in Spain people eat and drink all day and most of the night!! Dinner per se is not usually eaten until well after 10 pm, everyone opting for tapas instead. Fran found her diet quite difficult in Madrid. The first morning she had to opt for a liquid breakfast and no, it wasn't alcohol! Most of the tapas plates are served with bread. This has often meant that she could eat only the toppings and leave all the bread for Adrian. So he is getting twice as many carbs and Fran is getting none! It appears that the "bread with that"? option also extends to ice-cream...

Would you like bread with that?

A relaxing drink in a Madrid plaza

Prado Museum was worth queueing for. Some amazing paintings and sculptures in its vast collection, although the word Stamina again springs to mind in some cities overseas where there is much to see and visit.

Just arrived Granada today. Another wonderful town in Andalusia although the Spanish landscape between Madrid and Granada uninspiring. Hotel manager in Granada really helpful. Pointed us in the direction of delicious paella. Off to see the famous Alhambra tomorrow.

 

 

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Been in London...now in Madrid

Arrived safely in London after a gruelling long haul flight on the A380 to freezing weather.  Delayed departure from the plane at Heathrow whilst three members of the London police or bobbies escorted one of our fellow passengers off first. Bit disconcerting really considering he had spent xx hours with us at 30,000 + feet! Going through customs slow except for Adrian who swanned through with the other EU citizens leaving Fran to shuffle along like a convict. Only took 30 minutes.

London a fascinating place full of history and interest. Visited St Pauls for the first time and staggered up 250+ steps to the Whispering Gallery, so named because by the time you get to the top, that's all the breath you're left with. This of course was after 36 hours of travel. Also saw the tomb of Horatio Nelson in the crypt. Did you know that after he died at the Battle of Trafalgar his fellow seamen pickled him in brandy to get him home. Hope it wasn't cognac! His very stately sarcophagus was meant for another tenant, Cardinal Wolsey, but he was bumped after he failed to woo the Pope for Henry VIII's benefit. Wonder where he is?

Day 2 and off to the British Museum for several hours. A vast fabulous collection. Fran was particularly interested in the process of mummification and yes, cats were also mummified. The history of clocks and watches also fascinating, not to mention the amazing array of Greek and Egyptian artefacts. So much to see and absorb. A place worthy of a return visit.

Went to see the play Warhorse at the New London Theatre in Drury Lane. Wonderful poignant show. The puppets were fabulous.

Have now arrived in Madrid and love it. Looking forward to our time in Spain. The people are so friendly.

Still in Peregian Springs...and freezing

OK it's relative I know. Warmer than Canberra or Melbourne. The temperatures here at the Sunny Coast are the same as they are in London. Interesting though, as we are two weeks from Winter and in London they are two weeks from Summer.

Hope that you enjoy our travel tales as we post on our blog

 

 

 

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