May 27-30,2018 - Bilbao, Comillas, and Home

Hola Amigos,

We have a bit of  lie in and after breakfast  head out to explore the old quarter . We come across the Plaza Nueva, the town square and they have a flea market on. Nearly everything you can think of is on sale. There is a man seeing canaries and I try to get a close up picture with my phone of the birds but he taps my arm and signals No,no with his finger so I move on and apologise . I did however get a picture earlier that he was not aware of. I wonder if what he was doing was somehow illegal as of all the things on sale his is the only thing that is live.  
There are numerous bars and restaurants around the square and all are selling tapas. The picture on the left shows a good selection of the tapas available. We continue our exploring and end up at the Guggenheim Museum. Pictured on the right
is a beautiful dog sculpture that is made up of flowers. It smells amazing. The Guggenheim itself is a awesome structure designed by a Canadian-American contemporary architect Frank Gehry. It cost $89 US Millon to build and was opened in October 17,1997. It was built in a decrepit port area to revitalise the area and bring in income. Pictures are not allowed in the museum but I do take some of the interior structure itself which I have posted on Facebook. The rooms themselves that have the art work are all heavily guarded. The art is not to our taste at all. My four year old grandson could do better paintings then what they are passing for art. We really don't spend very much time looking at the art and head outside to take in the sculptures that are outside the museum. On the way back to the hotel we stop at a restaurant for a very late lunch or early supper and have burgers . We continue our walk and come across a bunch of cafes and restaurants that are selling roast chicken dinners.The street is right around the corner from the hotel , if only we had found this yesterday.

Our last day in Spain and we head off to Comillas in the rain. It is about 1 ½ hr drive away and as we motor along the skies clear up.  We are headed here to visit El Capricho(1883-1885)  that marks the starting point for the acclaimed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.
Considered to one of his first works of importance, El Capricho is the start of the modernist movement. Gaudi who was fresh out of architecture school was commissioned by a young lawyer Maximo Diaz de Quijano who dealt with legal matters of the Marquis of Comillas. Saudi was only 30 years old when he finished the house creating a new style of architecture. Sadly the lawyer dies as the house was completed of a disease he picked up while working in Cuba. We spend over a hour exploring the home before heading back to Bilbao. The pictures posted here do not really do the house much justice. The ceramic sunflowers and brickwork are hard to see. Check out my Facebook wall for better pictures.

Once back in Bilbao we hook up with John  as he has a wine buyer he visits and has asked us if we want to go. We are always up to check out new wines and make some purchases. The shop is about a 30 minute walk away and I stop for more pictures as we head off. The shop keeper does not speak English at all as far as we know and is one of the most miserable people I have come across in a long time. Given his lack of personality it is a wonder he sells anything. It also may be that he just doesn't like foreigners but business is business so you think he would adjust. We do purchase 4 bottles of wine to use for special occasions at home.  Once we have dropped off the wine at the hotel we arrange to meet up with John and Adrienne for dinner. We have tapas for dinner is a very lovely looking restaurant that seems to be very popular with the locals. The experience is somewhat different for us as you go up and pick what Tapas you want at the bar and they then bring your choices to your table. We have a fairly early night as we are off early to be at the docks for our ferry to the UK by 9:30 AM. Fred packs up the car so that in the morning we only have our overnight bag to take down to the car in the morning .

The boarding of the Ferry is much more efficient in Spain then it was in the UK and we have no waiting at all once we are through customs. Our trip back is very smooth the ocean appears almost glasslike it is so calm and the fog rolls in late in the evening. I am wide awake at 5:30 AM and the fog horn is sounding as the fog is thick. We arrive in the UK at 9:30 AM and get off the ferry very handily. We get through customs and are pulled over to have the car checked. The officer explains it is due to anti-terrorism checks . Sad to think this has become a necessity in life today, but something I for one am glad they take seriously and enforce . We are on our way home in no time and we know we are back it the UK as it is raining. We arrive at home just after 5:00 PM to a very hot house but have had a wonder vacation and made some new memories. This trip Fred has driven 2783.5 miles ! We hope you have enjoyed this segment of our travels.

Ta ra for now,

Sandy & Fred

May 26,2018- Salamanca & Bilbao

Hola mi amigos,

We are up and after breakfast I notice a stork is nesting on the roof of the Parador. Once I get my picture we are off to Bilbao our last rest point before returning to the UK. We are stopping at Salamanca  another World Heritage site and one of the most important university cities in Spain. Founded in 1218 it is the oldest university in Spain and the 4th oldest Western University . With its 30.000
students together with tourism  it is a primary source of income for Salamanca .

Pictured on the right is Plaza Mayor . It is one of most beautiful and largest squares in Spain. While we were taking pictures and I was pointing out a figure on the building a elderly Spanish gentleman approaches us and try to tell us a bit about the figures. He's speaks no English and we no Spanish but in the end we get what he is trying to tell us about the figures. As with other cities in this area of Spain it was once ruled by the Moors. He points to Fred and touches his arm then  points to me and touches my arm. I get it a history of dark which I am compared to Fred and white rulers . He get the biggest smile on his face nods and then walks us towards the tourist information centre and say mucho walking to do.
Since being built in 1755, the square has hosted a the Consistory, been a market,bull-ring,concert hall, theatre and a general meeting place for people and their families. Plus it has witnessed all political , socio-economicand regions changes that have occurred in Spain and Salamanca since that date.

The picture on the left is of Casa De Las Conchas , The House of Shells and is one of the most well know palaces in Salamanca .Built and the end of the 15th and start of the 16th century by Rodrigo Arias Maldonado who was very close to the Catholic Monarchs and a member of The Order of Santiago. The shells which are the main decoration are present in his wife's heraldry and symbolise his love for his wife and  the Order to which he belonged.
We explore more the the city but really don't spend enough time here as we would have liked as we still have a a good 3 ½ hours of driving to get to our hotel in Bilbao or at least Fred does.

We arrive and get checked in and head out to check out a pub that Fred looked up as the big Game Liverpool vs Real is on tonight. We find the place but it is a little hole in the wall. Plus the area looks sketchy and I don't need Fred to get beat up as he is a Liverpool supporter in Spain. We purchase a bottle of wine and look for a place to eat. By this time we are both tired and turned around. It is getting on and Fred finally gets his bearings. We pick up Kentucky Fried Chicken for the room. I know all the great food we have had this trip and we settle for this. I am tired, sore and cranky plus Fred wants to watch the game so that is what we have.

The hotel has the game on so we head down to the bar to watch it and enjoy a couple of drinks. We are in Basque country so Fred figures there will be more Liverpool supporters then Real Madrid. There is a elderly gentleman who is a Real supporter and a real ass. Fred gets a bit agitated and I tell him to calm down or we will leave. Sadly Liverpool lose and we graciously shake his hand and congratulate him on his teams success .

Adios por orhora,
Sandy & Fred

May 25,1018 - Caceres and Placencia

Buenos Dias Amigos ,

We are off fairly handily and stop at Caceres a city founded by the
Romans in 25 BC.The old town which we visit still has its ancient walls and is a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986. We visit the
highlights and spend about 2 hours exploring. There is so much we have not seen and this city would be worth a revisit at some point.

Pictured on the right is a portion of the old walls and on the left a old music transcript that was in the Cathedral.

We then head off to Placencia and the Parador that will be our home for the night. The Parador is a converted Convent and a beautiful hotel. Pictured on the right is the ceiling in bar. Our room is a lovely little suite complete with a comfortable sitting room 2 TV's
.

Placencia itself is somewhat of a disappointment for us. Compared to all the locations we have been so far  the city seems dead. Thankfully the Parador itself has made this stop all worth well. We have a amazing three course dinner complete with wine and the prices are very reasonable . Our starters were goat cheese salad with grapefruit(mine) and Saffron flavoured wet rice with chicken and mild mushrooms basically a soup (Fred), we both had Pork tenderloin with  apple and dessert Almond Biscuit with creamy chocolate (mine) which was extremely rich and Cheesecake with berry sauce (Fred). Our wine was Urban Ribera a Duero which was very good. Check out my Facebook wall for pictures.

Adios,

Sandy & Fred

May 23-24,2018- Exploring Seville Continues

Hola mi Amigos,

We are up and out early as we want to explore Real Alcazar a Royal Palace with over a thousand years of history. We take the bus to reserve some of our energy. Sadly we did not plan this very well as we should have bought our tickets on line to avoid the hour and bit wait in line in order to get in.Thankfully it is a much cooler day then yesterday so we are comfortable. We meet a couple who are from Calgary and have been traveling around Spain by train,we have a nice chat while waiting. Throughout the palace we are taken to key moments in Spanish history. The palace a preeminent example of Mudejar architecture in the Iberian Peninsula and renowned as the most beautiful. The upper levels are still used by the Royal family as their official residence in Seville and is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. Fred and I think the Real is much more impressive then the Al Alhambra building was but the gardens are not much special when you compare the two. The pictures here show some of the intricate work and detail in the architecture.

We next set off to the Barrio de Santa Cruz. It is the former Jewish Quarter the streets are narrow with may small courtyards. We stop and have lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the Barrio. I have a selection of tapas with Sangria and Fred has Roman Chicken and chips with beer. Fred's did not look very appetising but he said it tasted fine. One our walk back from the Barrio to the

the hotel we come across a monument to Christopher Columbus. One one side is King Ferdinand and the other Queen Isabella names are on the ship. The reigning monarchs that gave Columbus his charter to explore the west.
We then make our way down to the river and back around to the university. I am stopped by some school kids and asked to to a video about what I though of Seville. They have a number go questions then ask me to try a Spanish tongue twister. We all have a very good laugh as it is extremely obvious that I have really messed up the twister. We stop for some refreshment on the way back to the hotel. We have walked 6.1 miles tiring but not as exhausting as yesterday .

Our last full day in Seville sees us up and out early again. Once again we take the bus to conserve energy and this time head to Barrio de Triana. This district is known for it flamenco, bullfighting and the peoples passion for the Holy Week. Pictured on the right is some of the beautiful tile work that adorns many of the houses in tis area . I sneak in as the door is open to take a picture as it is so beautiful. There seems to be a church on every corner in the area and even the smallest church has the most ornate altar. We went looking for the fort but are unsuccessful. We do come across a

fabulous market that has everything you can think of in the food department from sweets to spice. Check out may FB wall to see more pictures. We head back to the main square and come across the bull ring. We have one more point of interest to explore in the main square and as we head there Fred discovers a lovely looking Tapas bar which we decide to return to for a late lunch after checking out the Divine Saviour Collegiate Church. It is the second most important church in Seville. In 1661 the existing mosque is torn down and a new one is built. It however collapses and in 1712 it is rebuilt and a collection of altarpieces and artwork are added.

Everywhere you look there is opulent artwork and altars. It is almost overwhelming as there is barely a bare wall in the church.
We spend about a hour exploring the church before heading out for a late lunch. Postiguillo is the tapas bar Fred discovered earlier so we head there for tapas. It is really a unique place . There are bulls heads all around the bar. These are some of the past competitors in the ring and hopefully died in old age rather then the ring.

We have really enjoyed our stay in Seville . Tomorrow we are off to Placencia with a stop in Caceres.

Adios por orhora,

Sandy & Fred

May 20-22,2018- BQ Family Leave ,Departures and Seville

Hola mi Amigos,

The vacation with family is winding down and the weather must know we are departing soon as it has turned overcast and showery. We all take advantage and do some laundry. I make more lemonade with the remains of the lemons that Geoff and picked earlier in the week. This lot is rather tart as I use the left over sugar syrup rather then make more .  The three boys bar-b-que , I make the salad and Tracey sets the table. Adrienne is busy packing as her and John are off early as they continue their travels through Spain and Portugal. Monday John and Adrienne depart early and then there were four. Our last day we shop for dinner , do laundry and pack for our departures. Geoff and Tracey have volunteered to

prepare supper. We have bruschetta for starters ,with burgers and potato chips or crisps . We finish packing and tiding up the villa as we have a early departure in the morning as Geoff and Tracey need to be at Malaga airport by 9:00 AM and we are continuing our exploring of Spain.

Tuesday after dropping Geoff and Tracey at the airport Fred and I continue onto Seville. We arrive in around 12:30 and get checked in our hotel for the next three nights. We decide to walk into the centre of Seville which is also where a number of the main historic sites are. As we look for a place to have a late lunch we come across the University. Founded in the 15th century under the name Colegio Santa Maria de Jesus, it is one of the top ranked universities in the country with over 65,000 students with teachings dedicated to science and technology . It is a beautiful building , a wonderful place to learn. Check out my Facebook wall for pictures.  We find a place for a very late lunch. Fred has seafood paella and I have a pork cheek stew washed down with cerveza  for Fred and Sangria for me.

Our next stop is the Cathedral of Saint Maria of the See better known as Seville Cathedral.The Gothic Cathedral started out as a the main mosque 1184-1198. Parts of the mosque are conserved in the Orange Tree Courtyard and lower sections of the Giralda tower. In 1248 after the Reconquest of Spain by Ferdinand III the mosque was consecrated as a Cathedral. Construction the Gothic Cathedral began in 1434 and was completed in 1758. The last significant works on the Cathedral was done between 1825 and 1928.  In 1987 is was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It is the largest Gothic Cathedral in the World  and in July 2010 it was declared a Site of Exceptional Value.

The picture on the right is the main entrance of the Cathedral. Inside the cathedral is breath taking. Artefacts inside date back to the 14th century.
The picture on the left is of Christopher Columbus's tomb. We spend a good  couple of hours exploring the Cathedral before walking back to the hotel.
It has reach 31 C and we are exhausted. We have walked 5.6 miles and seen some beautiful buildings some which are Embassies of various countries , some historic and some purpose built.

We are exhausted so we hit the bar ,enjoy a refreshing drink before calling it a early night.

Adios por orhora,
Sandy & Fred

May 18-19,2018 - Periana, Family Leaves & Ronda

Buons Dias All,

Today is a easy day for all. Keith and Sandra will be departing in the late afternoon as work is calling them . Geoff and Tracey have walked into Periana and Fred and I arrange to meet them in town.
I have never been into town except for the day of our arrival so as we needed a bit of shopping Fred drives us in as my sciatica is really acting up and the rough roads and hills make walking almost impossible for me. I want to save myself for when we explore the towns. The village is very quaint with narrow steep roads . They do have a good variety of shops . A bakery, butcher, grocery store, hardware , other sundry stores as well as 3 banks numerous bars and two restaurants that we see. We had planned to order roast chicken again for Sunday dinner but find out that that everything will again be shut down on the weekend . It seems they really know how to celebrate , a big party at the lake were everyone dresses up is thrown so they can relax after the festival with special dance,drinks and overnight camping. We adjust our plans and decide to have supper in town and pick up ribs from the butcher for our Sunday dinner.
Pictured on the upper left is the town cemetery . Family are buried in wall vaults rather then in the ground. I had seen the flowers before as we passed by and thought is was a garden of sorts as the graves are all well decked out with flowers both real and artificial . Fred being a smart ass tells me it is a garden for the dead. We meet up with Geoff and Tracey for drinks at the local bar, replenish some of our food and drink stock before heading back  to chill for the afternoon around the pool. Keith and Sandra are picked
up so they can get their flight home. We head into town for supper which we made reservations at 8:00PM for. Turns out we didn't need to there are plenty seats and we choose to sit outside. Dinner was mediocre but the portions are large. We are all in agreement that food we make at the villa is far superior .

We are up and out early on the 19th as we head to Ronda. Home to the oldest Bullring in Spain and has evidence of settlements since the Neolithic Age. Todays current Ronda is of Romans origin having been founded as a fortified post in the Second Punic War and had city status by the time of Julius Caesar. We have a lovely pizza lunch  in the square before

exploring the city. Our first stop is Plaza D Toros D Ronda. It was first founded by local nobility in 1572 for chivalry and horseback riding two hundred years later the bullring was built. Recognised as the first purpose built space for fighting bulls in the world and is considered one of the most picturesque. The first bull fight took place in 1785 and the matadors where local born. Since 1954 the famous Corrida Goyesca (bullfight) takes place every September. The Equestrian School of the Real Maestranza are located here and are dedicated to teaching and training riders in classic horse riding. They compete in the most prestigious national and international events. The picture on the left is of me and Fred in the Bull ring behind one of the shields for the matadors.

As we head to see the gorge and the remains of the 3 Roman bridges the heavens decide to open. We all scatter in different directions thing to find shelter form the rain. John and Adrienne stay under a tree until it starts to hail and we all then gather outside a hotel that has canopies and a restaurant. We stand outside until we decide to look inside the restaurant to see if any seats are available .
Inside we warm and dry up and then as suddenly as the rains started it clears up. We head up to the main street to take in the sights.
Pictured on the right is the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) that spans the gorge. We head back to the Villa with Fred taking us back the route we came so we can take advantage of a stop sight to get pictures. The Mirador is a forested area

in the mountain range that offers spectacular views down into the valley and surrounding area. The roads again winding and the views are fantastic as you can see on the left.

Dinner tonight is courtesy of Fred and myself. Starters are melon wrapped in serano ham on rocket. The mains are steak and chicken kabobs , with a orange almond salad. Dessert is left overs from previous days, of course all this is washed down with wine. We have had a great but long day.

Adios for now,
Sandy & Fred

May 16-17,2018,Granada and A Rest Day

Hola mi Amigos,
Today we are all off to Granada. Once again we are on hairy roads as we cut over the mountains before hitting the highway to take us into Granada.
Six of us are going into the Palace to explore it as John and Adrienne have been to visit it on a previous visit to Spain. We spend a good 3 hours exploring the Gardens and Palace itself. Entrance to the Palace is on a timed ticket and our time is 1:00 PM so we have a good hour and a half to explore the gardens. There are numerous water fountains and the roses are in full bloom smelling wonderful as we explore.

In the 11th century the Castle of Alhambra was developed as a walled town which became a military  stronghold that dominated the whole city. In the 13th century with the arrival of the first monarch of the Nasrid dynasty,Muhammed I of Granada the castle became a Royal residence, fortress and citadel

for the Nasrid Sultans, senior officials , servants and elite soldiers. In 1492 Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella expelled the Moors from Granada and took over permanent residency in the palace. It was here later that same year that Christopher Columbus was given his royal endorsement to for his westward expedition.Changes were made to the palace by the residences over the centuries but still remains a place befitting emperors.

The carving and tile work are of such intricate detail it is mind boggling the time and skill it must of taken to construct .

John and Adrienne have gone off to explore the Cathedral and other sites in Granada while we do the Palace and grounds and return to pick up their passengers Keith and Sandra to head back to the Villa.

The dinner tonight is Paella seafood and chicken that Keith and Sandra have arranged to have delivered at 7:00 PM. It is delicious but I do find the seafood one tastes fishy even though I like seafood but I am not a fish lover.
Dessert again is Spanish delicacies that have been previously picked up.

The 17th is again a rest day to give the drivers a chance to chill. Geoff has picked a basket of lemons and I make a large jug of lemonade which everyone enjoys. I am joined at the pool this time by Keith Sandra Geoff Tracey and Adrienne while John does some work inside and Fred reads in the shade.  Cooks tonight are Geoff and Tracey. Pork tenderloin and two types of risotto lemon and asparagus plus asparagus, another delicious meal.

Buonos Tardes,

Sandy & Fred

May 13-15,2018 - Rest, Cordoba and Malaga

Hola All,

Sunday is a day of rest for all as everyone has been travelling various different distances. We all do our own thing and I spend my day at the pool , Geoff,Tracey, Keith and Sandra go for walks, Fred and John watch a football (soccer match ) and Adrienne relaxes in the shade. Arrangements have been made to get roast chickens from Periana so little cooking is required.

We are all up and out early as we are all headed to Cordoba. Fred and John are the drivers and John takes us on some crazy  roads to get the the city. The road is basically like a corkscrew heading up and down. A spider appears in the font of the car one we thought was killed earlier and I try to kill it again , it jumps and I scream next thing Tracey screams in the back as she thought the spider landed on her this all happens while Fred is negotiating a hairbend turn. I start laughing and can't stop saying we are all going to get killed . Geoff says calm down and Fred does't seem phased at all by Tracey and my reactions ,we finally get off the crazy road and head into Cordoba.

Cordoba was a Roman settlement, then was colonised by Muslim armies in the 8th Century . During this time many libraries, medical schools and universities where created and Cordoba became a centre of education.It was recaptured by Christian forces in 1236 during the Reconquitsa. It is now Unesco World Heritage Site. We all visit The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Pictured on the right is a shot the the array of columns, arches and domes that make up the Cathedral.The Islamic   architecture is a combination of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine touches and Christian architecture to create a amazing holy place. The mosque was first consecrated as the Cathedral of Santa Maria in 1146. The Mosque-Cathedral has been a National Monument since 1882. It was declared a WHS by Unesco in 1984 and in June 2014 was classified as a Site of Outstanding Universal Value.  There are a number of pictures on my Facebook wall which you and see the beauty and splendour of this church.

We stop for lunch in a food market place and all enjoy our meal of choice. Fred has a seafood paella and I have a chicken paella. I enjoy a Sangria while Fred has a beer. Each couple has made different selections of food. The portions all are generous and enjoyed.  After lunch we head off to the Alcazar but unfortunately it is closed. We now head to a Super Mercado to purchase food for the week. Each couple is responsible for a meal so we all get our ingredients . During lunch it was decided that we can make Sangria at the villa and we also purchase the required ingredients or so we thought.

John and Adrienne were to cook but as we have had a late large much we all decide that we will graze on leftovers from Saturday and Sunday. Plus it is their wedding anniversary and we all agree that they should not have to cook. John, Tracey and Geoff are on Sangria duty. The villa has numerous orange,lemon and lime trees and we use the orange and lemon fruits for the sangria. The fresh fruit smells incredible. John and Tracey taste the Sangria and something is off. It turns out what we though was brown sugar was bread crumbs .We find sugar in the pantry and corrections are quickly made. We all have good laugh over the faux pas made at the store thinking we had purchased sugar. The sangria is enjoyed by most as the crumbs are heavier they do settle in the jugs and glasses as we do not waste the wine and liquor used to make it.

May 15th sees us heading off to Malaga and the beach as it is a short drive away and we need more supplies mainly wine for the villa. Seems we are consuming large quanties of it. We stop at a couple of grocery stores each being a bit different then the ones we have been in before. A relaxing afternoon is spent by all and John and Adrienne are on cooking duty . We enjoy a wonderful sausage pasta dinner with salad, copious amounts of wine and dessert of Spanish delicacies purchased earlier in the day.


Tomorrow is a bigger travel day as we head off to Granada to explore the Al Alhambra.
Again to view more pictures check out my Facebook Wall.

Adios  mi Amigos,

Sandy & Fred