tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84195706511394230772024-03-12T15:57:14.488-07:00We're off on the road to Morocco...2012We fly from Sydney to Singapore, then on to travels in Turkey, followed by new areas in Spain.
Then we get very adventurous and fly into Casablanca for six days in Morocco. Lisbon follows with a lovely apartment for eight days.
After the day from hell travelling Lisbon>Frankfurt>Vancouver>Portland we get to see Cam, Christine and Ryden for eight days (yay!).
Back to Vancouver for a short scenery stop before flying directly home.Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-85069905333927813852012-12-17T03:56:00.001-08:002012-12-17T04:08:25.080-08:00Portland:<p> <p>Portland was definitely family time. We stayed with Cam, Christine and Ry and just did things with them; eating, shopping, child play places, parks and Silver Falls. It was just lovely. <p>Our little grandson, just aged 2, loves being read to, climbing on things and people, eating, going to pre-school and being out with people. He is either going at 100% or is totally zonked out on someone’s shoulder. He is fearless with sometimes bruised results, but will probably end up doing something very adventurous.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u15LZJhxJe8/UM8HHE6P7zI/AAAAAAAAGu0/T6RDkIKIoNw/s1600-h/Ry%252520and%252520Lynn%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry and Lynn" border="0" alt="Ry and Lynn" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y8ngNTcQoTw/UM8HIeHIjhI/AAAAAAAAGu4/X6Hbpz8vrhM/Ry%252520and%252520Lynn_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="240"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ny-lYs7bUio/UM8HJ4GdSCI/AAAAAAAAGvE/A8iNKL8ViZ8/s1600-h/ry%252520and%252520nick%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ry and nick" border="0" alt="ry and nick" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UmtcEtwvMUg/UM8HK0-XPqI/AAAAAAAAGvI/HV63skO8KQo/ry%252520and%252520nick_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="237"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--nHV34Hpx14/UM8HMViEZuI/AAAAAAAAGvU/ZnwipVjduvM/s1600-h/mischief%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mischief" border="0" alt="mischief" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qdnDEFZXEJY/UM8HNZGtYmI/AAAAAAAAGvY/NLM12HGiGgg/mischief_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="237"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We visited child play places, OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) with wonderful water play, baby play areas and natural science. A day or so later we visited The Children’s Museum where he explored areas of light and played the artist in an area where Chagall was showcased. Of course he produced a few minimalist masterpieces. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q3ILbsIp360/UM8HPPL-AiI/AAAAAAAAGvk/63cE8alGFW4/s1600-h/ry%252520omsi%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ry omsi" border="0" alt="ry omsi" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UWreAd3tYGQ/UM8HPyJLguI/AAAAAAAAGvo/bYFEHXPZC-E/ry%252520omsi_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="215"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-feNYqLQByHE/UM8HR0jMTaI/AAAAAAAAGv0/pyc5oaw5JeU/s1600-h/Ry%252520OMSI%2525202%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry OMSI 2" border="0" alt="Ry OMSI 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LElxTywDZXM/UM8HTjO58VI/AAAAAAAAGv8/65AphTHTA1M/Ry%252520OMSI%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="214"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ONl1FH3NuBY/UM8HVUwuJGI/AAAAAAAAGwE/n-Z50ADy2XU/s1600-h/Ry%252520at%252520OMSI%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry at OMSI" border="0" alt="Ry at OMSI" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4VbDvKN2Bcw/UM8HWSQ_tDI/AAAAAAAAGwI/Sv64v_x1hQo/Ry%252520at%252520OMSI_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="215"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JHKTWkOZQPg/UM8HYIsRghI/AAAAAAAAGwU/Soeg3iQeYfE/s1600-h/Ry%252520OMSI%2525202%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry OMSI 2" border="0" alt="Ry OMSI 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IIjl3F52Kxc/UM8HZq4wxnI/AAAAAAAAGwc/I6xgyM6-f-Q/Ry%252520OMSI%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="190"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wFhZyJFLsAk/UM8HbLJd8uI/AAAAAAAAGwk/Lg1B305aF5k/s1600-h/Ry%252520Kids%252520Museum%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry Kids Museum 1" border="0" alt="Ry Kids Museum 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fwdwr6c27CY/UM8HcFB1AwI/AAAAAAAAGwo/03ftQreaLBE/Ry%252520Kids%252520Museum%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="189"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0HSlE7hiETE/UM8HdcbvzWI/AAAAAAAAGww/Jhsk8FOv70A/s1600-h/Ry%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry 1" border="0" alt="Ry 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CwV9hR-RKGQ/UM8HgndbvkI/AAAAAAAAGw8/R_5b6jEy7W4/Ry%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="194"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>He had his second haircut in a place arranged just for children, where they sat in cars or trucks and watched videos to distract, while the hairdresser kept up a running commentary on the film. Ry was mesmerised and didn’t really notice the haircut. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="796"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="269"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pa9reE5NoQg/UM8HivFFugI/AAAAAAAAGxE/SBS4OiNjSk4/s1600-h/Ry%252520haircut%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry haircut 3" border="0" alt="Ry haircut 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9rjorrMNc7w/UM8HjksqngI/AAAAAAAAGxI/77x6Or3kiL0/Ry%252520haircut%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="189"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="265"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xk5BgfyxFYk/UM8HkyD2mDI/AAAAAAAAGxU/5fkyvpHq0TE/s1600-h/not%252520sure%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="not sure" border="0" alt="not sure" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DwPHGm4ogiw/UM8HmNmBBMI/AAAAAAAAGxc/E37GageoBs0/not%252520sure_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="187"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="260"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w9xNeqbQRT0/UM8Hn9PNDiI/AAAAAAAAGxk/6-bISQPdetQ/s1600-h/ry%252520haircut%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ry haircut 4" border="0" alt="ry haircut 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i9NeGrG1skA/UM8HpFC68BI/AAAAAAAAGxo/wQqe2PhRGFQ/ry%252520haircut%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="194"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="274"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x5DiZmNhY74/UM8HqgKEcII/AAAAAAAAGx0/xEUNsf3uenU/s1600-h/Ry%25252C%252520haircut1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry, haircut1" border="0" alt="Ry, haircut1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E-QkoFqguWo/UM8HrhKt53I/AAAAAAAAGx4/4htiS_UJHSY/Ry%25252C%252520haircut1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="192"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="269">Interesting; not sure about this; what is she doing; looking good; what do you think mum?</td> <td valign="top" width="263"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Op45iaGQ6nk/UM8Hs_bXCVI/AAAAAAAAGyA/sodlZ-zKG_U/s1600-h/gorgeous%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="gorgeous" border="0" alt="gorgeous" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-azNbNYct2Is/UM8Ht69Jm3I/AAAAAAAAGyM/7FMI3d2XfxI/gorgeous_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="182"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Dinner out at a posh steakhouse was fun. We were well treated and Ry just loved sitting there in a high chair nibbling on food and taking it all in. He is excellent provided he has something to chomp on and is adventurous with his tastes. I anticipate an excellent palate in the future.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="802"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83"> </td> <td valign="top" width="367"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n62COHKXQGo/UM8K1KljotI/AAAAAAAAG2o/Aizib_lkqQc/s1600-h/Ry%252520and%252520C%252520at%252520dinner_edited-1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry and C at dinner_edited-1" border="0" alt="Ry and C at dinner_edited-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-asA1bBTPg8I/UM8K2anjDuI/AAAAAAAAG2w/SMD6G3f03rA/Ry%252520and%252520C%252520at%252520dinner_edited-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="258"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VMVgbdkJa2g/UM8HyMDilYI/AAAAAAAAGyk/ridQOX2x7Q8/s1600-h/steak%252520dinner%252520out%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="steak dinner out" border="0" alt="steak dinner out" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-abvR8p7Pjeg/UM8HzKimZMI/AAAAAAAAGyo/OM4EQwhYAaI/steak%252520dinner%252520out_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="255"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>In the local park he climbed structures that made me quake, but was also dwarfed by the enormous trees overhead. Then on to Silver Falls where the rain stopped and we walked beautiful paths beside the waters, fall foliage glowing amber in the light. It was very beautiful, despite our initial misgivings over the weather.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="256"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JlTLkkPw_yk/UM8H0zDmqfI/AAAAAAAAGy0/gy6kLTSg7cY/s1600-h/Ry%252520park%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry park 2" border="0" alt="Ry park 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--qa7NrTa8f4/UM8H15D98QI/AAAAAAAAGy4/_N0O7W2hCdM/Ry%252520park%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xvcFWeNPcMA/UM8H2_gQiwI/AAAAAAAAGzE/5hXQwcFEpH4/s1600-h/Ry%25252C%252520climbing%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry, climbing" border="0" alt="Ry, climbing" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BVpYdidEZyg/UM8H3xLHVbI/AAAAAAAAGzI/Be_hS2kTpUs/Ry%25252C%252520climbing_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="256"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kvrrEuGLy5Y/UM8H5b4BqRI/AAAAAAAAGzU/xRTVCIQBgOk/s1600-h/Ry%252520Park%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry Park 1" border="0" alt="Ry Park 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nt8k_i95wcY/UM8H6duwTgI/AAAAAAAAGzY/A1jEj3Q7VD4/Ry%252520Park%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="86"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sS-e9RXpac4/UM8H8IlLn3I/AAAAAAAAGzk/IMYxSqaodEw/s1600-h/Ry%252520park%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ry park" border="0" alt="Ry park" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6rzADVG13ho/UM8H9DFoFGI/AAAAAAAAGzo/LlFn9rW2j3w/Ry%252520park_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="256"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Exl1YT2Xk54/UM8H-5rNfqI/AAAAAAAAGz0/6gbzmacn3R4/s1600-h/C%252526C%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="C&C" border="0" alt="C&C" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vOToWvsFMkA/UM8H_8QwaXI/AAAAAAAAGz8/-ud9gnctU4k/C%252526C_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="201"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hg6234v73RY/UM8IB6F26nI/AAAAAAAAG0E/04--jQ3nzD0/s1600-h/silver%252520falls%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="silver falls 1" border="0" alt="silver falls 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KIXolRDAz_M/UM8IC-h_FmI/AAAAAAAAG0M/ydwxw9prdtA/silver%252520falls%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="258"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FDsOKbKXb7s/UM8IEjXbVpI/AAAAAAAAG0U/rliAtXsV3UA/s1600-h/foliage%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="foliage" border="0" alt="foliage" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iVwOTtLdrDA/UM8IFp2CxFI/AAAAAAAAG0c/jEX3N_PVdso/foliage_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lgtg_yR3nEI/UM8IHaBhDXI/AAAAAAAAG0k/oa-dzJ4P8PQ/s1600-h/Falls%252520Valley%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Falls Valley" border="0" alt="Falls Valley" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CJfa6stSjT4/UM8IIVKQLJI/AAAAAAAAG0s/N36Sxq-qvrI/Falls%252520Valley_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="256"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AVJtn-aN0sw/UM8IKO5pC9I/AAAAAAAAG00/-cgEM-yvyi0/s1600-h/woodland%252520silver%252520falls%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="woodland silver falls" border="0" alt="woodland silver falls" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9jbYQ9PIPEY/UM8ILCXaRWI/AAAAAAAAG04/tb6R19Ukwrw/woodland%252520silver%252520falls_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="201"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xDURCxLXPHE/UM8IMgNZ7rI/AAAAAAAAG1E/juhLRlLsa6c/s1600-h/silver%252520falls%252520trees%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="silver falls trees" border="0" alt="silver falls trees" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MkoAdxSLE4Q/UM8INsPmt0I/AAAAAAAAG1I/uB5E2LalffY/silver%252520falls%252520trees_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="258"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-quiueYvV2nE/UM8IO8pJHjI/AAAAAAAAG1U/0jVKBXTDJec/s1600-h/silver%252520falls%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="silver falls" border="0" alt="silver falls" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2b8ctx7VRjM/UM8IQGAAjpI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/j2LUTq2uoIA/silver%252520falls_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZmZMNHFu4Zw/UM8IR0f3lHI/AAAAAAAAG1k/nJd_1z9y4ho/s1600-h/silver%252520falls%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="silver falls 3" border="0" alt="silver falls 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aBw16nkU0pw/UM8ITK7CqDI/AAAAAAAAG1s/DGvSkXA4aPg/silver%252520falls%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Nick and I did manage to catch up with a friend from Tripadvisor, the intrepid OregonExplorer, and enjoy morning tea with her. It added an extra dimension to the trip and was a lovely interlude. <p align="center"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="864"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="144"> </td> <td valign="top" width="370"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MqZEvZeVLWo/UM8IUqS4TxI/AAAAAAAAG10/vk8_9bFAVHU/s1600-h/OE%252520and%252520me%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="OE and me" border="0" alt="OE and me" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dJJD9wWcbxs/UM8IVqsYPvI/AAAAAAAAG14/lwA93_P0ZmU/OE%252520and%252520me_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="222"></a><br>Oregon Explorer and me</td> <td valign="top" width="348"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ea_9rjyNO_U/UM8IXpgz0iI/AAAAAAAAG2E/VN2_Jnv9vfs/s1600-h/fire%252520hydrant%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fire hydrant" border="0" alt="fire hydrant" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D3CxjTdZHXY/UM8IYgRWEGI/AAAAAAAAG2M/JlcOtTvcHE0/fire%252520hydrant_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="196"></a><br>A local fire hydrant being swallowed by a tree</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>And finally, off to PDX to wait for the flight to Vancouver and the last part of the trip before the long flight home. <p align="center"> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BFB5Gw-8MRE/UM8IaMPY07I/AAAAAAAAG2U/M5UFoD4l7QQ/s1600-h/PDX%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PDX" border="0" alt="PDX" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qMJAfYe_Muk/UM8Ib92iS0I/AAAAAAAAG2g/PZboDezUkBQ/PDX_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="266"></a></p> Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-30862750247857340862012-11-21T22:03:00.001-08:002012-11-23T03:34:00.213-08:00Lisbon: <br>Lisbon had looked gorgeous on the web, and we had found a lovely apartment, so we gratefully alighted there for a full week with a sigh of relief, only to be struck down with a mild dose of Delhi belly, probably from a street meal in Morocco. So we spent a day resting, drinking lemonade and doing a small shop for essentials and looking a little at our close surroundings.<br> <table style="width: 860px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="138"> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aSfsvsHVrdU/UK29aaRoQUI/AAAAAAAAGYA/Y4_9ZUAKxKs/s1600-h/Lisbon-town-planner-N3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, town planner N" border="0" alt="Lisbon, town planner N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7SRVPhyegic/UK29bgGkFAI/AAAAAAAAGYI/gbO-JYfxsUk/Lisbon-town-planner-N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>The Marquess of Pombal who redesigned the city after the earthquake</div></td> <td valign="top" width="235"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bMGyBcXJ_hU/UK29deqs-yI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/DRYdfnImmUM/s1600-h/Lisbon-arcade3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, arcade" border="0" alt="Lisbon, arcade" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SaQMASiqpC4/UK29eU0ELvI/AAAAAAAAGYU/dUVe_ISCspU/Lisbon-arcade_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">An arcade near the waterfront</div></td> <td valign="top" width="240"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WN9g_mSp_8E/UK29fgTH29I/AAAAAAAAGYg/tKNwGCculBE/s1600-h/Lisbon-royal-pole-waterfront3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, royal pole waterfront" border="0" alt="Lisbon, royal pole waterfront" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xLF7ov_FWmw/UK29gjuX2vI/AAAAAAAAGYk/a5UMDWdjGe8/Lisbon-royal-pole-waterfront_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">A pole marks the Royal entrance to land</div></td> <td valign="top" width="245"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tpp9RdL2JhY/UK29hk1SVCI/AAAAAAAAGYw/mRVf4x6bzt0/s1600-h/Lisbon-triumphal-arch3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, triumphal arch" border="0" alt="Lisbon, triumphal arch" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t5Grze9v38I/UK29jClpzfI/AAAAAAAAGY0/C-pBvy3RLUg/Lisbon-triumphal-arch_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">The triumphal entrance to the city</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Our first day out we determined to take the pretty little yellow tram, no. 28 and off we went up hills and around corners in something a bit like a San Francisco cable car except there is no cable. After visiting the rather dour Estrella church we ended up near the San Jorge castle which overlooks the town. First a visit to the mirador or outlook point, with pretty gardens and vistas and some very old tiled walls showing Lisbon pre the 1778 earthquake. Then off to the castle to explore the walls and towers, walkways and cannon and the view over the town. Olive trees afforded shade and a nice café a soft drink as we rested. We decided enough and passed on visiting the cathedral, so of course we never saw it.<br> <table style="width: 789px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="257"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yn9q-cKKXFk/UK29khfyYjI/AAAAAAAAGZA/6bJXWr3aFXc/s1600-h/Lisbon-tram3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, tram" border="0" alt="Lisbon, tram" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q2rWyzmQNPo/UK29l7z5SUI/AAAAAAAAGZE/9F4hO_A5ocY/Lisbon-tram_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">The number 28 tram</div></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NpA92o0kk8A/UK29ngeC2XI/AAAAAAAAGZQ/CJ1jo2LSiSY/s1600-h/Lisbon-trams5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, trams" border="0" alt="Lisbon, trams" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lAL8NDveA1w/UK29ohLrP-I/AAAAAAAAGZY/ITOw30M7SeA/Lisbon-trams_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="205"></a><br>Breakneck speed around the bends</td> <td valign="top" width="263"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c8l-IGLymeY/UK29quKzI9I/AAAAAAAAGZg/JxMWev5DDLA/s1600-h/Lisbontrams-passing4.jpg"><br>Inside the tram<img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon,trams passing" border="0" alt="Lisbon,trams passing" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V8A4BxTcnbc/UK29rplR7PI/AAAAAAAAGZk/b1fRxbciiRE/Lisbontrams-passing_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="206"></a><br>Inside the tram as it passes another</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="261"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LbiWQ000qyw/UK29sjA7iDI/AAAAAAAAGZw/jmlMKCLsfiw/s1600-h/Lisbon-tile-and-lamp3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, tile and lamp" border="0" alt="Lisbon, tile and lamp" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SlGp6xeJoew/UK29t9YjmCI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/pV6LsWfp90s/Lisbon-tile-and-lamp_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">A tiledplaque and shadow of a lamp</div></td> <td valign="top" width="269"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mfDR8PruUTA/UK29vkFYJqI/AAAAAAAAGaA/Sihp4nqIeKo/s1600-h/Lisbon-tile-picture4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, tile picture" border="0" alt="Lisbon, tile picture" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D0Am9mkJIR8/UK29whuy1pI/AAAAAAAAGaI/FiifYPrcmbE/Lisbon-tile-picture_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="196"></a><br>This tiled view shows part of Lisbon before the earthquake</td> <td valign="top" width="265"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5wi-DTIfkH4/UK29yMS-kyI/AAAAAAAAGaU/iAvmNt77azE/s1600-h/Lisbon-urinal7.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, urinal" border="0" alt="Lisbon, urinal" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LcR-0FT8aZ8/UK29zDhS7II/AAAAAAAAGac/LJ-LvwPiwPc/Lisbon-urinal_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">A urinal near the castle</div></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="263"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8gDyoOJTmaw/UK291FDZpcI/AAAAAAAAGak/VvWayc4HVAs/s1600-h/Lisbon-from-the-castle4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, from the castle" border="0" alt="Lisbon, from the castle" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j7BIY0dOABc/UK292CfN78I/AAAAAAAAGao/KQJwIRHsabI/Lisbon-from-the-castle_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="197"></a><br>City through the crenellations</td> <td valign="top" width="269"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ytlI80VE16Y/UK2939s07WI/AAAAAAAAGa0/qajiREIB0ms/s1600-h/Lisbon-St-George-castle24.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, St George castle2" border="0" alt="Lisbon, St George castle2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rS6c5uSFeA8/UK294-yKT6I/AAAAAAAAGa8/PY9cqV9fwv0/Lisbon-St-George-castle2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="199"></a><br>The San Jorge castle</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q4s_UZ6ekXA/UK2966CkgqI/AAAAAAAAGbE/evV0FfNZZoM/s1600-h/Lisbon-St-George-castle11.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, St George castle" border="0" alt="Lisbon, St George castle" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9mAvBJOCqEQ/UK297wuDzxI/AAAAAAAAGbM/nXhLVGTQU-Q/Lisbon-St-George-castle_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="193"></a><br>Cannon face the river</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The next day was set for Belem, beginning with the Monasterio San Jeronimos which is quite the biggest monastery, at least in length. It holds the tomb of Vasco de Gama and also of the poet Camoes and is decorated in the Manueline style, (named after the king) which basically means flourishes and curlicues and naval references. The chapel was a soaring place with beautiful ceilings and a strangely different apse that seemed not to fit at all. The cloisters were double storied and filled with beautiful filigree decoration as well as some amusing gargoyles.</p> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="1026"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="293"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W_J7cwTKtIE/UK299TpglsI/AAAAAAAAGp8/fHsjWogJWpQ/s1600-h/Lisbon%252520san%252520ger.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon san ger" border="0" alt="Lisbon san ger" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Ss2d1zIWwE/UK29-fjHCFI/AAAAAAAAGqA/gj453DYZ3ic/Lisbon%252520san%252520ger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="239"></a><br>Just a part of San Jerinimos</td> <td valign="top" width="190"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xBnudquUpDs/UK2-AH_8dAI/AAAAAAAAGbk/wT2HMncdqUE/s1600-h/Lisbon-monastery-ceiling-23.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, monastery ceiling 2" border="0" alt="Lisbon, monastery ceiling 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aNLsS1pRDtE/UK2-A6IK9wI/AAAAAAAAGbo/XTtorRcrUnE/Lisbon-monastery-ceiling-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <div align="center">The nave</div></td> <td valign="top" width="255"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_YXf3fraJY4/UK2-CMEZ5oI/AAAAAAAAGb0/b2CylpJ3k9o/s1600-h/Lisbon-San-G-aisle3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, San G aisle" border="0" alt="Lisbon, San G aisle" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FDQjxiYhTmg/UK2-DGrbXFI/AAAAAAAAGb4/m5wOnVBKI9g/Lisbon-San-G-aisle_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <div align="center">From the choir</div></td> <td valign="top" width="286"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1ZqVcOj6FH0/UK2-E4iKIDI/AAAAAAAAGqE/Qjsqi8IINX0/s1600-h/Lisbon%25252C%252520san%252520G%252520vasco%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, san G vasco" border="0" alt="Lisbon, san G vasco" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cp5TO5a8Rwk/UK2-F7U64MI/AAAAAAAAGqI/AzNNL0dl69Q/Lisbon%25252C%252520san%252520G%252520vasco_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="201"></a><br>Vasco da Gama’s sarcophagus</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="295"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hUzNoa4CSF4/UK9aYFftwvI/AAAAAAAAGpw/8JQ-HYhRuOo/s1600-h/Lisbon%25252C%252520monastery%252520cloister%252520caravelle.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, monastery cloister caravelle" border="0" alt="Lisbon, monastery cloister caravelle" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p2Clzx4JVDs/UK2-IzkITcI/AAAAAAAAGp4/yQ7oLsU-mjE/Lisbon%25252C%252520monastery%252520cloister%252520caravelle_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="218"></a>Manueline tracery</td> <td valign="top" width="190"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IcKuVRNNdss/UK2-KnAwxqI/AAAAAAAAGck/qUy0Z_cgIF8/s1600-h/Lisbon-san-Geronimos1-N3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, san Geronimos1 N" border="0" alt="Lisbon, san Geronimos1 N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mikl8m6UC5U/UK2-LSwFsqI/AAAAAAAAGcs/4w-dPjcnlgM/Lisbon-san-Geronimos1-N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a>The non-matching apse</td> <td valign="top" width="255"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dj-Xvnl73tc/UK2-No33RvI/AAAAAAAAGc0/HYAzn2AXWR0/s1600-h/Lisbon-San-G-family3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon San G family" border="0" alt="Lisbon San G family" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J7lLTkbMxDA/UK2-Oqs5WzI/AAAAAAAAGc8/J3k54dbxGNA/Lisbon-San-G-family_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"> <p align="center"></a>A young holy family dressed in robes</p></td> <td valign="top" width="290"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kc3oPKt52js/UK2-RWcGCxI/AAAAAAAAGqM/vyk7JFBn7c8/s1600-h/Lisbon%25252C%252520monastery.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, monastery" border="0" alt="Lisbon, monastery" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wDat0htjOZ0/UK2-SSYxhdI/AAAAAAAAGqQ/L_Z0dsfH8pE/Lisbon%25252C%252520monastery_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="196"></a><br>Beautiful ceiling</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="304"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LC1tV057krc/UK2-UJ7uE7I/AAAAAAAAGss/Q5vRyMzuo6c/s1600-h/Lisbon%25252C%252520monastery%252520cloister.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, monastery cloister" border="0" alt="Lisbon, monastery cloister" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r0WAqnyguqk/UK2-UwwUJwI/AAAAAAAAGsw/4YDeZ4madQA/Lisbon%25252C%252520monastery%252520cloister_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="242"></a><br>The Manueline cloister</td> <td valign="top" width="190"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, monastery refectory" border="0" alt="Lisbon, monastery refectory" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nPAktEUGXi8/UK2-XZ8UbQI/AAAAAAAAGdo/HfF6E7lCh8s/Lisbon-monastery-refectory_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244">The dining hall</td> <td valign="top" width="255"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tFZJaijd_JI/UK2-ZWHGvEI/AAAAAAAAGd0/C5Eu5SB7lfE/s1600-h/Lisbon-san-Geronimos2-N.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, san Geronimos2 N" border="0" alt="Lisbon, san Geronimos2 N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ymyjz7hB5bI/UK2-aTBDcaI/AAAAAAAAGd8/Lac9xnnlgUg/Lisbon-san-Geronimos2-N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="202"></a>Beautiful windows</td> <td valign="top" width="290"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4VPO1AvuGwM/UK2-crAzVMI/AAAAAAAAGeE/UeSWKK4McIM/s1600-h/Lisbon-cricket-gargoyle3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, cricket gargoyle" border="0" alt="Lisbon, cricket gargoyle" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PuONyIaHHyA/UK2-eJYTmGI/AAAAAAAAGeI/88vleSgYNYQ/Lisbon-cricket-gargoyle_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="215"></a><br>Cute grasshopper gargoyle</td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p><br>We walked over to the Monument to Discoveries, a huge ship like monument with figures, led by Henry the Navigator, who planned and encouraged exploration, though apparently never going on any himself. Lots of photos, followed by a nice lunch on a restaurant deck nearby . Then a nice meander up to the Belem Tower, which used to be right in the water and was the first and last sight of home for the sailors in the fragile caravelles. We followed this with a visit to the Royal Coach Museum. I have no idea why they needed so many, but they are very beautiful. <br><br></p> <p> <table style="width: 1000px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="276"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F2wXBpSlLvU/UK2-fY9NjFI/AAAAAAAAGeU/TX-RT9PZpwM/s1600-h/Lisbon-monument-bridge-christ.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, monument bridge christ" border="0" alt="Lisbon, monument bridge christ" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XesZ0GwyM4s/UK2-g-1q5aI/AAAAAAAAGec/8dBj3dLvDLA/Lisbon-monument-bridge-christ_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="190"></a><br>The monument to the discoveries</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tUnIOeZk7RY/UK2-igWD-FI/AAAAAAAAGek/ec_2C_QlskQ/s1600-h/Lisbon-monument.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, monument" border="0" alt="Lisbon, monument" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1asPhgpQPYE/UK2-jg5uEdI/AAAAAAAAGes/ygju13f1KTU/Lisbon-monument_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="189"></a><br>Henry the Navigator leads the way</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bZDqa5-rryI/UK2-lFUNBlI/AAAAAAAAGew/LThnamT3HJY/s1600-h/Lisbon-monumento10.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon monumento" border="0" alt="Lisbon monumento" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fPexTq_Eo3w/UK2-mSyTflI/AAAAAAAAGe8/CYmYsTyTokE/Lisbon-monumento_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="188"></a><br>The bridge of 25th April </td> <td valign="top" width="170"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0ygV9CxhKd4/UK2-o88X20I/AAAAAAAAGfE/m82x4lfuytM/s1600-h/Lisbon-belem-tower3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, belem tower" border="0" alt="Lisbon, belem tower" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zp6SZvyveMg/UK2-p5c_S0I/AAAAAAAAGfM/w7qi3hO95aw/Lisbon-belem-tower_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Belem Tower</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zm8GTjRRwJA/UK2-sDngH2I/AAAAAAAAGfU/Ucav6cdk3QY/s1600-h/Lisbon-coach-2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, coach 2" border="0" alt="Lisbon, coach 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z5_nR2Y8mFU/UK2-telWGLI/AAAAAAAAGfc/0OP9pIVNTHA/Lisbon-coach-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="191"></a><br>Glorious coaches at the Coach Museum</td> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5tcD83P2jdI/UK2-vNUCdSI/AAAAAAAAGfk/qohOxtqEzSQ/s1600-h/Lisbon-coach-detail.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, coach detail" border="0" alt="Lisbon, coach detail" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WqusFl-tuJs/UK2-wMEP0BI/AAAAAAAAGfo/9n7NTz3AUiU/Lisbon-coach-detail_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="191"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QCEd6m_672o/UK2-xnfYauI/AAAAAAAAGf0/DrfbcROhdJc/s1600-h/Lisbon-coach.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, coach" border="0" alt="Lisbon, coach" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SPS9-gXHYy0/UK2-ys6j6ZI/AAAAAAAAGf4/9CbOwdpqCmw/Lisbon-coach_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="191"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="170"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iIj05C4wjQI/UK2-0LEzmCI/AAAAAAAAGgE/8A9K2OCqWFk/s1600-h/belem-detail3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="belem detail" border="0" alt="belem detail" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GSHnz3fspIg/UK2-1b7_IBI/AAAAAAAAGgI/a3bnIRK8x5c/belem-detail_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Manueline decorations on a detail of the Belem Tower. Note the rope decorations as well</td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p>Next day, off to the Gulbenkian Museum, yet another museum that belonged to an exceptionally rich man (oil) who left it to Lisbon and also the money for building the museum to his desires. Stunning! From Egyptian and Roman to Chinese porcelain and Turkish Iznik tiles, Persian carpets and velvet fabrics, a few Rembrants, Turners, Reubens, illuminated manuscripts and ending with a roomful of Lalique glass and jewellery. Sigh! It was beautifully curated but we also loved how photographs showed the items in his personal pied a terre in Paris.<br></p> <p> <table style="width: 941px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="190"> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JzlvCK_-Ylo/UK2-2Tz2ZrI/AAAAAAAAGgU/xAQRzeGTqJ8/s1600-h/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Egypt-N3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Egypt N" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Egypt N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ABgS2dx48-o/UK2-3ak7qfI/AAAAAAAAGgY/nbal4n2EIB0/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Egypt-N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Egyptian statue</div></td> <td valign="top" width="249"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-csn-7RaLTnM/UK2-4reaejI/AAAAAAAAGgk/czkWbbM7AtY/s1600-h/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Diana3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Diana" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Diana" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X1LLmehR1Nw/UK2-5iv4anI/AAAAAAAAGgo/5LQHBYRENLw/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Diana_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">Magnificent Diana</div></td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fbrCRA_c7lo/UK2-7UFwh6I/AAAAAAAAGg0/2V8JuYvrNH0/s1600-h/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-wing3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Gulbenkian wing" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Gulbenkian wing" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DQ1MNz7KIgg/UK2-8LDs_1I/AAAAAAAAGg4/m9rvymDlQDQ/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-wing_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>The orb and wing Egyptian decoration again</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xaK0kRtCjgo/UK2-934gZHI/AAAAAAAAGhE/kDRKMit1wpw/s1600-h/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Iznik-tiles3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Iznik tiles" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Iznik tiles" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wysJ1Ak5kT4/UK2--zJm_0I/AAAAAAAAGhM/fnKUzGKfMVg/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Iznik-tiles_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Stunning Iznik tiles from Turkey</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="190"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FOHbvm25uwI/UK2_AmVdhfI/AAAAAAAAGhU/3Z2cAmglCzU/s1600-h/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-torso3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Gulbenkian torso" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Gulbenkian torso" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J46KM7VoCRw/UK2_BtcxnTI/AAAAAAAAGhY/mxayI_2TZIE/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-torso_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Torso</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FhfXcHYX_yw/UK2_DKvs9sI/AAAAAAAAGhk/0fSEvyD95YA/s1600-h/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Lalique-brooch7.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Lalique brooch" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Lalique brooch" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JmH0nFMIX1I/UK2_EGNnRYI/AAAAAAAAGho/-jVyelflqOQ/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Lalique-brooch_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Lalique pin</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zn5ke1DB1ts/UK2_FdLI6uI/AAAAAAAAGh0/KFLD3gUwCv0/s1600-h/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Lalique-snake3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Lalique snake" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Gulbenkian Lalique snake" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4FEjxbIyIBY/UK2_GfpYQhI/AAAAAAAAGh4/96XcoX2rBwo/Lisbon-Gulbenkian-Lalique-snake_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Snake corner on a mirror</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8gzdLw-wffM/UK2_IEohZMI/AAAAAAAAGiE/KQxLqkmB7do/s1600-h/Lisbon-Gul-budgie-lalique-N3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Gul budgie lalique N" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Gul budgie lalique N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o4hAFvkNx_c/UK2_JMYfQSI/AAAAAAAAGiI/m3yzrTFYUKk/Lisbon-Gul-budgie-lalique-N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>Budgerigar vase</td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p>Our special dinner at Restaurant Eleven that night was a great disappointment in both service and food. The situation, looking out on a misty Lisbon, the Portuguese flag and a beautiful park, was outstanding.<br></p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_LM6pPbLvIo/UK2_KxgW4WI/AAAAAAAAGiU/uSN6Gq-37Eo/s1600-h/view-from-114.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="view from 11" border="0" alt="view from 11" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BLaWtxqVCIg/UK2_L6A9iYI/AAAAAAAAGic/XGj6XQ7TR9M/view-from-11_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="266"></a><br>The Design Museum was a great collection of seminal pieces from the history of design. It was just a little worrying that part of my life was there. Loved the black Balenciaga strapless dress that finished in a scalloped puddle of velvet on the floor. Then off up the glorious Santa Justa elevador to Chiado, past the church ruins kept as a reminder of the earthquake, to a good lunch. <br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="819"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="18"> </td> <td valign="top" width="170"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hS8xjkQL1FQ/UK2_NS1-tSI/AAAAAAAAGik/VEQmRE5csHc/s1600-h/Lisbon-S-justa-elevador3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, S justa elevador" border="0" alt="Lisbon, S justa elevador" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sejYuVL3U8g/UK2_OQOCVcI/AAAAAAAAGis/XtDYepNGSpM/Lisbon-S-justa-elevador_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"> </a>The Santa Justa Elevator</td> <td valign="top" width="318"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DNLYNuuJ2GA/UK2_Qd9IIHI/AAAAAAAAGqU/SiDni2-X9qY/s1600-h/lisbon%252520carmela.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lisbon carmela" border="0" alt="lisbon carmela" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JtapXahcT-Q/UK2_RfxBsVI/AAAAAAAAGqY/-YmFADzv0rc/lisbon%252520carmela_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="229"></a><br>The remains of the Carmelite Church left as a memorial to the earthquake</td> <td valign="top" width="311"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-47i_kAff_mg/UK9dJEQXU9I/AAAAAAAAGsY/t-eIMthDu5M/s1600-h/Lisbon%25252C%252520building%252520screen.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, building screen" border="0" alt="Lisbon, building screen" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QKp-1UlOA1k/UK2_UnkATFI/AAAAAAAAGsg/tfRwPypds54/Lisbon%25252C%252520building%252520screen_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="223"></a><br>A building under renovation covered by this great printed netting</td></tr></tbody></table> <p><br>Later, on to a boat for a trip up and up the river as far as the Vasco da Gama bridge and down the river, passing under the 25<sup>th</sup> April Bridge, past the huge Christ statue and the Monumento and Belem Tower again for a different viewpoint. </p> <table style="width: 1002px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--KasrCRlKcI/UK2_WkwgpoI/AAAAAAAAGjU/oijOxPlpEaQ/s1600-h/Lisbon-costa-F3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon costa F" border="0" alt="Lisbon costa F" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AALI1pbM7H4/UK2_XfoYKGI/AAAAAAAAGjc/8paIImQhKaE/Lisbon-costa-F_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>The ubiquitous Costa Fortuna again</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bhNGSh4prsI/UK2_Y9_PzLI/AAAAAAAAGjk/9BjNQ0NGS6Y/s1600-h/Lisbon-bridge-and-hotel3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, bridge and hotel" border="0" alt="Lisbon, bridge and hotel" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5t-Sd6cGi3w/UK2_Z4Z3viI/AAAAAAAAGjs/uEb1TGFX350/Lisbon-bridge-and-hotel_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Hotel and observation deck</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lLiq9IuY4xE/UK2_bheGigI/AAAAAAAAGj0/ZQnjfl4O_aE/s1600-h/Lisbon-bridge3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, bridge" border="0" alt="Lisbon, bridge" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vIVQezlBX_4/UK2_ct23sYI/AAAAAAAAGj8/5Mc8FFg5Wzs/Lisbon-bridge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="115"></a><br>Suspension Bridge</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rr657FUovPM/UK2_eYw3iSI/AAAAAAAAGkE/Jnt_AiPNH6o/s1600-h/Lisbon-waterfront3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, waterfront" border="0" alt="Lisbon, waterfront" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--0VXWNFjFGY/UK2_fLS3mNI/AAAAAAAAGkM/fxaooA0zQEg/Lisbon-waterfront_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>The view of the square from the water</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3dWeXP7XOkg/UK2_gjvqMYI/AAAAAAAAGkU/-vIa9koQEFQ/s1600-h/Lisbon-monument27.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, monument2" border="0" alt="Lisbon, monument2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w60aPbbKet8/UK2_hkGri5I/AAAAAAAAGkY/USXPgfQJPc4/Lisbon-monument2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Monument to the discoveries from the water</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rlZENy2dpBo/UK2_i7ki6BI/AAAAAAAAGkk/bt6txejO2i4/s1600-h/Lisbon-belem-23.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, belem 2" border="0" alt="Lisbon, belem 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w_JQFNNXZOo/UK2_j_WYI9I/AAAAAAAAGko/cmVXEKamVWE/Lisbon-belem-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Belem Tower</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q1Vp5ildIo0/UK2_le7pyXI/AAAAAAAAGk0/gGEJHn5DbGI/s1600-h/Lisbon-bridge-and-christ3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, bridge and christ" border="0" alt="Lisbon, bridge and christ" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QYiTHgEfyis/UK2_mQ_STTI/AAAAAAAAGk4/LoeH7zoMnaI/Lisbon-bridge-and-christ_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>25th April bridge and the Christ statue</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OTfTo2IeCi0/UK2_nXnbp-I/AAAAAAAAGlE/7FjOFQYPK2Y/s1600-h/Lisbon-christ-N3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, christ N" border="0" alt="Lisbon, christ N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jzpHMl37NFs/UK2_ok_3uQI/AAAAAAAAGlM/szF8bHgXETI/Lisbon-christ-N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="244"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> </p> <p>Then Sintra the next day, a train and bus trip that turned out to have multiple choices at the end. We chose the Pena Palace and the Sintra National Museum. The pictures tell the story.<br></p> <table style="width: 1002px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="1002"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="256"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HcHj_1pdc5Y/UK2_tUWnSjI/AAAAAAAAGlk/BfGv_I6p1zc/s1600-h/Lisbon-Sintra-1-N3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lisbon, Sintra 1 N" border="0" alt="Lisbon, Sintra 1 N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p_m47EtBtik/UK2_uc0wf1I/AAAAAAAAGlo/RWj-39rcICQ/Lisbon-Sintra-1-N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>Pena Palace </td> <td valign="top" width="257"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BF5Ge1IpmAM/UK2_qZHWe6I/AAAAAAAAGlU/auFqTrHlQ10/s1600-h/Sintra-Pena-Palace3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sintra Pena Palace" border="0" alt="Sintra Pena Palace" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5SGjnDXiFro/UK2_rg1g9NI/AAAAAAAAGlc/neFYf4Nt3uU/Sintra-Pena-Palace_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Layer on layer of building</td> <td valign="top" width="257"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pm_ksIsgikk/UK2_v1KQVPI/AAAAAAAAGl0/bDtvjN_GPdY/s1600-h/Sintra-palace-courtyard3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sintra palace courtyard" border="0" alt="Sintra palace courtyard" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4jabp9xoToI/UK2_xGO0RLI/AAAAAAAAGl4/Q90E8c2Mo3s/Sintra-palace-courtyard_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Courtyard windows</td> <td valign="top" width="230"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9oWEy0om6ME/UK2_ynGOiQI/AAAAAAAAGmE/m9v0OyUO1yw/s1600-h/Sintra-palace-detail1.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sintra palace detail" border="0" alt="Sintra palace detail" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OjRzLSFX0ow/UK2_zwgNrtI/AAAAAAAAGmM/Tccn4bUgLIk/Sintra-palace-detail_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="159"></a><br>Detail of arch with lizards</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="256"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2yJIHrACNdE/UK2_2IA7mKI/AAAAAAAAGmU/-5di5S9IFlU/s1600-h/Sintra-museum-room3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sintra museum room" border="0" alt="Sintra museum room" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DawNwjzv9uM/UK2_3Y1LkLI/AAAAAAAAGmY/fpXTO3m7xOo/Sintra-museum-room_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Amazing room in the Sintra museum</td> <td valign="top" width="259"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MIOPifAwDc0/UK2_5deRhBI/AAAAAAAAGmk/R3vQxBnf3x8/s1600-h/Sintra-museum-ceiling3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sintra museum ceiling" border="0" alt="Sintra museum ceiling" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VYQLARLXAZs/UK2_6UvnIyI/AAAAAAAAGms/pNSw5j7hv2A/Sintra-museum-ceiling_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Ceiling decoration</td> <td valign="top" width="262"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zLVeI_mA7qU/UK2_8qaq3sI/AAAAAAAAGm0/7WpDhQwiZ-I/s1600-h/Sintra-N-Museum3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sintra, N Museum" border="0" alt="Sintra, N Museum" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LOHJx2dCJUU/UK2_9gN6g2I/AAAAAAAAGm4/1tZ4xIwa3RE/Sintra-N-Museum_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Hall</td> <td valign="top" width="247"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_2GKrXK5FG8/UK2__Olb1qI/AAAAAAAAGsk/Doe_wAnvB4U/s1600-h/Sintra%252520museum%252520fountain.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sintra museum fountain" border="0" alt="Sintra museum fountain" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d84CsrP-tEc/UK3AAECtIKI/AAAAAAAAGso/q8OuHhkRgDk/Sintra%252520museum%252520fountain_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="153"></a><br>Drop in the fountain</td></tr></tbody></table>An excellent meal at Oliviers, and lunch the next day at Guilty, both run by the same chef and very, very good indeed. <br>Another rich man’s museum, Fundacio Medeiros e Almeida, his personal home and at first just a house with maybe some expensive furniture and art. Then turn a corner and the place is like several royal state rooms, go downstairs and there is a chapel filled with antique church accoutrements, a hidden patio with a fountain from Versailles, surrounded by a collection of tiny boxes and glorious jewellery which I hoped his missus got to wear. Oh, then downstairs to the collection of clocks and watches. And one other couple visited while we were there. More staff than visitors and free till 1pm on Saturdays. Alas, no photos allowed. <br>Packed up that night, revisited a nice local tapas café and prepared for a 4am reveille. We had asked our landlady to order a taxi for 5am, which she did but said was unnecessary. She was right, the streets were still alive with people and there were lots of cabs. To the airport where I proceeded to have my carry-on searched. Seems I had left some Moroccan oil in it, which I was allowed to keep. BUT in the search several things were not repacked, including one of my gorgeous Sevillian shoes. As I write it appears that it is found and will be posted to me (at my expense) but YAY! I may have a pair again. (and I do. All turned up safe and sound)<br>There followed a trip from Lisbon to Frankfurt, over Greenland to Vancouver, then on to Portland, arriving at Cam and Christine’s place exactly 24 hours after we had woken in Lisbon. Not a light day of travel.<br> <table style="width: 740px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="754"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="69"> </td> <td valign="top" width="341"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ezg_mtTn95o/UK3ABpw0RNI/AAAAAAAAGnU/GTHMHMROJlU/s1600-h/greenland14.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="greenland1" border="0" alt="greenland1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7BM6KUV08UA/UK3ACbmukgI/AAAAAAAAGnc/d6xhBhht1Bo/greenland1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="232"></a> The Greenland Icecap</td> <td valign="top" width="342"> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--BSoGNogUmc/UK3AD1ZOmII/AAAAAAAAGnk/__oqnOPFxjY/s1600-h/greenland28.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="greenland2" border="0" alt="greenland2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lueZv31TbkU/UK3AEvtcHyI/AAAAAAAAGns/QEutIQH1pcs/greenland2_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="232"></a><br>Stunning views</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Next stop: Portland, Oregon and our little family. Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-65792556664632751162012-11-03T23:59:00.001-07:002012-11-04T02:08:28.928-08:00Morocco: To Marrakech and CasablancaHad we realised that the eight and a half hour trip would prove so tedious I doubt we would have driven it, but taken a train or plane instead. As it was we managed fine but there was not a great deal of interest on the way. In addition, the tour operator had provided us with a new driver which was a bit disconcerting. <br />
So off we went, the luggage cart guys managing our luggage over the steps and pathways to the gate where we joined the van. First we moved through apple and olive groves, then over fairly desolate land until we reached a town that was unmistakeably a ski town, and learned that this was where the king had a palace and liked to come for ski-ing. It was very alpine in feel with well tended gardens and fountains, steep roofed houses and Chalet style hotels. We stopped for a nice coffee, as did all the tour buses. <br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 800px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n3eSE4ZT7E4/UJYQeERKQVI/AAAAAAAAFgM/Uu2ZOWNOreY/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520swit%252520hotel%252520N_edited-1.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech swit hotel N_edited-1" border="0" height="247" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GvbXnIJkQhw/UJYQf4HziWI/AAAAAAAAFgU/WiJ_iwTklSE/Marrakech%252520swit%252520hotel%252520N_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech swit hotel N_edited-1" width="296" /></a><br />
Appropriately named hotel</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bd-6AVs6nMU/UJYQiDbvSGI/AAAAAAAAFgc/pLSUtlkKy0c/s1600-h/Marrakech%25252C%252520switz%252520fountain%252520N.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech, switz fountain N" border="0" height="246" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HRt_T7WA8aU/UJYQjS5nuAI/AAAAAAAAFgk/YezAvlZ8s2M/Marrakech%25252C%252520switz%252520fountain%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech, switz fountain N" width="301" /></a><br />
Fountain and park</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sIFNbw9gisE/UJYQkstx5WI/AAAAAAAAFgs/YOOidOweTww/s1600-h/Marrakesh%25252C%252520switzerland%252520of%252520Morocco.jpg"><img alt="Marrakesh, switzerland of Morocco" border="0" height="243" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zx9eJ5slA1k/UJYQnJA6ENI/AAAAAAAAFg0/lKDObLAFk8E/Marrakesh%25252C%252520switzerland%252520of%252520Morocco_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakesh, switzerland of Morocco" width="309" /></a><br />
Chalet type houses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then off through land that became more stony, bleak and less populated as well as progressively redder in soil colour, so that the houses blended into the landscape and were almost invisible. This predominant colour continued through all the towns, with the houses made from the local mud bricks and painted surfaces also in shades of red and pink. The houses in towns tended to be three stories, with a metal door housing a workshop, shop or business at ground level, living quarters in the middle and an open area or rooftop on top, often giving an unfinished air to the buildings. There are many rough and unfinished footpaths, piles of dumped dirt and enormous quantities of rubbish, especially plastic bags and bottles. This rubbish continued right into the big cities such as Marrakech. I was sad to think we can pollute a landscape so heavily with our unnecessary rubbish. <br />
While many of the towns on the way seemed to have unfinished and abandoned houses, on the outskirts you would see whole housing estates with roads, kerbing and lighting, but no houses and the plots full of weeds and rubbish. I was told this was future planning but it looked like a plan gone wrong. But I may be mistaken. <br />
We passed a very large lake and dam system and there were irrigation channels in many parts, especially allowing the growth of citrus in areas close to Marrakech. <br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 973px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="249"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HGch76tFbIk/UJYQpCmXHRI/AAAAAAAAFg8/3RfqbqqGWL8/s1600-h/Marrakesh--countryside_edited-16.jpg"><img alt="Marrakesh, countryside_edited-1" border="0" height="183" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9tjynfWqAtI/UJYQqWVZuGI/AAAAAAAAFhE/pQKIhZoX6fU/Marrakesh--countryside_edited-1_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakesh, countryside_edited-1" width="243" /></a><br />
Countryside</td> <td valign="top" width="241"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RYtF7REfi2Q/UJYQsBnDkxI/AAAAAAAAFhM/q1fTG1wuBq4/s1600-h/Marrakesh--farm_edited-16.jpg"><img alt="Marrakesh, farm_edited-1" border="0" height="178" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a9QHkchoZOM/UJYQtdmOShI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/s-n-SWohlwY/Marrakesh--farm_edited-1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakesh, farm_edited-1" width="235" /></a><br />
Farmstead hiding in the hills</td> <td valign="top" width="231"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WteHxPHVjj0/UJYQuuhb5CI/AAAAAAAAFhc/jAs1UgwDx98/s1600-h/Marrakesh-dam-in-desert_edited-17.jpg"><img alt="Marrakesh, dam in desert_edited-1" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0QoXaER4klk/UJYQvwcehMI/AAAAAAAAFhk/4XbT9XrH_C0/Marrakesh-dam-in-desert_edited-1_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakesh, dam in desert_edited-1" width="227" /></a><br />
Beautifull blue reservoir lake</td> <td valign="top"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lDH2FMt6DY8/UJYQxEIS0II/AAAAAAAAFhs/FAh2Yqk_S48/s1600-h/marrakesh-development8.jpg"><img alt="marrakesh development" border="0" height="178" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AHUT__ZhNmg/UJYQyaNvn3I/AAAAAAAAFh0/MdrMQmeSqsc/marrakesh-development_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marrakesh development" width="253" /></a><br />
Abandoned development</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Into Marrakech and again the need for a luggage cart. The riad was in a quiet, residential area of the medina, built around a central courtyard with rooms opening off. Our room had an enormous four poster bed hung with golden drapes; very romantic though I couldn’t squeeze past the posts to get into bed and had to perform some acrobatics. One of our hosts walked us to the main square of the medina, ensuring that we saw the landmarks that would allow us to find our way back. We ate at a rooftop restaurant looking down towards Jemaa el-Fnaa, the huge square that fills at night with all manner of people and food, from beggars to food carts to snake charmers to story tellers. All the shops are open, touts pester you with requests to eat at their food cart and really is bedlam, but absolutely fascinating. My meal on the rooftop began with Moroccan salads, just 9 dishes of things such as olives, dates, carrot salad, eggplant and so on. Just for me. Just the appetiser.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 800px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="278"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jguHzRYa4A4/UJYQ0CPmkuI/AAAAAAAAFh8/ErGCvh6eSjw/s1600-h/marrakech%252520riad.jpg"><img alt="marrakech riad" border="0" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HJmL0tXxoaM/UJYQ1eN1pvI/AAAAAAAAFiE/pkC5CDcsFOM/marrakech%252520riad_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marrakech riad" width="330" /></a><br />
Bed in riad</td> <td valign="top" width="261"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SCthq_sphwU/UJYQ3B0OYVI/AAAAAAAAFiM/ABiMJiZmf40/s1600-h/Marrakech%25252C%252520street%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech, street" border="0" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1lAk8W-jMss/UJYQ4Te_hFI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/q3ZIgJ2vUbs/Marrakech%25252C%252520street_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech, street" width="320" /></a><br />
Street from our rooftop cafe</td> <td valign="top" width="259"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pbaSzMp1O4Q/UJYQ53N6pyI/AAAAAAAAFic/IBwjjDPSoVc/s1600-h/Marrakesh%25252C%252520salads_edited-1.jpg"><img alt="Marrakesh, salads_edited-1" border="0" height="249" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j0bhAN2QSh8/UJYQ7aX3i5I/AAAAAAAAFik/rpuYtC_2GCY/Marrakesh%25252C%252520salads_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakesh, salads_edited-1" width="292" /></a><br />
All mine, just for starters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next morning Ibrahim, our guide, arrived and we mapped out a plan of the day. First the Garden Majorelle, built by the designer Majorelle and later purchased by Yves St Laurent. The very vivid colours and unusual exotic plants were contained in high walls and threaded with pools and fountains. In the house a museum of Berber artifacts and jewellery was quite magnificent, especially the jewellery which was displayed in glass cabinets under a starry sky and backed by mirrors so that all you could focus on were the amazing silver and semi-precious stone necklaces, bracelets and head-dresses. (Photos not allowed) <br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 797px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="275">Cacti and succulents, plus brilliant colours in the Majorelle gardens<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x8JL-Fu1OV4/UJYQ93vLB7I/AAAAAAAAFis/iSecnPYcLb4/s1600-h/Marrakech-Majorelle-cactus_edited-14.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech Majorelle cactus_edited-1" border="0" height="190" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MYH5gTbVRys/UJYQ_QJVBdI/AAAAAAAAFi0/sKfqc3Dd9UI/Marrakech-Majorelle-cactus_edited-1_.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech Majorelle cactus_edited-1" width="269" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="260"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZS7zCvOTA-M/UJYRAxqDW4I/AAAAAAAAFi8/aQlMZZdmHpE/s1600-h/Marrakech-Majorelle-garden_edited-14.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech Majorelle garden_edited-1" border="0" height="281" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_3gKOJ9zOYo/UJYRCOLEDCI/AAAAAAAAFjA/pcvCKJ5VZlk/Marrakech-Majorelle-garden_edited-1_.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech Majorelle garden_edited-1" width="183" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="260"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-53xusweld9M/UJYRDbkk7-I/AAAAAAAAFjM/wwnwFFk93A8/s1600-h/Marrakech-Majorelle-palm_edited-14.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech Majorelle palm_edited-1" border="0" height="283" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cmu7mA3CDuI/UJYREk12_HI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/lzCWf2wBCwA/Marrakech-Majorelle-palm_edited-1_th.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech Majorelle palm_edited-1" width="184" /></a></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="279"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F3z9Cy1YNGg/UJYRGHLH6cI/AAAAAAAAFjc/t4C440eBIAA/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520majorelle%252520pool%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech majorelle pool" border="0" height="201" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wwqGtwyixJI/UJYRHgbibUI/AAAAAAAAFjk/pyZ_SRhXcds/Marrakech%252520majorelle%252520pool_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech majorelle pool" width="285" /></a><br />
A pool in the gardens</td> <td valign="top" width="258"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tG4ImUnv9c8/UJYRIxbIpRI/AAAAAAAAFjs/nwkZSRcVleE/s1600-h/Marrakech-majorelle-bench-N3.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech majorelle bench N" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lzkCFQAhOIM/UJYRJwY317I/AAAAAAAAFj0/PKj3D55suBk/Marrakech-majorelle-bench-N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech majorelle bench N" width="184" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="261"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4dvKBgQU00k/UJYRLQcj_fI/AAAAAAAAFj8/7u-YACmJ2oQ/s1600-h/marrakech-majorelle-vista3.jpg"><img alt="marrakech majorelle vista" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oVaV3UzdtII/UJYRMvUCZ4I/AAAAAAAAFkE/K73qLE8UmVQ/marrakech-majorelle-vista_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marrakech majorelle vista" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back to the medina, via the Koutoubia Mosque and minaret and the Roman ruins beside them.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sTHnQK0okgE/UJYW1QpVDdI/AAAAAAAAFsk/T9e8YtywcKs/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520ruins%252520and%252520minaret_edited-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech ruins and minaret_edited-1" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J4FF-KOc65c/UJYW2_qZyWI/AAAAAAAAFss/pFYHqD3z_gM/Marrakech%252520ruins%252520and%252520minaret_edited-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech ruins and minaret_edited-1" width="210" /></a><br />
Then through the medina to the old medresa, or Islamic school, where young men studied for years to know the Koran and the other law books, living in small rooms, worshipping in their own mosque and making their ablutions in the pool. The artistry of the architecture is stunningly beautiful, the rooms small and rather chilly and students stayed there from 5-24.We followed with a Caliph’s house which became a school, was abandoned and eventually and recently restored as a museum. While there are not many exhibits, the house itself is an absolute jewel.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 808px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-opZW5tUgpYQ/UJY1tpZGCmI/AAAAAAAAFvc/LaRK3UXdFyY/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520medressa%252520N.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech medressa N" border="0" height="208" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pnjqIddcopQ/UJY1yn1UKCI/AAAAAAAAFvk/-FHXZ4HyqXs/Marrakech%252520medressa%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech medressa N" width="265" /></a><br />
Interior courtyard and pool of medresa</td> <td valign="top" width="202"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WasHzxZ5rB8/UJYRQYefqrI/AAAAAAAAFvs/MwXmwkEtTXE/s1600-h/Marrakesh%25252C%252520Medressa%252520niche%252520N_edited-1.jpg"><img alt="Marrakesh, Medressa niche N_edited-1" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-91Jrlkb4q3E/UJYRRjxwAuI/AAAAAAAAFvw/2vEGwJgBax4/Marrakesh%25252C%252520Medressa%252520niche%252520N_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakesh, Medressa niche N_edited-1" width="197" /></a><br />
Niche of medresa mosque</td> <td valign="top" width="184"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bAxyX-mgowY/UJYRS7arJpI/AAAAAAAAFv0/WYKy8UHwIWw/s1600-h/marrakech%252520medresa%252520room.jpg"><img alt="marrakech medresa room" border="0" height="202" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XT2pM8fMry4/UJYRT9K4DBI/AAAAAAAAFv4/x1dZW_qfuZo/marrakech%252520medresa%252520room_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marrakech medresa room" width="287" /></a><br />
Study and bedroom for two</td> <td valign="top" width="170"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-coMbLmraNM8/UJYRVCVt3WI/AAAAAAAAFv8/69cTBCbryJY/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520girl_edited-1.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech girl_edited-1" border="0" height="280" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SF4bH9XnKhA/UJYRWYlWXpI/AAAAAAAAFwA/4tdCjQP4_3A/Marrakech%252520girl_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech girl_edited-1" width="182" /></a><br />
An obliging girl poses in a medresa study/bedroom</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1tHRtGxkYVE/UJY2CUXnKnI/AAAAAAAAFwE/bc8xH7VtQhA/s1600-h/cupola%252520medresa%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cupola medresa" border="0" height="181" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7lLOwWPnYVY/UJY2Dox9nYI/AAAAAAAAFwM/PUUQRCFsjlY/cupola%252520medresa_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cupola medresa" width="244" /></a><br />
Cupola</td> <td valign="top" width="202"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I9Pf7-ZzDgI/UJY2F_gVbOI/AAAAAAAAFwU/bDHQ5IQzmgo/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520medressa_edited-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech medressa_edited-1" border="0" height="303" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6jPsXC0a8ME/UJY2HavdnUI/AAAAAAAAFwY/5n1DqtOa32o/Marrakech%252520medressa_edited-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech medressa_edited-1" width="197" /></a><br />
Carved plasterwork</td> <td valign="top" width="184"><div align="center">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i7mfVmuWxjI/UJYRgTDUwgI/AAAAAAAAFwk/4Ys5mKd_Sks/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520museum_edited-1.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech museum_edited-1" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nWUbxYmGGrY/UJYRhDvp2QI/AAAAAAAAFwo/9x2pBF9tcrw/Marrakech%252520museum_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech museum_edited-1" width="183" /></a>Interior of museum</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="170"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QWeKmzKSiwM/UJY2NS508cI/AAAAAAAAFws/yoHptNYdQLU/s1600-h/Marrakesh%25252C%252520museum%252520detail%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marrakesh, museum detail N" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gANDuBIF3hs/UJY2PVWGxrI/AAAAAAAAFw0/FKDbjqN4wBc/Marrakesh%25252C%252520museum%252520detail%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakesh, museum detail N" width="186" /></a><br />
Beautiful tiling in the old caliph’s house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ibrahim took us to the market areas of the medina as well as a pharmacy which he assured us was different to the one we had seen in Fes, but really it wasn’t, and the pharmacist lost interest in showing his wares when he realised that we were from Australia and could purchase very little to take back. Where was Ibrahim? Well praying actually, which was OK by us, but we would have preferred honesty from him. In the end I did purchase some saffron. The smell was glorious and permeated my luggage. <br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 970px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="298"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q3xcJzros3E/UJYRixjG0RI/AAAAAAAAFmM/1Lm1rohGkzw/s1600-h/Marrakech-fruit_edited-14.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech, fruit_edited-1" border="0" height="206" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DS5MPWCpU0U/UJYRkFj8tWI/AAAAAAAAFmU/txVZZruQTAA/Marrakech-fruit_edited-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech, fruit_edited-1" width="292" /></a><br />
Fruit and dates for sale</td> <td valign="top" width="170"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ug56wm6MMQE/UJYRmNnjipI/AAAAAAAAFmc/ZVsDuX3FJYo/s1600-h/Marrakech-trays_edited-13.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech trays_edited-1" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LUG7KgIdmw8/UJYRnoq8dXI/AAAAAAAAFmk/sLEiL5dfuzM/Marrakech-trays_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech trays_edited-1" width="164" /></a>Metalwork shop</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bpPkZVOkJ-U/UJYRpYASssI/AAAAAAAAFms/IWZ3rDFKp8k/s1600-h/Marrakech-light-shop_edited-13.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech light shop_edited-1" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ck2mwVM4JCk/UJYRqQV3-hI/AAAAAAAAFm0/O9ZlkRo3rIg/Marrakech-light-shop_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech light shop_edited-1" width="244" /></a><br />
Light shop</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9jWkRgCBou4/UJYRsbS-NYI/AAAAAAAAFm8/TSxj-5N4C30/s1600-h/marrakech-store3.jpg"><img alt="marrakech store" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kY-tgBEYVyk/UJYRtaI-gwI/AAAAAAAAFnE/sMzHcf0ynlc/marrakech-store_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marrakech store" width="244" /></a><br />
Fabric store</td></tr>
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Then some food at a small street café which may have been a mistake, as I had some grilled meat patty and sausage and Nick some sausage (among other things). The trouble with minced meat is that it can be easily contaminated and unless well cooked, can hold microbes. We paid for this later when we reached Lisbon. <br />
Some more touring in the medina led me to speak with a jewellery shop owner and once interest was even remotely expressed in a piece he was determined to clinch a sale. In the end I had to leave and Nick had to reiterate the “No”. I probably broke every bargaining rule but all I really wanted was to get some idea of the price of items, not to make an offer on the one I picked up. Different places, different norms. <br />
I expressed some interest in going to a hamman and Ibrahim was anxious to show me the one he used. So off I went, armed with fresh undies. In all honesty I felt like a child being undressed and led by the hand, being steamed and soaped and doused and scrubbed and daubed with mud and steamed again and shampooed and rested and massaged. It would have been restful except that I got lost trying to return to the riad (and therein lies another story) and was hot and bothered by the time I finally got home. <br />
We finished the night at Jemaa el-Fnaa, this time eating at Stall no. 1 with gorgeous fresh prawns and calamari. We did find the touts for the various vans were very pushy and annoying, refusing to take no for an answer and thrusting menus in our faces, but I guess they were just trying for our business. The competition was fierce. <br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5LKKFzGXaew/UJYRvY4NX9I/AAAAAAAAFnM/imppdx6MGrY/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520oranges_edited-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech oranges_edited-1" border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZX6ngaSfIG8/UJYRwmOK3NI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/uImMu8nZonw/Marrakech%252520oranges_edited-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech oranges_edited-1" width="261" /></a><br />
Orange juice cart</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7KKidn4kFjw/UJYRyS1DDOI/AAAAAAAAFnc/6xwsgKE6QGs/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520stall%2525201_edited-1.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech stall 1_edited-1" border="0" height="185" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yai9ZGmcHj4/UJYRzS-v0VI/AAAAAAAAFng/-E5zURCP6Fs/Marrakech%252520stall%2525201_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech stall 1_edited-1" width="355" /></a>Stall no. 1</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1H42KNdgQEY/UJYR1IAPcAI/AAAAAAAAFns/QYhe3qOxZPI/s1600-h/Marrakech%252520snails%252520only_edited-1.jpg"><img alt="Marrakech snails only_edited-1" border="0" height="230" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dx1_QvOUIso/UJYR2MJ1r_I/AAAAAAAAFnw/-kQvnLw9KTM/Marrakech%252520snails%252520only_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marrakech snails only_edited-1" width="293" /></a><br />
Just snails</td></tr>
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By morning we were ready for the trip to Casablanca with a different driver and an informative sidekick. The road was fast and good, but the frequent police stationed along it led us to ask questions. Seems the king was in Marrakech yesterday and would be driving the road today. Enquiry revealed that people are much happier under this king that under his father who was a despot and used the police to enforce his desires. The people were very scared but really seem to respect the current king. More small settlements along the road with many fields bounded by prickly pear for the fencing capabilities and the fruit as well which is an excellent crop. As we approached Casablanca the irrigation channels were everywhere and there were crops of potatoes, citrus, wheat and possibly underground irrigation for strawberries. Lots of human labour of course and the people seem to walk long distances or use donkeys. The towns always came as a surprise, desert then suddenly a town, red of course, and still the plastic everywhere.<br />
To our hotel, Il Doge, the same one as before. This is a really lovely boutique hotel with rooms decorated in Art Deco and themed after film stars. We chose the Fritz Lang room because it had a separate shower, but I must admit that the huge, black marble bath was used once, filled with bubble bath. The hotel was a Relais et Chateaux establishment, staffed with French women on the desk and local people in the restaurant. And therein lay a problem, because the local people, willing as they were, did not understand European meal plans, cutlery or the food, so the service was a tad interesting and not quite at normal Relais et Chateaux levels. We made allowances.<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="261"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A4MunQjxXe0/UJYR3dUSR1I/AAAAAAAAFn8/ryI34wBPKt8/s1600-h/Casablanca%25252C%252520hotel%252520stair%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca, hotel stair" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aNvGXfhesg4/UJYR43WnjdI/AAAAAAAAFoE/nBGSxtHSAtE/Casablanca%25252C%252520hotel%252520stair_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca, hotel stair" width="255" /></a><br />
Hotel stair</td> <td valign="top" width="159"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6OZfbSfgF8w/UJYR6ItD15I/AAAAAAAAFoM/JRGJJf_Eujs/s1600-h/Casablanca%252520hotel%252520glass%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca hotel glass" border="0" height="241" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HX7v4Po4RGw/UJYR7fxbHzI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/b0sdqR__4i4/Casablanca%252520hotel%252520glass_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca hotel glass" width="153" /></a><br />
The dining room art deco glass</td> <td valign="top" width="264"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BZ-pz775MMw/UJYR8giqlII/AAAAAAAAFoc/Lk3br7nJ_o4/s1600-h/Casablanca%252520hotel%252520bedroom%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca hotel bedroom" border="0" height="182" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c04CkUZJN0o/UJYR9xiA9aI/AAAAAAAAFog/G7pHo_FvAR4/Casablanca%252520hotel%252520bedroom_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca hotel bedroom" width="258" /></a><br />
The Fritz Lang room</td> <td valign="top" width="265"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qZ_EylZqAaI/UJYR-wBl4EI/AAAAAAAAFos/vDvggF0XuaM/s1600-h/Casablanca%252520hotel%252520bath%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca hotel bath" border="0" height="182" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FeW2_Am3SqA/UJYR__wq0qI/AAAAAAAAFo0/hDnaC2jyZ0M/Casablanca%252520hotel%252520bath_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca hotel bath" width="259" /></a><br />
The opulent marble bathroom</td></tr>
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People suggest avoiding Casablanca, but we had to fly in and out so we made the most of it. We went to visit the major sight and tour the Hassan II mosque, which is ginormous. Built partly over the sea, and with very special arrangements for the king, such as his own walkway down the centre and screens that pop up from the floor to protect him as he prays in private, it is nevertheless a very beautiful space. We were impressed that it was built with donations from 13,000,000 Moroccans (until we discovered this was compulsory and enforced by the police) and built very quickly, just a few years. Almost all the materials are local except some Carrara marble and the Murano chandeliers. The minaret is exceptionally tall and sends out a laser light at night in the direction of Mecca. The floor is not glass, as is suggested in Wikipedia, but marble, and can be covered in carpets for large crowds of worshippers. It is a beautiful and impressive building. Despite various claims it is not bigger than St Peters (though St Peters really annoys me with its “I am bigger” line down the central aisle)<br />
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The mosque of Hassan II</td> <td valign="top" width="265"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WK2n2JTGgGY/UJYSD7ZQRzI/AAAAAAAAFpM/OrejyFkZDpo/s1600-h/casablanca%252520mosque%252520on%252520water%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="casablanca mosque on water" border="0" height="214" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oybkhtImB04/UJYSEwYElYI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/4XQ8KPj4ct4/casablanca%252520mosque%252520on%252520water_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="casablanca mosque on water" width="304" /></a><br />
Built over the water, in part. Kids jump from the back wall into the water</td> <td valign="top" width="251"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RE_hbICJViY/UJYSGqyYpTI/AAAAAAAAFpc/oJphrtKq814/s1600-h/Casablanca%25252C%252520mosque%252520buildings_edited-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca, mosque buildings_edited-1" border="0" height="213" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-43IrfTf86PI/UJYSHrt9xTI/AAAAAAAAFpg/ey_SGGJG_Ok/Casablanca%25252C%252520mosque%252520buildings_edited-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca, mosque buildings_edited-1" width="302" /></a><br />
The enormous forecourt</td></tr>
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Looking toward the mirhab</div>
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Reserved for the king to walk on. You can see the glass inserts in the floor which look down into the ritual ablution area</td> <td valign="top" width="255"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SGuGoNM0jek/UJYSOQL7sUI/AAAAAAAAFxE/ZkRBCh8eWK8/s1600-h/Casablanca%25252C%252520door%252520N.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca, door N" border="0" height="281" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wabPw1Z2P78/UJYSPZRAPZI/AAAAAAAAFxI/bWlaU9Rr4sU/Casablanca%25252C%252520door%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca, door N" width="200" /></a> <br />
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A charming perforated metal door</div>
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="273"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wT91lcbx2dc/UJYSQ8mgrmI/AAAAAAAAFqc/-1B2iCilK-c/s1600-h/casablanca%252520ablutions%252520fountain%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="casablanca ablutions fountain" border="0" height="208" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OEw34Tutf1A/UJYSSG9gnYI/AAAAAAAAFqk/3LWpJdrxJs0/casablanca%252520ablutions%252520fountain_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="casablanca ablutions fountain" width="285" /></a><br />
One of many ablution fountains. There are also 650 taps along the wall</td> <td valign="top" width="269"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WjG5mXi_JRk/UJYSTihzKJI/AAAAAAAAFqs/T61DFXhQmhw/s1600-h/Casablanca%25252C%252520hamman_edited-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca, hamman_edited-1" border="0" height="208" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bw7QfTIeoxc/UJYSUW7BsLI/AAAAAAAAFqw/BXWNOD_WWCI/Casablanca%25252C%252520hamman_edited-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca, hamman_edited-1" width="296" /></a><br />
Part of the hamman, now no longer used</td> <td valign="top" width="258"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WiLkEnxCZg0/UJYSV3kmo6I/AAAAAAAAFq8/MHpY5MNV29c/s1600-h/Casablanca%25252C%252520pool_edited-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca, pool_edited-1" border="0" height="201" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x5elWMECFds/UJYSWiG2R7I/AAAAAAAAFrE/UHOk939vd2c/Casablanca%25252C%252520pool_edited-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca, pool_edited-1" width="286" /></a><br />
The body temperature pool at the hamman</td></tr>
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A white church near our hotel turned out to be the Art Deco church of Sacre Coeur, now an exhibition space. We didn’t manage to get inside but were impressed with the Gothic bones realised in an Art Deco way. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cX7ZMgAScmc/UJYSXxiwdDI/AAAAAAAAFrM/k-wTX9teePI/s1600-h/Casablanca-Sacre-Coeur_edited-14.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca, Sacre Coeur_edited-1" border="0" height="328" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bs17Cr1w4R4/UJYSY_6TCFI/AAAAAAAAFrQ/JwkUJuKefPQ/Casablanca-Sacre-Coeur_edited-1_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca, Sacre Coeur_edited-1" width="213" /></a> <br />And as we flew out of Casablanca this very poor shot through the plane window, gives an idea of the size and location of the Hassan II mosque’ <br />
<br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-45cFjQKk1rg/UJYuHx4l3WI/AAAAAAAAFuA/OnkfYB1kr9Y/s1600-h/Casablanca%252520mosque%252520from%252520the%252520air%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Casablanca mosque from the air" border="0" height="309" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cd2EMHXB8Jo/UJYuJMK3SNI/AAAAAAAAFuI/4u9FXpzn0cY/Casablanca%252520mosque%252520from%252520the%252520air_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Casablanca mosque from the air" width="426" /></a> <br />Next stop: Lisbon Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-77895568472266783442012-10-22T10:36:00.001-07:002012-10-22T10:49:52.615-07:00Morocco; Rabat and Fes<p>This six night tour was to be a taste of Morocco only. As we were really unfamiliar with the history, language, customs and culture of the country we decided to have private transfers and tour guides for the cities arranged in advance. After some homework, we decided on Your Morocco Tours and were generally happy, though we had some minor gripes such as changes of driver and additional, small, unexpected expenses.We arranged our own flights, transfers and accommodation into Casablanca from Malaga. We stayed at the lovely Relais et Chateaux, Il Doge Hotel on both our arrival and departure days. More of that in the next post. <p>We were picked up on time by our driver for the trip to Rabat, meeting up with the guide for a tour of several sights in the city, including the Chella, with ancient Roman and Arabic ruins, the tomb of Mohammed V and the new medina at the mouth of the river. <p>The Chella was an amazing area enclosed by walls (some reconstructed) and containing an ancient Roman city, Sala Colonia, complete with agora and the base of a triumphal arch. We walked through some well tended gardens to reach the ruins, seeing also a necropolis of arab princes and a lovely sacred spring. Surprisingly, it appears much of this necropolis was destroyed by the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-slpncKz_JjI/UIWDU-3M7SI/AAAAAAAAFV8/yAKLKYZA864/s1600-h/Rabat%25252C%252520walls%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, walls" border="0" alt="Rabat, walls" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2Yy_Yat_TX0/UIWDVImiShI/AAAAAAAAFWE/4qxevGt0LkA/Rabat%25252C%252520walls_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="219"></a><br>Reconstructed walls of the Chella</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d9pzZ1bHpAU/UIWDWfpf3oI/AAAAAAAAFWM/Yrifgplb_6Y/s1600-h/Rabat-Roman-agora4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, Roman agora" border="0" alt="Rabat, Roman agora" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BaL44Oi2x3A/UIWDXIpxpAI/AAAAAAAAFWU/LNlZHiHeGNY/Rabat-Roman-agora_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="224"></a><br>Ancient Roman agora</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tLoTN-m_Mog/UIWDXjFFfbI/AAAAAAAAFWc/LvSG9VgxvfY/s1600-h/Rabat-minaret-in-ruins4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, minaret in ruins" border="0" alt="Rabat, minaret in ruins" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z4eO2aA2zQE/UIWDYGK8H7I/AAAAAAAAFWk/auQTopn1cwE/Rabat-minaret-in-ruins_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="317"></a><br>Minaret of 11th century mosque. Note the stork’s nest on top</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WU97DmyMI9s/UIWDY2XkAZI/AAAAAAAAFWs/NB9zy18XV8U/s1600-h/Rabat-sacred-pool-the-Chella4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, sacred pool the Chella" border="0" alt="Rabat, sacred pool the Chella" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PUtwdBPjXP8/UIWDZEqNrpI/AAAAAAAAFW0/aScD4P-Ixso/Rabat-sacred-pool-the-Chella_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="220"></a><br><br>Sacred spring</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G3HCnbP60Vo/UIWDZpIidtI/AAAAAAAAFW8/7H1PZTSSQE8/s1600-h/Rabat-arch-detail4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, arch detail" border="0" alt="Rabat, arch detail" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z-GoYBr4Uwg/UIWDaJArTSI/AAAAAAAAFXE/raMTcHrOQLc/Rabat-arch-detail_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="225"></a><br>Detail of old arch and tiling</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ItDMmCjC0hY/UIWDa8-4RmI/AAAAAAAAFXM/YNf-8OozNeE/s1600-h/rabat%25252C%252520chella%252520gate%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="rabat, chella gate" border="0" alt="rabat, chella gate" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MB4UQiulghk/UIWDbVwxVyI/AAAAAAAAFXU/vtfXZKFxBP0/rabat%25252C%252520chella%252520gate_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="339"></a><br>Gate in the wall</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We were taken on to the very much more modern tomb of Mohammed V, guarded outside by both horse and foot soldiers . Of white marble, it is highly decorated inside with gold and tiles and also houses the tomb of the late king, Hassan II who was not beloved by his people. The tomb is situated on the same area as an unfinished mosque and a minaret which is very similar to the original La Giralda in Seville (minus the Catholic bell tower addition on top).</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="1051"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="341"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RKpXbJ3V3Ho/UIWDbv9TWEI/AAAAAAAAFXc/sBrQK9lGSyM/s1600-h/Rabat-minaret-at-tomb-of-mahommed-V4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, minaret at tomb of mahommed V" border="0" alt="Rabat, minaret at tomb of mahommed V" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZTgNajsdNr4/UIWDcRUmeGI/AAAAAAAAFXk/FC-pjNVCpac/Rabat-minaret-at-tomb-of-mahommed-V_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="236"></a><br>Columns of a never completed mosque and the minaret</td> <td valign="top" width="329"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--AVH2CQYEsE/UIWDcrhscVI/AAAAAAAAFXs/sSTtzFO5WEw/s1600-h/rabat%252520tomb%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="rabat tomb" border="0" alt="rabat tomb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oQe9NOqHMVQ/UIWDdH8GyuI/AAAAAAAAFX0/pZYgt3r7e3I/rabat%252520tomb_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="224"></a><br>The white marble tomb</td> <td valign="top" width="379"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22DBRYHdNx4/UIWDdl4GXiI/AAAAAAAAFX8/l0I6djkwT2c/s1600-h/Rabat%25252C%252520cupola%252520at%252520tomb%252520of%252520mahommed%252520V%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, cupola at tomb of mahommed V" border="0" alt="Rabat, cupola at tomb of mahommed V" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-As5FT0XwkYA/UIWDeD31kRI/AAAAAAAAFYE/uK5HLYXpEoE/Rabat%25252C%252520cupola%252520at%252520tomb%252520of%252520mahommed%252520V_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="219"></a><br>Interior of the cupola in gold, tile and glass</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="341"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KmYnDVAJ3z8/UIWDe8i_QtI/AAAAAAAAFYM/aMJMBYtOnho/s1600-h/Rabat%25252C%252520tile%252520pattern%25252C%252520tomb%252520of%252520Mahommed%252520VI%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, tile pattern, tomb of Mahommed VI" border="0" alt="Rabat, tile pattern, tomb of Mahommed VI" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dJsSRrZsTpc/UIWDfO8xwcI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/WZg4VPOUP0I/Rabat%25252C%252520tile%252520pattern%25252C%252520tomb%252520of%252520Mahommed%252520VI_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="332" height="234"></a><br>Tile detail from the interior wall</td> <td valign="top" width="329"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h5-B_-P_S-w/UIWDfS33ToI/AAAAAAAAFYc/gmPXenijE2M/s1600-h/rabat%252520porch%252520of%252520tomb%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="rabat porch of tomb" border="0" alt="rabat porch of tomb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bPorwzPzwfo/UIWDf0TYmmI/AAAAAAAAFYk/ABLiCALSwxw/rabat%252520porch%252520of%252520tomb_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="305"></a> <p align="center">The arched porch of the tomb</p></td> <td valign="top" width="379"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BGvapIgLLw8/UIWDgdQWMLI/AAAAAAAAFYs/PqrLMF3GXkA/s1600-h/Rabat-fountain-at-tomb4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, fountain at tomb" border="0" alt="Rabat, fountain at tomb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qbaEO4R7G_Y/UIWDgzNc9JI/AAAAAAAAFY0/bS9ZM7fPPZE/Rabat-fountain-at-tomb_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="227"></a><br>Tiled fountain</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Further on we were taken to the newer medina of Rabat, much like to a Greek Cyclades town in the blue and white, almost adobe type construction. It overlooks the mouth of the river, now swept bare by order of the king to house new and luxurious accommodation and other luxuries such as marinas. One wonders what happened to the original occupants.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0sS4ghumQaQ/UIWDhViyWyI/AAAAAAAAFY8/TvXlGsjxPXg/s1600-h/Rabat%25252C%252520walls%252520of%252520medina.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, walls of medina" border="0" alt="Rabat, walls of medina" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WDJbCW3dlKY/UIWDh__ns6I/AAAAAAAAFZE/y61T3guQS7U/Rabat%25252C%252520walls%252520of%252520medina_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="207"></a><br>Walls outside the medina</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VP5saihp29k/UIWDicLbusI/AAAAAAAAFZI/-qROYjSYo4g/s1600-h/Rabat-new-medina3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, new medina" border="0" alt="Rabat, new medina" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fVJXbLJZcP0/UIWDivxyxRI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/lEYds08tYBA/Rabat-new-medina_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>A street, very like the Greek Cyclades</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LONIqIwVS6E/UIWDjKv62AI/AAAAAAAAFZc/w6Y5ViP85W4/s1600-h/Rabat%25252C%252520mouth%252520of%252520river%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rabat, mouth of river" border="0" alt="Rabat, mouth of river" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZQm_9_44NXI/UIWDjpr1yHI/AAAAAAAAFZk/duzF2yo6jJA/Rabat%25252C%252520mouth%252520of%252520river_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="218"></a><br>The newly bare bank of the river</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>There followed a long road trip to Fes, culminating in our arrival at the medina, where we were greeted at the medina gate by a porter with a cage on wheels into which all our luggage was placed. We set off at a good pace through streets and down and up steps until we reached our accommodation at the riad and were welcomed in. This was one occasion where we had not expected the luggage service and so were not equipped with the money required to tip the porter. Wish we had known in advance, but we all managed in the end. Our driver and the owners of the riad stressed to us that it was not safe to venture out alone into the medina which was not policed. It seemed we were virtual prisoners in the accommodation until our guide arrived the next morning. I have no idea how true this warning was, but the riad had a great rooftop viewpoint and provided lovely meals at a reasonable cost, so we settled into our room and enjoyed the ambiance of the house and the welcome of the hosts. We couldn’t believe the extent of the medina as seen from the rooftop, so no wonder they warned us against venturing out alone.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CvplPrxzIfY/UIWDkGGeRSI/AAAAAAAAFZs/vulbR5AMl6Y/s1600-h/Fez-panorama5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Fez panorama" border="0" alt="Fez panorama" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xwkHbyPUXPA/UIWDkQIF1mI/AAAAAAAAFZw/6md_cDn7u_s/Fez-panorama_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="687" height="200"></a></p> <p align="center">Panorama of Fes from our riad rooftop</p> <p align="center"> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="775"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="287"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DJOVHnxQ7p8/UIWDk4DCppI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/X49aoKZT2p8/s1600-h/Fes-night4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, night" border="0" alt="Fes, night" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X31pzH9rzPA/UIWDlKW3hcI/AAAAAAAAFaE/NPa8LbwcjrU/Fes-night_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="243"></a><br>Fes at night</td> <td valign="top" width="275"> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ewf1WKVbxgo/UIWDl7tDX9I/AAAAAAAAFaM/O59sacgcHJA/s1600-h/Fes-medina-and-walls4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, medina and walls" border="0" alt="Fes, medina and walls" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JX46RmN836Q/UIWDmJP2YdI/AAAAAAAAFaU/p63Q2S0TQNs/Fes-medina-and-walls_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="243"></a>The cemetery is vast and just outside the city walls</p></td> <td valign="top" width="211"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w0ciLyogTYY/UIWDmUEi0jI/AAAAAAAAFac/Usz5xvmgDUA/s1600-h/Fes-medina-walls4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, medina walls" border="0" alt="Fes, medina walls" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6t8GXnAlmvE/UIWDm3ekgRI/AAAAAAAAFak/LnzuRqAGYJ8/Fes-medina-walls_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="311"></a><br>UNESCO Heritage listed, so the walls must be held up</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Next day our guide took us first to some beautiful gardens, then through the blue gate to the medina, through tiny streets and past miniscule rooms with people sewing or cutting leather, beating metal or winding long skeins of thread together to make cords and of course, selling goods, ranging from the live chickens prepared immediately to your needs to enormous metal cauldrons or even, perhaps, a wedding ceremony couch. We wondered how so many tiny shops could produce a living for their owners.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="1091"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="189"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U0gI3QZ_Xgk/UIWDnjr1gdI/AAAAAAAAFas/WgWYDlZeh_E/s1600-h/Fes-garden-palms3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, garden palms" border="0" alt="Fes, garden palms" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0mm28XJxIf4/UIWDoG53qbI/AAAAAAAAFaw/VoHN-PvME2M/Fes-garden-palms_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="316"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-feDbEENmWYk/UIWDocSCYeI/AAAAAAAAFa8/IbrWxukuO8I/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520garden.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, garden" border="0" alt="Fes, garden" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8mbOHz4t0Gw/UIWDpHFXubI/AAAAAAAAFbE/FuYqH8aWDxg/Fes%25252C%252520garden_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="195"></a><br>Gardens, pools, fountains</td> <td valign="top" width="308"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CZ_xS8WRylo/UIWDpYw_tmI/AAAAAAAAFbM/LeIBqa8t1bU/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520blue%252520gate%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, blue gate" border="0" alt="Fes, blue gate" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dmfj2NO9eVc/UIWDpx9NTSI/AAAAAAAAFbU/3rg23hj_640/Fes%25252C%252520blue%252520gate_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="212"></a><br>The blue gate to the Medina</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZnZXR4rL9KE/UIWDqSVEpeI/AAAAAAAAFbc/F2cBENOuyQs/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520olives%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, olives" border="0" alt="Fes, olives" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ylEKJ8oS_YI/UIWDrONEWqI/AAAAAAAAFbg/cHFik4TC3ZM/Fes%25252C%252520olives_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="198"></a><br>Olives for sale</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="189"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RM6d6NF4eQY/UIWDrqQV74I/AAAAAAAAFbo/iZoVdhtp6d8/s1600-h/Fes-new-shoes3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, new shoes" border="0" alt="Fes, new shoes" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f1BrSSf1rg4/UIWDsKsuwmI/AAAAAAAAFbw/3D1vt2otxvk/Fes-new-shoes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Not much shop space, so hang everything up</td> <td valign="top" width="316"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tbRFYnFiqJM/UIWDsRIw42I/AAAAAAAAFb4/x4YyOj-5YWU/s1600-h/Fes-turtles3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, turtles" border="0" alt="Fes, turtles" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F22qJO8Oaok/UIWDtIRumrI/AAAAAAAAFcA/JfG7yaT8pWY/Fes-turtles_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>I was assured these were for pets</td> <td valign="top" width="308"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SFnVgglG728/UIWDtSQ7GhI/AAAAAAAAFcM/Jq0lppT2Abk/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520metalwork%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, metalwork" border="0" alt="Fes, metalwork" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RjkQtTpw2VA/UIWDt61JNcI/AAAAAAAAFcU/vr5-XIYyugE/Fes%25252C%252520metalwork_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="220"></a><br>The metalworkers square</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y5rDzPvrzOE/UIWDuQnpGhI/AAAAAAAAFcc/yb5gKa4cYWE/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520wedding%252520couch.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, wedding couch" border="0" alt="Fes, wedding couch" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ls5yOyXOTuM/UIWDuh4xCgI/AAAAAAAAFck/3luP0z-EaOE/Fes%25252C%252520wedding%252520couch_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="190"></a><br>A marriage ceremony couch (and I did ask permission before taking the photo)</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="189"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R7hVO8H0LeM/UIWDvHzl1sI/AAAAAAAAFcs/rZD6VzGnhX0/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520essential%252520supplies%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, essential supplies" border="0" alt="Fes, essential supplies" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Iwnr4P6u06c/UIWDvQ7083I/AAAAAAAAFc0/oRRfbYNQBXY/Fes%25252C%252520essential%252520supplies_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="281"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="316">Everywhere in the narrow lanes you make way for donkeys and carts and motos laden with supplies<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q0yuvGaHNLc/UIWDv10urII/AAAAAAAAFc8/TIJ09PfmwKk/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520donkey%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, donkey" border="0" alt="Fes, donkey" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6juGt3jaizo/UIWDyKRLLxI/AAAAAAAAFdE/iHn1attbvfM/Fes%25252C%252520donkey_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="225"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="308">People have houses hidden in the lanes. The double door allows the woman inside to judge if the visitor is a relative, who knocks at the little door, or a stranger who knocks at the big door and cannot be admitted by the woman alone.</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mFS6-AWK3MQ/UIWDyxIuqcI/AAAAAAAAFdM/_-wBR9RNoaE/s1600-h/rabat%25252C%252520door%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="rabat, door" border="0" alt="rabat, door" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X1Z_l474RgE/UIWD0Ws8NeI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/SMZ_QyN4zhw/rabat%25252C%252520door_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="291"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We were taken also, to the dye pits of Fes, handed over to a local expert, given the necessary sprig of mint to hold under the nose and told the history of the pits, the family businesses, the use of pigeon poo, the dangerous lime pits, the freezing dye pits of winter when they still tread the skins by foot and of course the final products. We were not pressured to buy, surprisingly, but again, wish we had known we would be handed over to someone and therefore would need to tip.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xTuubTxTgms/UIWD1G16EEI/AAAAAAAAFdc/AbMigcWoKQQ/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520lime%252520pits.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, lime pits" border="0" alt="Fes, lime pits" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u1zeK8ffBl4/UIWD1vXaYFI/AAAAAAAAFdk/xYi432ClvoA/Fes%25252C%252520lime%252520pits_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="228"></a><br>The lime pits</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mV5cjoTDYkU/UIWD3-oM5FI/AAAAAAAAFds/v5IaHb4T_Ck/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520dye%252520pits.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, dye pits" border="0" alt="Fes, dye pits" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vO-mcIF49Og/UIWD5J5ebfI/AAAAAAAAFdw/eqPMrfAdCHM/Fes%25252C%252520dye%252520pits_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="220"></a><br>The dye pits</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hDOM6N45OPI/UIWD5uVYvWI/AAAAAAAAFd8/i7GrOMLhAvI/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520hides.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, hides" border="0" alt="Fes, hides" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uqgdK3fjy2Q/UIWD6aYa1wI/AAAAAAAAFeE/vTWMRx9ot-w/Fes%25252C%252520hides_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="215"></a><br>Yellow skins drying on the roof</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>I did get to poke my nose into a tiny school, maybe six children aged 3-5, and one teacher, heralded outside by a Mickey Mouse. Inside the children waved shyly at the urging of the teacher while I took a picture. Then, again, I was asked for a donation “for the children” and I can well believe they needed it. The guide said these were “private” schools and that the parents paid. Take a good look at the facilities in the picture. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-56jX5Xq6MU4/UIWD7GMuwoI/AAAAAAAAFeM/MtajoEFhpa8/s1600-h/Fes-school5.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, school" border="0" alt="Fes, school" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lxBGwDVUj7Q/UIWD77BK1KI/AAAAAAAAFeU/RA3hX8gXqnE/Fes-school_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="307"></a> <p>I asked about schooling from several guides and got several different answers. It appears that schooling is compulsory from 6-15 years, but that it is difficult to enforce this especially in desert areas among nomadic people. Even in the cities it was obvious that children who were useful in the family business or who could help make a living were frequently not in school at all. The more wealthy apparently send their youngsters to a small school from ages 3-7. There they learn Arabic alphabet, numbers and memorise some Koran. If they manage this they are regarded as educable and may then attend a more general school where they especially learn arts and crafts to quite a high level. Following this they can attend high school/university until maybe age 24, studying religious subjects, but also the more usual subjects. After that the student can choose a career based on specialised arts and crafts or an academic or religious career. My impression is that this is open to only the wealthy and perhaps mainly to boys. <p>The previous medresa system has now been subsumed by the universities allowing us to visit the old medresa properties in the city and see how the students were housed, studied and prayed in their own mosque, so we were privileged to see some of the lovely ceilings, doors and plasterwork of the medresa. Current areas of study such as at the university were out of bounds and we were not allowed to enter any mosques, though we could look and photograph from the entrances.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-68GnPwPjECI/UIWD8tzT4dI/AAAAAAAAFec/48BArG8v6qg/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520university%252520mosaics%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, university mosaics" border="0" alt="Fes, university mosaics" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iJIWxRizUW0/UIWD9ISnGyI/AAAAAAAAFek/VoDr3My25zk/Fes%25252C%252520university%252520mosaics_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="265"></a><br>Mosaic tiling at the entrance to the university</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DfRcfIi3hQo/UIWD9mBfFGI/AAAAAAAAFes/A7xfzuHrID4/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520medressa%252520door%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, medressa door" border="0" alt="Fes, medressa door" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dxs07yDFBDs/UIWD-BheraI/AAAAAAAAFe0/kMZGwYjIng4/Fes%25252C%252520medressa%252520door_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="373"></a>Old cedar door at the medresa</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VdotRZomiuI/UIWD_7pyufI/AAAAAAAAFe8/vnu_AtfLyVk/s1600-h/Fes%25252C%252520medressa%252520mosque%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fes, medressa mosque" border="0" alt="Fes, medressa mosque" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e02uR4fQNro/UIWEA5AH1NI/AAAAAAAAFfE/mk1_Y3VKX28/Fes%25252C%252520medressa%252520mosque_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="273"></a><br>Beautiful old cedar ceiling in the medresa</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Fes was overwhelming to us in terms of the poverty apparent in the medina, yet our guide was shocked that we might think that someone working there would not make a living. Such a different world…</p> <p>Next post: Marrakesh and Casablanca</p> Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-88228816377817645512012-10-09T15:09:00.001-07:002012-11-14T00:54:10.555-08:00MalagaIt was pouring rain on the day we left Seville and this continued for parts of the journey. We took the train to Malaga, but no one had warned us of the spectacular gorge scenery and series of tunnels on the way, so we were totally unprepared for about 10 tunnels, some very long, and in between, glimpses of the El Chorro Gorge with a roadway in disrepair hanging on its precipitous sides. This, it appears, is the Camino del Rey, a small pathway a metre wide clipped to the side of the gorges for the workers on hydroelectric dam projects to move themselves and equipment. It was opened by the king, who walked it, hence the name. These days it is broken, dangerous and forbidden, which is an added thrill to some. However, all I caught was one quick shot with many reflections in the train window. But I learned something new thanks to responses to my query by Tripadvisor members.<br><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hvZMGl1nkb4/UHSfXG-IF5I/AAAAAAAAFOY/JVRNUDFoayQ/s1600-h/Camino1_edited-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Camino1_edited-1" border="0" alt="Camino1_edited-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M2S3E7lhULI/UHSfYnS62VI/AAAAAAAAFOg/tGKrn0F0qws/Camino1_edited-1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="848" height="234"></a> <br> <div align="center">The Camino del Rey clinging to the cliff </div><br>It had been very difficult to book accommodation in Malaga, even months ahead, so we settled on the Ibis and were pleasantly surprised by its centrality and level of comfort, plus space, which is often at a premium in boutique hotels. The hotel was situated on an unappealing, concreted, dry river bed where the people walked, cycled and played with their dogs. The next day it was still wet and outside quite a level of water was running through the Guadalmedina riverbed from the overnight rains. I could see that in spring melts the river would be deep and fast and rise quickly.<br><br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sOZx52HREaQ/UHSfaF7M35I/AAAAAAAAFOo/uO92zSKWN2Q/s1600-h/malaga%25252C%252520ibis%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga, ibis" border="0" alt="malaga, ibis" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ElZgPR2QgdQ/UHSfbbhL-oI/AAAAAAAAFOs/9ueAcGxyQsk/malaga%25252C%252520ibis_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="231"></a><br>Ibis and dry river bed</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SNq2AH8fTOQ/UHSfc0inROI/AAAAAAAAFO4/dxyHfoVviOA/s1600-h/malaga%25252C%252520water%252520in%252520river%252520N%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga, water in river N" border="0" alt="malaga, water in river N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k9yGXE0Hmps/UHSfd8qaVBI/AAAAAAAAFPA/sIcWVYjKj60/malaga%25252C%252520water%252520in%252520river%252520N_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="230"></a><br>Next morning, rain from the mountains and the river was running quickly. By night it was dry again.</td></tr></tbody></table>However there are more appealing views of the city<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s66FiymD8-U/UHSfgNkXIcI/AAAAAAAAFPI/P5NGovmcBzc/s1600-h/malaga%25252C%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga," border="0" alt="malaga," src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2BJX4XAzjKM/UHSfhDLgsnI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/z8VKAFFnMN4/malaga%25252C_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="212"></a><br>Malaga and its lopsided cathedral</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0ZMR77YINAc/UHSfijQed5I/AAAAAAAAFPY/2NrfRd8xsNA/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520moon%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, moon" border="0" alt="Malaga, moon" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GSlUI857ljs/UHSfjje4ieI/AAAAAAAAFPc/iIrrj0k4dtI/Malaga%25252C%252520moon_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="216"></a><br>Malaga and rising moon from the hotel</td></tr></tbody></table><br>We did a quick wander through town and later did a tapas crawl, well, two stops with a glass of wine and several tapas at one place and then at another . It certainly does have appeal.<br><br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SonGk04mf60/UHSfk1BqOAI/AAAAAAAAFPo/kkE89Y80Sqc/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520nest%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, nest" border="0" alt="Malaga, nest" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RRRehRplieY/UHSfmnnhsqI/AAAAAAAAFPs/MIWJaqWc5dE/Malaga%25252C%252520nest_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="234"></a><br>Quail egg and beef “nest”</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hg-bO9ZsUGI/UKNcKfExdKI/AAAAAAAAFz4/rVqsjs_krTc/s1600-h/malaga%25252C%252520cafe_edited-1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga, cafe_edited-1" border="0" alt="malaga, cafe_edited-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Aq_n8ZrOy5A/UKNcL0O9kyI/AAAAAAAAFz8/q9QD2jc6ZNg/malaga%25252C%252520cafe_edited-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="234"></a><br>A cafe where we ate</td></tr></tbody></table> <br>The town is blessed with a Carmen Thyssen Museum of Spanish art as well as a Picasso museum (Picasso was born here, left at 19 and never returned. Hmm…) Neither museum would allow photography of course. We also saw the cathedral which is soaringly impressive inside. It is almost impossible to capture it from outside as it is squeezed into narrow streets with just a tiny plaza in front, full of cafes.<br><br> <table style="width: 807px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="301"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9pj4Yywg1jU/UHSfrsS8i4I/AAAAAAAAFQI/1ghDwcSIjmw/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520cathedral%252520facade%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, cathedral facade" border="0" alt="Malaga, cathedral facade" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QBGayXytqXw/UHSfs0BrwZI/AAAAAAAAFQM/Pu8fpyyKcuU/Malaga%25252C%252520cathedral%252520facade_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="208"></a><br>From the tiny plaza</td> <td valign="top" width="212"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8BEG3miCS9k/UHSfuulffcI/AAAAAAAAFQY/8e2iDQX644E/s1600-h/malaga%25252Ccathedral%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga,cathedral N" border="0" alt="malaga,cathedral N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wtOFNsSrKUo/UHSfv3clB3I/AAAAAAAAFQg/3zSBNVfNB7Q/malaga%25252Ccathedral%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Interior</td> <td valign="top" width="292"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YF9mGnZjf3A/UHSfx6Qs1wI/AAAAAAAAFQo/6Dzwa68ipu4/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520sanctuary%252520ceiling%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, sanctuary ceiling" border="0" alt="Malaga, sanctuary ceiling" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W7zzlrX_wG0/UHSfzEeMo9I/AAAAAAAAFQs/p0TFJfopnw8/Malaga%25252C%252520sanctuary%252520ceiling_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="201"></a><br>Soaring ceilings</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="301"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W2RqORi1JOY/UHSf0pRuIyI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/1Ao-vZae6gU/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520just%252520lounging%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, just lounging" border="0" alt="Malaga, just lounging" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R2ondGMst7I/UHSf1j7k5LI/AAAAAAAAFRA/XB-2dk4clyk/Malaga%25252C%252520just%252520lounging_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="212"></a>Just lounging around</td> <td valign="top" width="207"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vhf_KKPHhMU/UHSf3kR9X8I/AAAAAAAAFRI/f6N9dHjrEvk/s1600-h/malaga%25252Cside%252520altar%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga,side altar N" border="0" alt="malaga,side altar N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ioRkbNQ3K00/UHSf4iGo9LI/AAAAAAAAFRM/3vPuHcNqyuU/malaga%25252Cside%252520altar%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="201" height="271"></a><br>A small side altar</td> <td valign="top" width="292"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TDyCFSDEZ2g/UHSf6ACqsYI/AAAAAAAAFRY/Zi9gvhz3xPU/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520cathedral%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, cathedral 2" border="0" alt="Malaga, cathedral 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DCOJ9umcNfk/UHSf7WDPvMI/AAAAAAAAFRc/ZKni4pWPQYg/Malaga%25252C%252520cathedral%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="175" height="269"></a><br>Side nave. The cathedral is bathed in golden light</td></tr></tbody></table>The Thyssen museum was quite wonderful. It sought to show the influences on Spanish art from outside and the influence Spanish art itself had in various movements such as Impressionism. The audioguide was a bit into over-interpretation but the collection was amazing. Carmen Thyssen herself has a charmed life and her final marriage to Baron <i>Thyssen</i><i>-</i>Bornemisza meant she could collect art whenever she wanted. To be fair, most has been loaned or gifted to the state, as in this museum and the one in Madrid.<br><br>The Picasso museum was beautifully curated into rooms with themes, portraits, the sea, etc. So many of his works have a joyous feel that it was impossible not to leave smiling. There were archaeological ruins under the museum, Phonecian, Roman and even middle ages. This city has a long, long history. <br><br>We wandered off in the direction of the beach, expecting nice cafes and people enjoying themselves. Instead, we got browny/grey sand, stacked deck chairs and a few dubious cafes. Walking a bit further, however, we discovered a whole area on the waterfront at the marina area of the port and enjoyed lunch at a café under an umbrella where we could pretend to own the lovely water craft nearby.<br><br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7CLHjeeqyVs/UHSf9Cg5WhI/AAAAAAAAFRo/VgaYbZqqKGs/s1600-h/malaga%25252C%252520beach%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga, beach N" border="0" alt="malaga, beach N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XmgB_iBJXwE/UHSf-NDQpFI/AAAAAAAAFRs/hp0BlcjukOc/malaga%25252C%252520beach%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="244"></a><br>A sad, deserted beach</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iVhQ3IJe7yw/UHSgAHRVXGI/AAAAAAAAFR4/kJ1n5Hgd1zQ/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520waterfront%252520cafes%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, waterfront cafes" border="0" alt="Malaga, waterfront cafes" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WQbX8SETiFs/UHSgBWCkccI/AAAAAAAAFR8/U5PIiQ-_PT4/Malaga%25252C%252520waterfront%252520cafes_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="151"></a><br>A much nicer waterfront at the marina</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ggg4NxRdXGw/UHSgCp6iMOI/AAAAAAAAFSI/Xk__XbDMsc0/s1600-h/malaga%25252Cskyline%252520and%252520ship%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga,skyline and ship N" border="0" alt="malaga,skyline and ship N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r8Ni0Uc7Spk/UHSgD6ykUGI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/n6d41Cv1tfw/malaga%25252Cskyline%252520and%252520ship%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="244"></a><br>Cathedral and a nice yacht</td></tr></tbody></table><br>For dinner we tried a very traditional restaurant recommended by a Tripadvisor colleague which was quite good, pork cheeks and then figs in Maraschino for me, fillet steak and choc mousse for Nick. <br><br>As we were to fly out quite late to Casablanca, and the day dawned bright and sunny, we took the cheats’ elevator, avoiding the steep road, to the top of the Alcazabar, which has been greatly restored and well looked after. There were the remains of a Nazrid palace and fortifications, plus the steep roadway up/down with many twists and turns to foil any attacks. Pretty gardens and fountains, lovely arches and doorways and even eucalyptus trees. This has become a bit of a theme in the trip; the trees are everywhere so they often remind us of home. We declined the walk up to the higher castle and wandered our way downwards, through the gardens and paths and finally to the remains of a Roman Theatre.<br><br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oNPxltX_zdU/UHSgFBdWv4I/AAAAAAAAFSY/1wRjK-tvMi0/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazabar%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, alcazabar 1" border="0" alt="Malaga, alcazabar 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XlsbsUG0pbY/UHSgG23m8RI/AAAAAAAAFSg/s7glL4YRcAU/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazabar%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="206"></a><br>Arches in the Nazrid Palace</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r15IGLaTROg/UHSgID8uJ5I/AAAAAAAAFSo/y7Up_5n6H2M/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazar%252520pool%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, alcazar pool" border="0" alt="Malaga, alcazar pool" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FLt6499Rk2E/UHSgJVeIezI/AAAAAAAAFSw/AbxeHpcud1o/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazar%252520pool_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="317"></a><br>Pool patio</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cLu54nt0954/UHSgK_My-lI/AAAAAAAAFS4/33I3w7RvrW8/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazabar%252520gate%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, alcazabar gate" border="0" alt="Malaga, alcazabar gate" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k6OaQM5WhXo/UHSgL9HX09I/AAAAAAAAFTA/BROypSX_NeI/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazabar%252520gate_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="220"></a><br>An arch and a turn in the roadway</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RFIzmLKD1ag/UHSgN2Xj-uI/AAAAAAAAFTI/TBWLRO5_0Z8/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520%252520alcazabar%252520fountain%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, alcazabar fountain 2" border="0" alt="Malaga, alcazabar fountain 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xPNKahQ8gYw/UHSgPfIT3RI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/UPuZk768jbU/Malaga%25252C%252520%252520alcazabar%252520fountain%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="196"></a><br>One of many cool fountains</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-46e6dkaz5lY/UHSgQz1VNzI/AAAAAAAAFTY/12tGSCrlV7A/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazabar%252520fountain%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, alcazabar fountain" border="0" alt="Malaga, alcazabar fountain" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EP32gPloNYk/UHSgSE5BBVI/AAAAAAAAFTg/zKYnQhfDwpI/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazabar%252520fountain_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="354"></a><br>Fountain patio</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KVV9R0RMRPo/UHSgVC93_kI/AAAAAAAAFTo/VMEJ8OXBX74/s1600-h/malaga%25252Calcazabar%252520window%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga,alcazabar window N" border="0" alt="malaga,alcazabar window N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CAj9BaESXrk/UHSgWGRqbNI/AAAAAAAAFTw/4xxSYpKXsls/malaga%25252Calcazabar%252520window%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="216"></a><br>Gorgeous arch on a window</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zsjfnpEwdGk/UHSgYo2bFrI/AAAAAAAAFT4/NBAxvNCoeoM/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazabar%252520garden%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, alcazabar garden" border="0" alt="Malaga, alcazabar garden" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VgGuZw1yIJI/UHSgZ3DjyFI/AAAAAAAAFUA/Ke3mjdm10eM/Malaga%25252C%252520alcazabar%252520garden_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="211"></a><br>Formal garden and fountain</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hxs3eX-UXZY/UHSgbBO3CEI/AAAAAAAAFUI/-TIy_hLY0cU/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520window%252520alcazabar%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, window alcazabar" border="0" alt="Malaga, window alcazabar" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IC_3_yNSFqE/UHSgcCKbyiI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/6vmL8mxVfXY/Malaga%25252C%252520window%252520alcazabar_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="292"></a><br>The window of the detail above</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CgaAjJNhvCE/UHSgdaLqlAI/AAAAAAAAFUY/rDX12juwncE/s1600-h/malaga%25252C%252520arches%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="malaga, arches" border="0" alt="malaga, arches" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qLw66x1wIkc/UHSgef_CnwI/AAAAAAAAFUg/djFN621V4g4/malaga%25252C%252520arches_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="294"></a><br>Beautiful arches</td></tr></tbody></table>The Roman Theatre<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ToVCz0ayEzc/UHSggziU9pI/AAAAAAAAFUo/lvkg3D7jB5o/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520roman%252520theatre%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, roman theatre" border="0" alt="Malaga, roman theatre" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H1XqA7_CsjM/UHSgiPr9a_I/AAAAAAAAFUw/e9St2Z1dO3U/Malaga%25252C%252520roman%252520theatre_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="218"></a><br>The Roman Theatre</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sZ80b1rd5oU/UHSgkAElgeI/AAAAAAAAFU4/iauMnqXEOSE/s1600-h/Malaga%25252C%252520roman%252520theatre%252520steps%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Malaga, roman theatre steps" border="0" alt="Malaga, roman theatre steps" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c_1xlrGv2vA/UHSglPqNzbI/AAAAAAAAFU8/f4Q5X7SMvG4/Malaga%25252C%252520roman%252520theatre%252520steps_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="210"></a><br>Theatre steps</td></tr></tbody></table><br>Picked up the luggage and finally, off to Morocco. <br>Next stop: Casablanca. Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-38972322667257320632012-09-29T09:26:00.001-07:002012-09-29T09:26:07.060-07:00Sevilla<p>We had visited Seville before and really felt drawn back to see more (plus the shoe shopping there is without peer). In fact, we didn’t see a lot more than previously, but we still loved being there. <p>Our hotel was a tiny gem called Amadeus, tucked away in the old town. Our room was so small that if Nick was sitting at the tiny desk he had to stand up and move the stool so I could get out or go to the bathroom. A pretty bed and a tiny private courtyard made it special and outside our room, the house was filled with small rooms, nooks and crannies, even a roof terrace with a hot tub and bar. One could breakfast in a room or a patio, on the rooftop or in a lounge. And the theme was music: instruments abounded on walls and in little rooms; music played softly; people visiting were there for the music or perhaps as a gathering of artists; one could even play the instruments but alas, I never learned. It was full of antiques and silver and starched damask for breakfast linen and flowers and had the genteel feel of a rich aunt’s house. Charming!</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="873"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="199"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uxD5yG60sH0/UGcd874lLvI/AAAAAAAAFFE/V7mtjnC7Kvs/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520amadeus%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, amadeus 1" border="0" alt="seville, amadeus 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dlkYC9W8pec/UGcd-JAgj5I/AAAAAAAAFFM/BQm95oCFrpU/seville%25252C%252520amadeus%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="213"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-daWnp-JLl4U/UGceBx-Ho2I/AAAAAAAAFFU/2LM9R-auvUw/s1600-h/seville%252520amadeus%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville amadeus 2" border="0" alt="seville amadeus 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x_ABzyrPOEI/UGceDpg-xaI/AAAAAAAAFFc/dsMQxxP0bnY/seville%252520amadeus%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="224"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dK9Yyr9GrgQ/UGceGxYghFI/AAAAAAAAFFk/O_FtUdwUTI0/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520amadeus%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, amadeus 3" border="0" alt="seville, amadeus 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rBCpcsr1nII/UGceIbz5TUI/AAAAAAAAFFs/wlfAV2dnUb8/seville%25252C%252520amadeus%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="235"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DlIkDfQ4ilA/UGceLP9EY0I/AAAAAAAAFF0/ezpTYFhndZg/s1600-h/Seville%25252C%252520amadeus%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Seville, amadeus 4" border="0" alt="Seville, amadeus 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8xpDmeNTPxc/UGceMYAHqOI/AAAAAAAAFF4/XFb2mvXWEyw/Seville%25252C%252520amadeus%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We reacquainted ourselves with the layout of the city with a gentle walk and then lunched near the Murillo gardens where Nick had the most expensive meal per gram, one red prawn @ E15.60. To be fair, they sold the red prawns @ E12/100gm, (or E120/kg) which is more expensive than Serrano ham, but one prawn weighed 130gm. He did say it was a wonderful prawn. One big, fat, red prawn, grilled in its shell, not peeled or deveined. I had Salmorejo, a cold soup a bit like gazpacho, at about E5, so I guess the overall cost of the meal evened out. (more on red prawns later) <p>After our later siesta we went out for dinner at Pinchio. A restaurant where one can eat tapas like a degustation, in pretty surrounds instead of standing at a bar. This place has an excellent chef who interprets the tapas with finesse. Very, very good food. <p>The next morning was a bit grey and chilly, but we really wanted the Alcazar again because it is so special in its architecture. The rooms and gardens and tiles are all very beautiful and the details in every corner take your breath away in terms of both beauty and the work involved.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9971LNQx2l4/UGceQUbanMI/AAAAAAAAFGE/rPw4Fxn-w-8/s1600-h/Sev%252520alcazar%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sev alcazar N" border="0" alt="Sev alcazar N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mRo6qkCgYms/UGceSKgEkMI/AAAAAAAAFGM/Ki1na_Fo8TE/Sev%252520alcazar%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Wall tile picture</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vankAqCftQk/UGceW_ucARI/AAAAAAAAFGU/CZPBgV3DNqw/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar N" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1KAJbVSmafI/UGceYQYrYUI/AAAAAAAAFGc/oefASyFL8d0/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>Peaceful courtyard and fountain</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wQPzLRTTjE0/UGcedJM3gGI/AAAAAAAAFGk/9w7R6n_JIBo/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520courtyard%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar courtyard" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar courtyard" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wdbJORCNfE0/UGceega80UI/AAAAAAAAFGs/SulrMy2EfSQ/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520courtyard_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Courtyard of the orange trees</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-82vc40wjvoY/UGcek8yPxwI/AAAAAAAAFG0/4-JOFazSxMo/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520detail%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar detail" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar detail" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KPYi4aaWobI/UGcenP4Q5cI/AAAAAAAAFG8/_pobI6aX7gk/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520detail_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Wall detail</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W8hWk8Gdu1s/UGceqrUxghI/AAAAAAAAFHE/_IizRR6n4KA/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520roof%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar roof N" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar roof N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-968FD0Yi4qE/UGcer7J8UPI/AAAAAAAAFHM/TtzUjcQok8I/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520roof%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>Cupola treatment</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L84hgYmfCUE/UGcex7Y3FjI/AAAAAAAAFHU/MlNav0hy8Yo/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520peacock%252520door%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar peacock door" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar peacock door" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NbTUDacBHXs/UGcezWpib8I/AAAAAAAAFHc/P--D9OGAIck/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520peacock%252520door_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Peacock doorway</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Svba9DJvSk/UGce5j4uZGI/AAAAAAAAFHk/aO9bJv9q8LU/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520relief%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar relief" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar relief" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OqQpRT464kg/UGce7LUB0NI/AAAAAAAAFHs/9gIXl-Yl_so/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520relief_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>Intricate wall decoration</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T-gQKr7RwJM/UGcfB3cjKxI/AAAAAAAAFH0/NdPOQYGMoRg/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520tile%252520patterns%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar tile patterns" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar tile patterns" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cf6oyQ-VX8g/UGcfEK33puI/AAAAAAAAFH8/QlBvi6QcAc0/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520tile%252520patterns_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Just one wall of tiles</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BvtSvFDMAM0/UGcfKvcD2BI/AAAAAAAAFIE/pQxaZhjlb-o/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520ceiling%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar ceiling" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar ceiling" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w8_nm7n1yuo/UGcfL1C39qI/AAAAAAAAFIM/Rx7JdgyzHlw/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520ceiling_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Interior of cupola</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l1GLX5_7ycc/UGcfRIXx43I/AAAAAAAAFIU/qgb-NGXuv88/s1600-h/seville%25252Calcazar%252520arch%252520detail%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville,alcazar arch detail" border="0" alt="seville,alcazar arch detail" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h5-rVww_Sbk/UGcfTNhGSgI/AAAAAAAAFIc/W9llpTyD5ko/seville%25252Calcazar%252520arch%252520detail_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Arch detail</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ki0kYTp3L50/UGcfVfh1fDI/AAAAAAAAFIk/xynhY1W2qQQ/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520padilla%252520pool%252520side%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, padilla pool side N" border="0" alt="seville, padilla pool side N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-avg9N2M29pc/UGcfW9J82PI/AAAAAAAAFIs/_q976aEib58/seville%25252C%252520padilla%252520pool%252520side%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y4rKjY6RTM8/UGcfaRY3sZI/AAAAAAAAFI0/FXU5PL3xrC0/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520Dona%252520Padilla%252520baths%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar Dona Padilla baths" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar Dona Padilla baths" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yFqW6YialNw/UGcfb8YNwoI/AAAAAAAAFI8/cREPIHAeOTg/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520Dona%252520Padilla%252520baths_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>The Dona Padilla baths where King Peter would meet his mistress</td></tr></tbody></table> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c0xJWVwl4D8/UGcfhTGgOOI/AAAAAAAAFJE/pg_xWi7jJmI/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520gardens%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, alcazar gardens" border="0" alt="seville, alcazar gardens" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-grd4BdaItMA/UGcfj5wcb_I/AAAAAAAAFJM/yw8irVmEmGU/seville%25252C%252520alcazar%252520gardens_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="246"></a> <p align="center">Part of the extensive gardens of the Alcazar <p>Then the Plaza Espana which we had never seen. Built for an exposition in 1902 it was to showcase all the areas of Spain. It is extensively decorated in tiles made exclusively for each setting and often for architecture such as balustrades. However, it did strike us as an expensive “folly”. It even has an almost circular canal for boating.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WrDXZXRCA4o/UGcfpG21MWI/AAAAAAAAFJU/c3Tc80GSdWo/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520plaza%252520espana%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, plaza espana 2" border="0" alt="seville, plaza espana 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IbmMiwXwP18/UGcfq3LvnjI/AAAAAAAAFJc/zV909IkUvJg/seville%25252C%252520plaza%252520espana%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="189"></a><br>Plaza Espana</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZIFeeWmv0ss/UGcfvhu92aI/AAAAAAAAFJk/qtqo5nj7-bM/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520plaza%252520espana%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, plaza espana" border="0" alt="seville, plaza espana" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iz8Dm9TS3lg/UGcfxsB73II/AAAAAAAAFJs/kXLidFI6Id4/seville%25252C%252520plaza%252520espana_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="185"></a><br>Some of the decorative tiled booths, each celebrating an area of Spain</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FJ5POutyWbU/UGcf2i8diJI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/-YcpGAPZZ_4/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520plaza%252520espana%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, plaza espana 3" border="0" alt="seville, plaza espana 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g0n0z7BOC_0/UGcf4EQyrII/AAAAAAAAFJ8/JKKx_lZCA9A/seville%25252C%252520plaza%252520espana%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="186"></a><br>Just the ceramics on one bridge balustrade show the work that went into this</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Later, we went shopping for shoes, especially looking for the shop where I bought my “happy shoes” last trip. Luckily I found them and, two pairs of shoes later, I was ready to consider a snack at Robles before our siesta. Life is so difficult at the moment one must just take frequent rests!</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="906"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="290"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8cpI00kCCJA/UGcf7M7UMLI/AAAAAAAAFKE/SfP8thXrBno/s1600-h/shoes%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="shoes 2" border="0" alt="shoes 2" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sAmPXSqGL4M/UGcf8s0EMwI/AAAAAAAAFKM/E7fQzg2oXfs/shoes%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="235" height="172"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="298"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iIEHQY6dxFM/UGcf_MHRgoI/AAAAAAAAFKU/L6xF61uNE4s/s1600-h/shoes%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="shoes 1" border="0" alt="shoes 1" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sgiEc1D5p8s/UGcgAvjvd9I/AAAAAAAAFKc/G8ZRnhWwli8/shoes%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="172"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="147"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZL_KGOHVN_k/UGcgFFJZFwI/AAAAAAAAFKk/JD0_pnYLXu4/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520robles%252520laredo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, robles laredo" border="0" alt="seville, robles laredo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8J-KiTshbrA/UGcgGjJEcgI/AAAAAAAAFKs/2WepMLUu02g/seville%25252C%252520robles%252520laredo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Robles Laredo cafe</td> <td valign="top" width="169"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p2tTxPsCbn8/UGcgKFidyBI/AAAAAAAAFK0/jMJjJSmEtVw/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520desserts%252520robles%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, desserts robles" border="0" alt="seville, desserts robles" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kIfFJlWfwKk/UGcgLbquUQI/AAAAAAAAFK8/JaENDgoM-Hg/seville%25252C%252520desserts%252520robles_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>And some of the desserts</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Next morning we decided to visit the Plaza del Encarnation, where a market renewal was thwarted by finding amazing Roman ruins underneath. Those had to be preserved, a new market constructed and a shade structure built over all-hence the “parasols” or “mushrooms”. These are amazing wooden contraptions that shade the area underneath but which also provide a terrace and bar area above and good views from walkways through the construction. We gather the locals are divided on the cost/benefit ratio, but they are certainly unusual .</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="815"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="190"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iZBR-wTqurU/UGcgOq-dvfI/AAAAAAAAFLE/hjZzfo6enuE/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520mushroom%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, mushroom N" border="0" alt="seville, mushroom N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4akRjUSSqW0/UGcgQcGN0MI/AAAAAAAAFLM/Y3UNO_FcIEs/seville%25252C%252520mushroom%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="309"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_6grCEhNrT4/UGcgUioyQ4I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/akbF_f1_VyM/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520mushrooms%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, mushrooms 2" border="0" alt="seville, mushrooms 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F_TjNuCvHcE/UGcgWcy_uyI/AAAAAAAAFLc/kaPJmaAt-Y4/seville%25252C%252520mushrooms%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="222"></a><br>The mushrooms above</td> <td valign="top" width="314"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tF5im_PxBQ8/UGcgaZ2EypI/AAAAAAAAFLk/i2rw9oEkEJw/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520mushrooms%2525203%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, mushrooms 3" border="0" alt="seville, mushrooms 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JPOFpxhKYDw/UGcgcpQ_fII/AAAAAAAAFLs/VvsFTy6cXxI/seville%25252C%252520mushrooms%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="225"></a><br>Walkways through and across</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wey-GOZoLOU/UGcgg4U_j7I/AAAAAAAAFL4/l54RYC4sefA/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520red%252520prawns%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, red prawns" border="0" alt="seville, red prawns" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-INXt0rCJ5lc/UGcgi_tEmdI/AAAAAAAAFMA/dvNLIxGNVSM/seville%25252C%252520red%252520prawns_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="184"></a><br>Still life with hake and red prawns (couldn’t see a price for the red prawns though.</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wTkxieFoFpI/UGcgmTwtRzI/AAAAAAAAFMI/LGfCK3UPbd0/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520razor%252520clams%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, razor clams" border="0" alt="seville, razor clams" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DnlwpcBJLKI/UGcgn727BNI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/SsEA-UnLWao/seville%25252C%252520razor%252520clams_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="184"></a><br>These oozy things are razor clams</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M0fmFvC1jeY/UGcgsr--xbI/AAAAAAAAFMY/nsRhiciJewQ/s1600-h/seville%252520market%252520bunnies%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville market bunnies" border="0" alt="seville market bunnies" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7A-SafUhtjc/UGcgusJ455I/AAAAAAAAFMg/DdGvBQKnSXw/seville%252520market%252520bunnies_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="186"></a><br>Can’t be squeamish: bunnies, pigeons, entrails, sheep’s heads</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Later, the Museum des Bellas Artes recalled us and again, we loved its tranquillity and the collections.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YofPaOU2WU0/UGcgz0sdnfI/AAAAAAAAFMo/TL7SkLz5wiQ/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520bellas%252520artes%252520courtyard%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, bellas artes courtyard" border="0" alt="seville, bellas artes courtyard" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VqbqO5eDcoo/UGcg1NY3rDI/AAAAAAAAFMw/HcH3rxcnc4s/seville%25252C%252520bellas%252520artes%252520courtyard_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>One of the cloisters</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zA8X5HPl1Zw/UGcg5KNrjoI/AAAAAAAAFM4/o72bf0thaLs/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520bellas%252520artes%252520pool%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, bellas artes pool" border="0" alt="seville, bellas artes pool" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TFtdB3o4bpw/UGcg6nW-w5I/AAAAAAAAFNA/7pQsGyBNQgg/seville%25252C%252520bellas%252520artes%252520pool_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Pool in patio</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gt9OfSUU4lk/UGcg9inBeEI/AAAAAAAAFNI/Fjer16gXBbA/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520bellas%252520artes%252520virgin%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, bellas artes virgin N" border="0" alt="seville, bellas artes virgin N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DNZtLNfw1No/UGcg-4cLy1I/AAAAAAAAFNQ/k1QJbgpB9pA/seville%25252C%252520bellas%252520artes%252520virgin%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Virgin and child</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xkmI8hoEq80/UGchFVNRY4I/AAAAAAAAFNY/e6lpjiV4EgU/s1600-h/seville%25252C%252520bellas%252520artes%252520cupola%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="seville, bellas artes cupola" border="0" alt="seville, bellas artes cupola" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XEf0DPAQgyc/UGchGuk1ilI/AAAAAAAAFNg/-cH7dzG0f5c/seville%25252C%252520bellas%252520artes%252520cupola_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Gorgeous cupola in the old chapel</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We reprised at Pinchio for dinner. The food is very good. <p>Ready to move on in the morning to Malaga. Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-79315015123063685312012-09-27T14:41:00.001-07:002012-10-05T15:10:06.982-07:00Cadiz<p>This turned out to be a happy surprise of a city; a warren of narrow streets with apartment buildings and many shady plazas alive with people at all hours, plus sea front and bastions to protect harbours, beaches, lovely parks and many nice cafes and restaurants. Perfect! <p>We came in by train and have the luggage managed pretty well by now in terms of getting it on and off the train. What can’t be managed is the direction we face when travelling as tickets must be booked in advance and you have no way of knowing which way the train will be facing. The luck of the draw has been a little against us so far. <p>We travelled Madrid to Seville, changing there for Cadiz. The 15 minute difference between train arrival and departure was just about right to do things with comfort. We travelled with some beautiful cold meats from the restaurant in Madrid and had a bit of a feast for lunch. The Iberico ham, fed on acorns, has the sweetest, nuttiest taste and is quickly addictive making our cooked hams seem pale and anaemic in both looks and taste. <p>The journey took us past many marshy areas that are used to make and harvest salt, essential for the packing and export of fish from Cadiz from the earliest times, as well as extensive wind turbine farms and solar arrays. The Spanish take their alternative energy quite seriously.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="806"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="252"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BZ6UaMXm89g/UGTEUL-3XdI/AAAAAAAAE48/Dp5b-kHtnEc/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520wind%252520turbines%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, wind turbines" border="0" alt="Cadiz, wind turbines" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wl_oTHxcdh0/UGTEVpoyaAI/AAAAAAAAE5E/mumgta4uKpQ/Cadiz%25252C%252520wind%252520turbines_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="197"></a>Wind turbines</td> <td valign="top" width="253"><br></td> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rvkxXvXWWCg/UGTEYl-EahI/AAAAAAAAE5M/-4k59newVNA/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520solar%252520array%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, solar array" border="0" alt="Cadiz, solar array" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_POTIXjAVkk/UGTEZ7DMFFI/AAAAAAAAE5U/yI9qQBSZBvM/Cadiz%25252C%252520solar%252520array_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="199"></a><br>Solar array</td> <td valign="top" width="46"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="252"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SCSN-pMd5Ic/UGTEdjtxmgI/AAAAAAAAE5c/3rMMqQRiuMA/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520boat%252520staves%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, boat staves" border="0" alt="Cadiz, boat staves" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g5moCf356xo/UGTEfmm8PmI/AAAAAAAAE5k/baI6PNerWOs/Cadiz%25252C%252520boat%252520staves_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="198"></a><br>Old boat staves in the water (shot through train window at speed)</td> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SE2OTpA2tks/UGTEi9VkeCI/AAAAAAAAE5s/q5b5z1I-q8s/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520salt%252520marsh%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, salt marsh" border="0" alt="Cadiz, salt marsh" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ffl8PI9iHO4/UGTEkf45cvI/AAAAAAAAE50/_LI1gaaYGy8/Cadiz%25252C%252520salt%252520marsh_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="196"></a><br>Salt marshes</td> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TXmaiGkO_Vc/UGTEndiKxTI/AAAAAAAAE58/pLKt_w-O_mA/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520%252520salt%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, salt" border="0" alt="Cadiz, salt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6njR3rYqMrc/UGTEo_0G5eI/AAAAAAAAE6E/F58DjgnwO9w/Cadiz%25252C%252520%252520salt_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="194"></a><br>Salt stacks</td> <td valign="top" width="46"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We take taxis from airports and stations these days, especially with luggage. It was an excellent idea in Cadiz as I don’t think we could possibly have found the hotel, buried in its little alley not much wider than a car. The hotel Argantonio was a sweet place, though our room was tiny and the suitcases had to go under the bed if we were to move around.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="722"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="399"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_n9SJFNeCZA/UGTEuFg0ivI/AAAAAAAAE6M/GL5WRgn1sUs/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520hotel%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, hotel N" border="0" alt="Cadiz, hotel N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kWG2iEgYvAg/UGTEwYZa3EI/AAAAAAAAE6U/KDgxlbZ0bM8/Cadiz%25252C%252520hotel%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="223"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="321"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9oXB0FOt3Yc/UGTEyt-TDlI/AAAAAAAAE6c/0Bdt-Pwckb8/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520hotel%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, hotel" border="0" alt="Cadiz, hotel" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uH022o-9odQ/UGTEz2CJteI/AAAAAAAAE6k/xNFUznyq_iI/Cadiz%25252C%252520hotel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="280"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>A quick walking tour of the city in the late afternoon found everything from a big sea-side cathedral, to the sea front walls and a sight of the distant, modern Cadiz which we never managed to visit, Roman remains such as an old theatre, plus all these long, straight, narrow calles that criss-cross the old town. This is a place with a history.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="1128"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="208"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l5Mc2q-gKso/UGTE4RHGvpI/AAAAAAAAE6s/c58CAA31WJY/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520%252520street%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, street N" border="0" alt="Cadiz, street N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BC_Y8-walbA/UGTE5mLkHRI/AAAAAAAAE60/8ojxe1HGoPE/Cadiz%25252C%252520%252520street%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="277"></a><br>Cadiz street</td> <td valign="top" width="299"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jdb-sKT98iQ/UGTE-OZTs3I/AAAAAAAAE68/a9_uUx7P0uU/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520plaza%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, plaza" border="0" alt="Cadiz, plaza" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vCkvA8HfjYQ/UGTFAF-35ZI/AAAAAAAAE7E/RIZH26xzIQY/Cadiz%25252C%252520plaza_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="213"></a><br>Cool and pretty plaza</td> <td valign="top" width="281"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-enNcQeZJyXU/UGTFEm-jtAI/AAAAAAAAE7M/3zT0ZD8fmys/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520chair%252520N%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, chair N" border="0" alt="Cadiz, chair N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qgx-X2aXSWU/UGTFGBYnZHI/AAAAAAAAE7U/ljI3zcBGdEc/Cadiz%25252C%252520chair%252520N_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="220"></a><br>Pretty street bench</td> <td valign="top" width="338"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y6iqmujAZMg/UGTFIYHuw9I/AAAAAAAAE7c/miJONWZcRjQ/s1600-h/cadiz%252520light%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cadiz light" border="0" alt="cadiz light" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p0UiEbnUJgA/UGTFJtionKI/AAAAAAAAE7k/BSZB8JzC9-s/cadiz%252520light_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="214"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y6iqmujAZMg/UGTFIYHuw9I/AAAAAAAAE7c/miJONWZcRjQ/s1600-h/cadiz%252520light%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><br></a>Lovely lights</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="207"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uqGZkYudM_E/UGTFM6tgMvI/AAAAAAAAE7s/3Zoc-MzjX_c/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520street%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, street" border="0" alt="Cadiz, street" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wQ0AdHddWow/UGTFOBJSmgI/AAAAAAAAE70/JZScgDJK2CU/Cadiz%25252C%252520street_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="280"></a><br>Another long, narrow street</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VqwOtA0eJ4A/UGTFRx1vxVI/AAAAAAAAE78/-Td0qJtPa-s/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520domes%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, domes" border="0" alt="Cadiz, domes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J9tRgN1UFjQ/UGTFToRapDI/AAAAAAAAE8E/zpeTMB63yHg/Cadiz%25252C%252520domes_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="215"></a><br>Domes, spires and the back of a Roman theatre</td> <td valign="top" width="281"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bIUSrw4d31c/UGTFXkiWxxI/AAAAAAAAE8M/wILj1Eot0LQ/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520%252520new%252520cadiz%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, new cadiz" border="0" alt="Cadiz, new cadiz" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Grd9tZwbq4U/UGTFYzAxgII/AAAAAAAAE8U/huV0YA__UiQ/Cadiz%25252C%252520%252520new%252520cadiz_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="201"></a>Looking along the sea wall from Old Cadiz to new Cadiz</td> <td valign="top" width="338"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VIL_uKNrcHU/UGTFdVy_3HI/AAAAAAAAE8c/Q-Vy8Y5e1GY/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520entrance%252520tiles%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, entrance tiles" border="0" alt="Cadiz, entrance tiles" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VTVR4IXnJ44/UGTFeyp308I/AAAAAAAAE8k/vosuEv3OccE/Cadiz%25252C%252520entrance%252520tiles_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="278" height="203"></a><br>Beautiful tiles line the entrances to apartment blocks</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Next day we had planned a train trip to Jerez to visit a sherry bodega. Tio Pepe seemed to give the most comprehensive tour so that was where we went. They had it beautifully choreographed to move several large tour groups through the grounds and maturing halls with the sherry soleras. We saw a movie on the history of Gonzales-Byass, the Tio Pepe company, had a little train tour round the grounds, walked through the various storage places, saw barrels signed by celebrities and ended with a tasting of four different sherries. Exit through the gift shop.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="1044"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="264"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4yTyDknhXBw/UGTFjuFh1sI/AAAAAAAAE8s/Qcx8QN5Glc0/s1600-h/Jerez%252520station%252520sign%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez station sign" border="0" alt="Jerez station sign" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sOoiwxj2sFQ/UGTFlciBvuI/AAAAAAAAE80/8FJaCXs1ZKw/Jerez%252520station%252520sign_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Tiled station name</td> <td valign="top" width="262"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xL7n0LB-Eag/UGTFqTMxCGI/AAAAAAAAE88/nlPbDKhgrf4/s1600-h/Jerez%252520station%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez station" border="0" alt="Jerez station" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x5KItSXOTTg/UGTFsdVH4PI/AAAAAAAAE9E/QKIQiTgV9Rc/Jerez%252520station_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Jerez station</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EcMSHL1KKws/UGTFwc7PfkI/AAAAAAAAE9M/c_skm8L3peE/s1600-h/Jerez%252520barrels%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez barrels" border="0" alt="Jerez barrels" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SPRb0g5GuOQ/UGTFx2t15yI/AAAAAAAAE9U/yVa5SzS08BI/Jerez%252520barrels_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Barrels in the soleras of Gonzales-Byass</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jf9qTmO-eIo/UGTF0ekvfOI/AAAAAAAAE9c/i_WsgbjPEp4/s1600-h/Jerez%252520Tio%252520pepes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez Tio pepes" border="0" alt="Jerez Tio pepes" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LpbVDLrnd90/UGTF1hkgtkI/AAAAAAAAE9k/amIS7X4pq2U/Jerez%252520Tio%252520pepes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Tio Pepe advertisement bottles</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="264"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uw1025A6GxQ/UGTF5f81deI/AAAAAAAAE9s/XuFj5HC1IMY/s1600-h/Jerez%25252C%252520philip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez, philip" border="0" alt="Jerez, philip" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mT7OEZyXDS8/UGTF62EHxvI/AAAAAAAAE90/-96PQvm6VGU/Jerez%25252C%252520philip_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="182"></a><br>Famous names</td> <td valign="top" width="262"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hk1Or0dJKNo/UGTF-TpKsCI/AAAAAAAAE98/cpJPLmmZdv8/s1600-h/Jerez%252520cocteau%252520barrel%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez cocteau barrel" border="0" alt="Jerez cocteau barrel" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t6RjmKe4MIk/UGTGAKstDBI/AAAAAAAAE-E/vedG85BAea0/Jerez%252520cocteau%252520barrel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="180"></a><br>And drawings</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O8DdttGHBeA/UGTGD4CNr_I/AAAAAAAAE-M/aCLv5jHiPwU/s1600-h/Jerez%252520tasting%252520hall%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez tasting hall" border="0" alt="Jerez tasting hall" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yFpvwPLrQl0/UGTGFF0H32I/AAAAAAAAE-U/2eCjwAbZVtw/Jerez%252520tasting%252520hall_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="184"></a><br>This is the tasting hall; about the size of the pantheon in Rome<br><br></td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mMrqvLikPnk/UGTGH8MWsnI/AAAAAAAAE-c/mC8SghkWlZo/s1600-h/Jerez%252520Tio%252520Pepe%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez Tio Pepe" border="0" alt="Jerez Tio Pepe" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Zl32KvAOm8/UGTGJmxKg4I/AAAAAAAAE-k/cHAa4MG9GlQ/Jerez%252520Tio%252520Pepe_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Tio Pepe as a weather vane; one of the largest in Spain</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="265"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_6srWd1qSxQ/UGTGMht2YZI/AAAAAAAAE-s/4z6lnaF6LE0/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520jerez%252520barrels%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, jerez barrels N" border="0" alt="Cadiz, jerez barrels N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YBpTvvBe_f8/UGTGN0UX42I/AAAAAAAAE-0/c_0Ha1e0zzg/Cadiz%25252C%252520jerez%252520barrels%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Barrels in the tasting hall</td> <td valign="top" width="262"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZamRZ6D18-Q/UGTGRwtWrII/AAAAAAAAE-8/HmSS839KyRg/s1600-h/Jerez%25252C%252520old%252520wine%252520jars%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez, old wine jars" border="0" alt="Jerez, old wine jars" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-92YBhdRN9aY/UGTGTrCHzCI/AAAAAAAAE_E/6QYrvJeC51o/Jerez%25252C%252520old%252520wine%252520jars_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Old wine jars</td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ypJNNwCsweI/UGTGWneoQKI/AAAAAAAAE_M/375q_mdUc6I/s1600-h/Jerez%252520sweet%252520oloroso%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez sweet oloroso" border="0" alt="Jerez sweet oloroso" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w70dWxV82DM/UGTGYZwPV1I/AAAAAAAAE_U/V7RjSrTuMB0/Jerez%252520sweet%252520oloroso_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Sweet oloroso<br></td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qN9mmmtzyDs/UGTGco3CLhI/AAAAAAAAE_c/TLrTJJvDhWU/s1600-h/Jerez%252520hillside%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez hillside" border="0" alt="Jerez hillside" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UWsJurjgrB8/UGTGd6fh12I/AAAAAAAAE_k/p6xu2Oeh7Mw/Jerez%252520hillside_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>The Andalucian bull and Tio Pepe on a hillside near jerez</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>They also had two stunning halls which were to be used to host weddings that night. Both looked like they accommodated several hundred guests and the decorations were being put in place as we moved through. There was also a fountain and grassed area in the gardens that was used for functions as well. Very stylish!</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tgfx2gfbMrY/UGTGi1v_nrI/AAAAAAAAE_s/AEz4Q2ndTDc/s1600-h/Jerez%25252C%252520Tio%252520Pepe%252520garden%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez, Tio Pepe garden" border="0" alt="Jerez, Tio Pepe garden" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9dtrRb84Bmo/UGTGkpe5i9I/AAAAAAAAE_0/BsTZCsExvjc/Jerez%25252C%252520Tio%252520Pepe%252520garden_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="194"></a><br>Pretty fountain in the gardens</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TnQXEV4bKzQ/UGTGoVxNp8I/AAAAAAAAE_8/fhl9OQHwCD8/s1600-h/Jerez%25252C%252520wedding%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez, wedding 1" border="0" alt="Jerez, wedding 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z9WDLo9qcNA/UGTGp7rscMI/AAAAAAAAFAE/uwqPzOKcxaI/Jerez%25252C%252520wedding%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="198"></a><br>Wedding hall one</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hjtiQlRRDSs/UGTGuiFfuFI/AAAAAAAAFAM/KwDu88mxUZ4/s1600-h/Jerez%252520wedding%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez wedding 2" border="0" alt="Jerez wedding 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ko_-eTa9cpo/UGTGwD-TOnI/AAAAAAAAFAU/76-VNGljfsc/Jerez%252520wedding%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="199"></a><br>Second wedding hall</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We visited the cathedral in the town which was more open than usual; no grille before the altar and no choir in the nave so it felt more welcoming and had a series of small patios outside which were serene and calm.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R4Jy3K-dfTI/UGTGzTFGEMI/AAAAAAAAFAc/j89tIV8MX8o/s1600-h/Jerez%252520cathedral%252520front%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez cathedral front" border="0" alt="Jerez cathedral front" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xkOz7ksWQjc/UGTG1MwCioI/AAAAAAAAFAk/rucE8w1aK-g/Jerez%252520cathedral%252520front_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="206"></a><br>Massive front of Jerez cathedral</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fv2_WAQFy7I/UGTG4w3eGlI/AAAAAAAAFAs/o_x2tom3rHo/s1600-h/Jerez%252520cathedral%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez cathedral" border="0" alt="Jerez cathedral" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9PLmGPbBiT0/UGTG6vjHfOI/AAAAAAAAFA0/RwAtnhojQW0/Jerez%252520cathedral_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <p align="center">Main nave<br></p></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w6zNn9ok33E/UGTG98MNaMI/AAAAAAAAFA8/8xbYJbGYoJE/s1600-h/Jerez%25252C%252520cathedral%252520patio%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Jerez, cathedral patio" border="0" alt="Jerez, cathedral patio" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bzbUu8zYybQ/UGTG_TpHj0I/AAAAAAAAFBE/g2_Y0lzGE_Y/Jerez%25252C%252520cathedral%252520patio_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <p align="center">Peaceful patio of the orange trees</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Back in Cadiz we saw the Costa Fortuna (the very name makes me giggle) sister ship to the Costa Concordia, preparing to leave. Cadiz has always been an important port and remains so today, not just for passenger cruise lines, but they come in some numbers too. We finished the night at the local Plaza of San Francisco where we sat outside and watched the children run and play while their parents sat and ate and conversed with friends: no traffic so very safe. We also saw two brides for weddings at the church there. The second wedding finished at 10pm, just a nice time to go for a wedding dinner somewhere.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="722"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="399"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v1d36TMJ3Mw/UGTHDNlvAPI/AAAAAAAAFBM/6K3fjh1yoWI/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520Costa%252520Fortuna%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, Costa Fortuna" border="0" alt="Cadiz, Costa Fortuna" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Row_q477knM/UGTHEz6d2iI/AAAAAAAAFBU/duDbXn4AFHE/Cadiz%25252C%252520Costa%252520Fortuna_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="248"></a><br>Costa Fortuna</td> <td valign="top" width="321"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z3feAh3floA/UGTHI6hZQNI/AAAAAAAAFBc/-rC-GQYKFtw/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520San%252520Francisco%252520sq%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, San Francisco sq N" border="0" alt="Cadiz, San Francisco sq N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZwKeYkjZSU4/UGTHK-t-s0I/AAAAAAAAFBk/KRgDSrYongE/Cadiz%25252C%252520San%252520Francisco%252520sq%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="248"></a><br>Plaza San Francisco</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The museum was first on the agenda the next day and it was a very fine offering, showcasing Phonecian and Roman remains from its history on the ground floor, some pretty important Spanish art on the second floor (Zurbaran, Murillo) and some very modern Spanish art on the third floor which didn’t appeal much.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X94o68-aq_4/UGTHN5gWhDI/AAAAAAAAFBs/HD7Qq32LKU0/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520phonecian%252520sarcophagi%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, phonecian sarcophagi" border="0" alt="Cadiz, phonecian sarcophagi" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8sJleRCgfPo/UGTHPnWjvMI/AAAAAAAAFB0/hY0Sls6-x_Y/Cadiz%25252C%252520phonecian%252520sarcophagi_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Phonecian Sarcophagi</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8ZEqbab8HwM/UGTHSiOnJsI/AAAAAAAAFB8/AovLppQFhKI/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520amphorae%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, amphorae" border="0" alt="Cadiz, amphorae" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TWtAxebDR-I/UGTHUaL84aI/AAAAAAAAFCE/f1g10xNdH1w/Cadiz%25252C%252520amphorae_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Amphorae for export. Each type of export had a different shaped amphora</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mlLFRWU-Ng8/UGTHWv5UMpI/AAAAAAAAFCM/UNZpTg07PPg/s1600-h/Cadiz%252520museum%252520head%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz museum head" border="0" alt="Cadiz museum head" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XBIXuFEKp6g/UGTHY6L-NoI/AAAAAAAAFCU/eS3dQPCADeI/Cadiz%252520museum%252520head_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Phonecian head</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yl5q2HSUke0/UGTHbVnVUgI/AAAAAAAAFCc/6_3YWD10_Ds/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520roman%252520smile%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, roman smile" border="0" alt="Cadiz, roman smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hl6pQgcUX30/UGTHclCUaCI/AAAAAAAAFCk/Drqej1BHXkc/Cadiz%25252C%252520roman%252520smile_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="202"></a><br>Love the smile</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EwbomvpKeJg/UGTHglD9usI/AAAAAAAAFCs/M0E08e9CIqU/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520mosaic%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, mosaic N" border="0" alt="Cadiz, mosaic N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kfvRoyNAPpQ/UGTHiNEOcLI/AAAAAAAAFC0/mg0j8vRTbYM/Cadiz%25252C%252520mosaic%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="204"></a><br>Beautiful Roman mosaic</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1mrCxZ_GY6g/UGTHlLLSslI/AAAAAAAAFC8/DDqKMw0RuqM/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520Angel%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, Angel N" border="0" alt="Cadiz, Angel N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8u9LL5dym2w/UGTHmqkNZrI/AAAAAAAAFDE/YGV5zZ0YFg4/Cadiz%25252C%252520Angel%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="299"></a><br>Zurbaran angel</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Then off towards the beach, passing a very nice new Paradore Hotel and walking through the carefully cultivated topiary and little fountains in the Genove Gardens to the old harbour. This is protected by two forts and has a lovely family beach between its arms. Lots of locals set up on the beaches which are not private at all in Spain, so it rather reminded me of our days at the beach as youngsters in Queensland; heaps of beach umbrellas and towels and families greeting each other and kids having a great time. We climbed over the fort of St Catalina where they were setting up for a concert under the stars, had a look from the outside at what seemed to be a beach pavilion but turned out to be an old spa (closed now) that replaced the Royal Baths, and ate under a huge spreading tree that I will swear was a Moreton Bay Fig. A beer at a beach bar completed the outing.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="1114"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="280"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4oDfkPQ_Qpo/UGTHq1QCWmI/AAAAAAAAFDM/s87kku2TtPI/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520beach%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, beach" border="0" alt="Cadiz, beach" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ByZ-_4k5gMg/UGTHsd0HrhI/AAAAAAAAFDU/qlr2xOM93oI/Cadiz%25252C%252520beach_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="200"></a><br>Beach and the old spa</td> <td valign="top" width="280"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n-BNbKTkgPg/UGTHwHvzMQI/AAAAAAAAFDc/PLVSQiJ5Gf8/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520fort%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, fort" border="0" alt="Cadiz, fort" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9NuZFixip-w/UGTHxZcycAI/AAAAAAAAFDk/h8rlpGFguzQ/Cadiz%25252C%252520fort_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="200"></a><br>Part of the St Catalina fort</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EdRbYihspvM/UGTH05Yrr3I/AAAAAAAAFDs/6Th2PCt8hck/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520second%252520fort%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, second fort" border="0" alt="Cadiz, second fort" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fZDyj60cncU/UGTH243UorI/AAAAAAAAFD0/mF2q2e8W-80/Cadiz%25252C%252520second%252520fort_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="197"></a><br>The other fort</td> <td valign="top" width="276"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AtQ_F-BfMeI/UGTH8bji3NI/AAAAAAAAFD8/ahJqjoNa1AQ/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520sandcastle%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, sandcastle" border="0" alt="Cadiz, sandcastle" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Fkhqw5XUaA/UGTH-F9ykKI/AAAAAAAAFEE/EAmHuiV_W5g/Cadiz%25252C%252520sandcastle_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="190"></a><br>Grown up sandcastles</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>That evening we walked to a restaurant called Ballandro opposite a different waterfront and ate well, lobster soup and millefeuille of beef for me, scorpion fish pate and stuffed chicken breast for Nick. If you sat at the bar you had tapas: in the restaurant you ate from the menu, a very common way of dining in Spain. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QPbrIEXQkmU/UGTIA87fyFI/AAAAAAAAFEM/5Nc6RszFdXk/s1600-h/Cadiz%25252C%252520nightfall%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cadiz, nightfall" border="0" alt="Cadiz, nightfall" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nEt3mMvt1VU/UGTICiCTzhI/AAAAAAAAFEU/7wuXHE_fS-Y/Cadiz%25252C%252520nightfall_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="325"></a> <p align="center">Bastions near the waterfront at night <p>Meanwhile, at home, our little cat, Minuette, was in hospital with kidney problems. Many thanks to Shannon and Amy, our house-sitters, for looking after her so well and nursing her back to health. <p>Next stop: Seville Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-66710205001019394542012-09-23T14:00:00.001-07:002012-09-23T14:00:14.935-07:00Madrid<p>We had visited Madrid for a few days several years ago, so some of the major sights had already been seen. But we did want to return to a few, plus see some new ones. <p>Our apartment was in the Gran Via area, which turned out to be quite “interesting”. First, we were delayed getting there by fog at Santiago, so the meetup with our apartment host was also delayed, he eventually arrived about an hour after we did. Meanwhile, two cars of police had inspected something within the courtyard of our apartment building and left, and we had watched the pretty ladies in high heels and very short skirts greet the male passers-by, or sit waiting on the convenient bollards in the street. Interesting! The street down to Puerta del Sol in the evening was also rather full of peep shows, cheap food shops and English bovver boys. Turned out they were in Madrid for a match between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Plus there was a protest in Sol with several hundred people, a large number of police, about 6 paddy wagons, an ambulance or two and several city clean-up trucks. We walked on and found a nice quiet restaurant. We never did find out why the police were at the apartment building, who won the footy match or what happened at the demonstration. As I said, “interesting”. The apartment, by the way, was a great little place and very central. <p>First day we were off to the nearby Bellas Artes de San Fernando, photos forbidden. Many lovely examples of Spanish art including Goya, Zuruban and Velasquez which we do enjoy, many portraits which most often are not our style, then an abrupt change to modern art. Seems several key areas were closed which explains that. But most enjoyable. <p>Then to see Plaza Major again, one of the most pleasing places architecturally because it was designed as a whole with the buildings matching. Salamanca’s Plaza Major was based on this. Perhaps the only place I find a little more pleasing is Place des Vosges in Paris, mainly because it has a park in the middle. This time there were far fewer people in the Plaza which made it much more pleasant. (Somehow Spiderman doesn’t fit here, as Mickey Mouse didn’t in Salamanca.) However, we were probably on TV that night, as we inadvertently sat behind some Manchester City fans who were egged on by the camera crews to sing team songs and drink lots of beer.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="767"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="232"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--erkGjOl86s/UF93DGcfIgI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/vZHT8FVDRJI/s1600-h/Madrid%252520Plaza%252520major%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid Plaza major N" border="0" alt="Madrid Plaza major N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zkpPjJZLKFE/UF93EWqxtiI/AAAAAAAAEvU/n5et108B1Uc/Madrid%252520Plaza%252520major%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="235" height="322"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="271"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QoMUYKtpHh8/UF93FAy6-1I/AAAAAAAAEvg/04vQ6eiFzss/s1600-h/Madrid%252520plaza%252520major%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid plaza major 1" border="0" alt="Madrid plaza major 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9NXo5eZy8ps/UF93GILbFBI/AAAAAAAAEvo/kNTlR9pkDuA/Madrid%252520plaza%252520major%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="233"></a><br>Regular architecture makes it graceful</td> <td valign="top" width="262"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dHruiAw6HAI/UF93HTjkQyI/AAAAAAAAEvw/volgkVOi6zA/s1600-h/Madrid%252520plaza%252520major%252520facade%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid plaza major facade" border="0" alt="Madrid plaza major facade" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ntRBvY0ROSg/UF93IVE3uxI/AAAAAAAAEv4/eIrptmhVYtc/Madrid%252520plaza%252520major%252520facade_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="238"></a><br>Front of town hall</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We exited to the San Miguel market which has become a very trendy spot to buy tapas and a glass of something and sit or stand while you eat. Last trip we looked but didn’t buy. This time we were more confident and lunch ensued: a cornet of Iberico jamon for Nick @ E105/kg (he had 80gm) and 8 oysters for me, plus a glass of wine each. You can buy meat, smallgoods, cakes and sweets, even flowers, but the main function these days seems to be a gorgeous tapas market. Yum!</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Mn-wMVeZW4/UF93JN57rVI/AAAAAAAAEwA/CSxY_BsZzqE/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado 2" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7p4E107VUrg/UF93KKeB9yI/AAAAAAAAEwI/umSZz6SihTU/Madrid%252520mercado%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="180"></a><br>Just sit wherever and eat what you have bought</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dKjU4hQr2rs/UF93LKB4eiI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/wMJdRRo9gQw/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%252520roof%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado roof" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado roof" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VNraFi9vg0I/UF93L79DTII/AAAAAAAAEwU/tWIwgsDP4Jo/Madrid%252520mercado%252520roof_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" height="182"></a><br>Part of the girder and brick roof construction</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TeLVNKdmQH0/UF93NNIvZAI/AAAAAAAAEwg/g54yyRaOewc/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado 3" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-es4SWOuQteQ/UF93N11KnxI/AAAAAAAAEwo/PNe0dZwjtpg/Madrid%252520mercado%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="182"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YTfPAiIYj44/UF93PD019mI/AAAAAAAAEww/ulXxgBhDEaU/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercato%252520cherries%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercato cherries" border="0" alt="Madrid mercato cherries" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JNIJCKjxGjQ/UF93QB5E9GI/AAAAAAAAEw4/DOfmyukYa74/Madrid%252520mercato%252520cherries_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="175"></a><br>These are cherries the size of plums. And yes, they are about E24/kg</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qk4S6j5J2Lo/UF93RpPl_4I/AAAAAAAAExA/e7iRoT6K2MQ/s1600-h/Madrid%252520%252520Mercato%252520cornets%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid Mercato cornets" border="0" alt="Madrid Mercato cornets" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TWSkYDlP6Bo/UF93SfT6cxI/AAAAAAAAExI/WZcIWMMOYfw/Madrid%252520%252520Mercato%252520cornets_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="178"></a><br>All types of deli meats in paper cornets to take away</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bzryJmU1fhs/UF93TjJEFtI/AAAAAAAAExQ/S3OT4hW17BM/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%252520meat%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado meat" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado meat" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YFgD0A1kR70/UF93Ul_yJLI/AAAAAAAAExY/hS9-XREIgCQ/Madrid%252520mercado%252520meat_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="183"></a><br>Good meat is highly prized and expensive</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z5pN5U8yFII/UF93VsK40UI/AAAAAAAAExg/AP-nx4pKZiU/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%252520chocs%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado chocs" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado chocs" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EQNe2SkVpFs/UF93W84xojI/AAAAAAAAExo/sCZyH16RWvs/Madrid%252520mercado%252520chocs_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="187"></a><br>Sweet things</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P5IY-P8z9YQ/UF93X4zMULI/AAAAAAAAExw/duQbFg4WpXU/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%252520olives%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado olives" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado olives" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nducy1SvrTQ/UF93YxlXLgI/AAAAAAAAEx4/vjZXNDYCEKo/Madrid%252520mercado%252520olives_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="185"></a><br>Olives and pickles</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We wondered why the Cathedral of Madrid wasn’t mentioned in guide books so we popped along for a look. Very new as cathedrals go and only officially opened in 1992, though it took 110 years to build, it is young because Madrid was not the capital city; Toledo was, and is still the seat of the primate of Spain. We very much enjoyed the change of emphasis from heavy gold and lugubrious saints, closed off choirs and inaccessible altars, to a light and colour filled space with attractive modern stained glass and beautiful geometric patterns. There was a nod to the altars of old with one raised transept altar and some very lovely cast bronze doors, the one here being a secondary door, not the main one, but the general feel was of light and colour and was quite uplifting. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t_5bsOXU6mg/UF93aCuqleI/AAAAAAAAEyA/NylcNGdUmuA/s1600-h/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520nave%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid cathedral nave" border="0" alt="Madrid cathedral nave" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W3FcZhkA0DU/UF93a5nwxcI/AAAAAAAAEyI/IcF99-aEpCI/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520nave_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="278"></a><br>Nave and apse</td> <td valign="top" width="256"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-99R-n-EzlMw/UF93bzlS4UI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/Zvse0nK0Hqo/s1600-h/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520apse%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid cathedral apse" border="0" alt="Madrid cathedral apse" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TnkiEtpqttI/UF93dDGQZoI/AAAAAAAAEyY/b20mWSqrS2Y/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520apse_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="187"></a><br>Apse</td> <td valign="top" width="256"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gr3Zi8lZhk4/UF93eMTxQNI/AAAAAAAAEyg/hOq__BqqSpI/s1600-h/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520transept%252520altar%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid cathedral transept altar" border="0" alt="Madrid cathedral transept altar" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CXqFYgPGZy0/UF93fKt4L0I/AAAAAAAAEyo/0Ax5jJFQ1kU/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520transept%252520altar_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="187"></a><br>Transept altar</td> <td valign="top" width="86"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O_sE2QhEDTY/UF93gOLM-nI/AAAAAAAAEyw/DutBIIduvsw/s1600-h/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520doors%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid cathedral doors" border="0" alt="Madrid cathedral doors" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SBvApJMewrE/UF93hQhsHII/AAAAAAAAEy4/o-fHcN55mXc/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520doors_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" height="290"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O_sE2QhEDTY/UF93gOLM-nI/AAAAAAAAEyw/DutBIIduvsw/s1600-h/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520doors%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><br></a>Bronze doors</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a81YYrrvC5o/UF93iB1-S-I/AAAAAAAAEy8/jlMy0JC3v2I/s1600-h/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520glass%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid cathedral glass" border="0" alt="Madrid cathedral glass" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KQvW0tAj3D8/UF93i0H8xBI/AAAAAAAAEzI/ogl-cYqq7_c/Madrid%252520cathedral%252520glass_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="258"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QtHtT23ycC8/UF93j1e3aHI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/AA5ZAkxbFfI/s1600-h/madrid%252520cathedral%252520organ%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="madrid cathedral organ" border="0" alt="madrid cathedral organ" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LctPkRcS1Ow/UF93kxZpIOI/AAAAAAAAEzY/epsjAVqd8nY/madrid%252520cathedral%252520organ_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Cathedral organ</td> <td valign="top" width="258"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mt7YebHa-QM/UF93mFQ68GI/AAAAAAAAEzg/HLz9pcsYQ_0/s1600-h/Madridcathedral%252520ceiling%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madridcathedral ceiling" border="0" alt="Madridcathedral ceiling" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G-u6k3ecnt4/UF93neK0oEI/AAAAAAAAEzo/5CQaIV-wWfk/Madridcathedral%252520ceiling_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Gorgeous ceiling patterns</td> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5bH3IS_BUIs/UF93otvPNcI/AAAAAAAAEzw/YOhLB24MVtg/s1600-h/Madrid%252520cathedral1%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid cathedral1 N" border="0" alt="Madrid cathedral1 N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D81iHqzx1M4/UF93pgF8b1I/AAAAAAAAEz4/1gwZNlOwm9s/Madrid%252520cathedral1%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="244"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Immediately facing the main door of the cathedral was the huge Royal Palace. The cathedral colours echoed its grey and white façade. No photos were allowed inside, but it was room after room of extraordinary opulence with huge chandeliers, silk walls, a state dining table that could accommodate well over 100 and “family rooms” such as one used as a cinema, where you would be almost afraid to sit, let alone relax. The current king and queen do not use it except for state occasions. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6AdXYw_Ofsk/UF93rB-DgvI/AAAAAAAAE0A/i3PsQEWRTLc/s1600-h/Madrid%252520palacio%252520real_edited-1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid palacio real_edited-1" border="0" alt="Madrid palacio real_edited-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ar4oSbWM_70/UF93sEulGGI/AAAAAAAAE0I/HCOn08F_Gq0/Madrid%252520palacio%252520real_edited-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="245"></a> <p align="center">Palacio Real, modest little place <p>Next day we went first to a more homely market in one of the nearby suburbs. Entered by a short escalator, it looked very small, but behind was row after row of shops of all the important kinds; fish, meat, cold meats, cheeses, olives and pickles, chicken, bread and cakes and a few other essentials such as bedclothes, shoes and electrical goods nearby. This was serious stuff and the customers, often older people as this was the middle of the day, came with shopping carts and lined up at their favourite places. I was most taken with the knives of the fishmongers and the total freshness of the fish. I was less amused to see the tiny suckling pigs, whose cousins we had so enjoyed in Toledo. Smaller than a baby, and cleaned very white…eek! Markets can be a bit confronting. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vmMC4sbXOvo/UF93tcMVPHI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/HTZVP49ZC00/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%252520fish%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado fish" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado fish" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kgtHZSCqKw8/UF93uQQDIVI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/_OsApxcEVd0/Madrid%252520mercado%252520fish_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="190"></a><br>Lots of fish</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3O84iuIBF6g/UF93v53lLPI/AAAAAAAAE0c/It4C2n_mgqg/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%252520knife%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado knife" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado knife" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PeXKjVc2Uls/UF93wynXIYI/AAAAAAAAE0g/Kgc6_N611h4/Madrid%252520mercado%252520knife_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="192"></a><br>Look at the knife</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t1mSfncJWos/UF93yEbhl5I/AAAAAAAAE0w/-u7laT3bwek/s1600-h/Madrid%252520mercado%252520padron%252520peppers%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid mercado padron peppers" border="0" alt="Madrid mercado padron peppers" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0hQ5MLqED8M/UF93zqgZvdI/AAAAAAAAE04/76TcYh8phxw/Madrid%252520mercado%252520padron%252520peppers_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="243" height="185"></a><br>The famous Padron peppers. They fry them for a tasty snack</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>A return visit then to Reina Sofia museum, mainly to revisit Picasso’s Guernica. We surprised ourselves at how much we had really seen on our last visit. This time they had altered the approach to Guernica so that the marvellous photos and etchings about war that had so set the scene on our last visit were absent, which much lessened the impact. We still spent some time there and also in rooms with other Picassos and Miros plus a few Dalis. Most satisfying. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HQdPRNtdXjM/UF9300CP0ZI/AAAAAAAAE08/hmzqdwXwVUM/s1600-h/Madrid%252520Reina%252520Sophia%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid Reina Sophia 1" border="0" alt="Madrid Reina Sophia 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wFAvs4QI6ew/UF932XYatrI/AAAAAAAAE1I/tAOEt5r6Q7Q/Madrid%252520Reina%252520Sophia%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="293"></a><br>Lichtenstein’s Brushstroke<br></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-20WVw-la6KM/UF933feVNPI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/Po0zEFdyGLU/s1600-h/Madrid%252520Reina%252520Sophia%252520courtyard%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid Reina Sophia courtyard N" border="0" alt="Madrid Reina Sophia courtyard N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X8HN_tUyl38/UF934qKWjbI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/2r8oPUguH3I/Madrid%252520Reina%252520Sophia%252520courtyard%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="220"></a><br>Interesting courtyard roof, Reina Sofia</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cbyIGzWYmbw/UF935x-qayI/AAAAAAAAE1g/YnE95WzKjus/s1600-h/Madrid%252520Reina%252520Sophia%252520Dali%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid Reina Sophia Dali N" border="0" alt="Madrid Reina Sophia Dali N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LfzyP9Rp2Hk/UF937POkLnI/AAAAAAAAE1k/6pUWx06Fxic/Madrid%252520Reina%252520Sophia%252520Dali%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="220"></a><br>Dali anyone?</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>For a change of pace the following day, we found the Sorolla Museum. This was in his actual house which he had purpose built to include his studio, the family living quarters and several beautiful gardens in the Moorish style. Sorolla is the Spanish impressionist and his use of light is characteristic. He painted many beach scenes and many tender portraits of his family, especially his wife. He had a way of capturing expressions which made his pictures seem to be almost a snapshot of a private moment. The experience was peaceful and the paintings luminous. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1mA7Ft2bRAA/UF938fqoqxI/AAAAAAAAE1w/NLyIZkRgBkc/s1600-h/Madrid%252520sorolla%252520garden%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid sorolla garden 1" border="0" alt="Madrid sorolla garden 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iaosL5xuWaQ/UF939JKxGfI/AAAAAAAAE10/nP6xppKPsYg/Madrid%252520sorolla%252520garden%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="194"></a><br>The peaceful patio</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wVpATf4nLL8/UF93_LcA8SI/AAAAAAAAE2A/-y3Vxxr98-s/s1600-h/Madrid%252520Sorolla%2525201%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid Sorolla 1 N" border="0" alt="Madrid Sorolla 1 N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FT7zyf88vhM/UF94AeMXa2I/AAAAAAAAE2I/cD8mCdXepSI/Madrid%252520Sorolla%2525201%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Young woman</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l6r9IU-SEFY/UF94BlwEvvI/AAAAAAAAE2M/QOEzzbHKi9o/s1600-h/Madrid%252520Sorolla%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid Sorolla 2" border="0" alt="Madrid Sorolla 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VgzDE6gdI2c/UF94Ck8We0I/AAAAAAAAE2Y/FHLASYTRTuU/Madrid%252520Sorolla%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="248"></a><br>Beach scene</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gGIbjXzmrek/UF94EBOcn_I/AAAAAAAAE2c/NMwKttw8TPs/s1600-h/Madrid%252520sorolla%252520house%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid sorolla house" border="0" alt="Madrid sorolla house" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g6u8-dqI02o/UF94FF9-QJI/AAAAAAAAE2k/1JLmViuige4/Madrid%252520sorolla%252520house_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="191"></a><br>Dining room. His daughters are painted in the garland</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>From there we made our way to a park to visit the Egyptian Temple of Debod. It was gifted to Spain after the Spanish government assisted them to save many treasures that would have been drowned by the waters of the Aswan Dam. Unexpectedly to us, the interior was filled with bas reliefs of the kings making offerings to the gods so it wasn’t just a place to look at and leave. The park setting overlooked the city and was cool and peaceful. We had lunch at a café under the shade of trees then wandered home. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y3hlItMAS10/UF94GHmaqWI/AAAAAAAAE2s/VZNTsdqf3tc/s1600-h/Madrid%252520Debod%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid Debod N" border="0" alt="Madrid Debod N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WgXTjrlPpOk/UF94HVweWEI/AAAAAAAAE20/G3n5GmWAqB0/Madrid%252520Debod%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="192"></a><br>Temple of Debod</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F85vfBMv3jo/UF94IIBd8eI/AAAAAAAAE3A/Sr2Uf6G2kvs/s1600-h/Madrid%252520debod%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid debod" border="0" alt="Madrid debod" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--SXfoAYHcVg/UF94JroSX5I/AAAAAAAAE3I/XOAkKlImm00/Madrid%252520debod_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="233"></a><br>Reflected in its pool</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F-S35uqusq4/UF94K-JruXI/AAAAAAAAE3M/g_kPqfx9f9U/s1600-h/Madrid%252520debod%252520interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid debod interior" border="0" alt="Madrid debod interior" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u26-mXkN6Vw/UF94MMYmEgI/AAAAAAAAE3U/lprpdglesVw/Madrid%252520debod%252520interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Bas reliefs</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-usMqCb_Y1LQ/UF94MwdAPUI/AAAAAAAAE3g/3ktycxtJviA/s1600-h/Madrid%25252C%252520debod%252520wing%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid, debod wing" border="0" alt="Madrid, debod wing" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d7Em0cScjD4/UF94QOJqv1I/AAAAAAAAE3o/4tYwcDCkZwY/Madrid%25252C%252520debod%252520wing_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>The orb, cobra and wing device</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We ate very well in Madrid finding several nearby restaurants with excellent food. However, on our last night we couldn’t find the one we had selected and chose one called La Cathedral instead. An art deco interior and an inexpensive menu del dia. My first course of scallops in some sort of glue in the shell was so abysmal that we actually asked for an abbreviated bill and left. I don’t think we have ever done that before. We went to a nearby tapas restaurant instead, and on the way out bought a selection of gorgeous sliced Iberican products to eat on the train next day. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JyKULsEkgO8/UF94Q9VQHYI/AAAAAAAAE3w/oIsHnKVgl7A/s1600-h/Madrid%252520tapas%252520bar%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid tapas bar" border="0" alt="Madrid tapas bar" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pFPp18dz9hk/UF94SISLp7I/AAAAAAAAE34/OS7I9RvQQCQ/Madrid%252520tapas%252520bar_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>A nice meal here behind the tapas section</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wN_bM_hGywA/UF94TE8V6ZI/AAAAAAAAE4A/3KIiszmKdPI/s1600-h/Madrid%252520restaurant%252520la%252520cathedral%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Madrid restaurant la cathedral" border="0" alt="Madrid restaurant la cathedral" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JHnm99mVkOE/UF94UeTaUwI/AAAAAAAAE4I/GCPUU8S-pKw/Madrid%252520restaurant%252520la%252520cathedral_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>Avoid La Cathedral</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ht11TF2rebc/UF94VnilVdI/AAAAAAAAE4M/lYqNtQli4X8/s1600-h/madrid%252520La%252520Cueva%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="madrid La Cueva" border="0" alt="madrid La Cueva" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QRpXTGN_Q8w/UF94WvtWrfI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/pikWVw03v6Y/madrid%252520La%252520Cueva_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>Look at the hanging jamon. Worth a fortune. We took our little bit away.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The holiday is at its half way point. <p>Next stop: Cadiz Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-30641753286992697992012-09-19T10:00:00.001-07:002012-09-19T11:08:24.505-07:00Santiago de Compostela A very fast road took us past multiple wind farms towards Santiago, where we dropped the car at the station and took a taxi to our hotel; a good thing too as the hotel was once this huge convent with massive front steps and only a tiny path leading to the front door. I think we may have never found it. Quite swish, with even an indoor swimming pool, though we didn’t manage to get to see that. Our room was fine, but up several small flights of stairs and then set up as a room for people with disabilities. Turns out there was lift access by taking 2 separate lifts and a long corridor. We are beginning to wonder if they will offer a zimmer frame at the next place as they seem keen to give us accessible rooms. I might add that the bath was equipped with a wide shelf on the lip presumably to assist transfer to the bath. It made the shower access one of the more treacherous I have encountered. (Geeze I am getting pernickety in my old age!)<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nrajMG-l1II/UFn4doLFJ1I/AAAAAAAAEmQ/mO8Lx_ARTvY/s1600-h/wind%252520turbines%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="wind turbines" border="0" alt="wind turbines" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--teQRq5Xo5s/UFn4e5OzZcI/AAAAAAAAEmY/2OxKvvWztwE/wind%252520turbines_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="226"></a><br>Wind turbines</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ugISewlZF8c/UFn4hkc5jbI/AAAAAAAAEmg/60jadAEthk8/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520hotel%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, hotel N" border="0" alt="Santiago, hotel N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MnO9reAEue8/UFn4i7RO3aI/AAAAAAAAEmo/CQdO3iWWhtk/Santiago%25252C%252520hotel%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="228"></a><br>The Monumental Hotel of San Francisco lived up to its name</td></tr></tbody></table>Santiago has a medieval core of cathedrals, monasteries, shops etc, mostly in granite, and then large outer suburbs with many apartment buildings, all apparently with their backs turned to the roads or with enclosed verandahs across the front. It all gave the city a rather unwelcoming look at first glance, especially after the airiness of places like Segovia and Salamanca. Our first wander around in the afternoon didn’t do much to dispel the feeling. However, a rest and then out for dinner at a suitably Spanish time of 8.30 had us sitting in the end of a small alley trying several delicious Albarina white wines and eating some really excellent food. First a shared carpaccio of scallops with olive oil, then I had rice cooked in cuttlefish ink with prawns and Nick little parcels of chicken, then choc fondant for dessert. A fabulous and helpful waiter and we were feeling warmer towards the town.<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mJnYTUOL6Ss/UFn4k90t7sI/AAAAAAAAEmw/IsHfkv02vk4/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520cafe%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, cafe" border="0" alt="Santiago, cafe" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w7--ErSGOfI/UFn4mFHpLOI/AAAAAAAAEm4/yEu1kMNpGvQ/Santiago%25252C%252520cafe_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="231"></a><br>Nice find down the end of an alley</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dgtBZlITEaE/UFn4oONy04I/AAAAAAAAEnA/fUE2G4CS3LI/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520black%252520rice%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, black rice" border="0" alt="Santiago, black rice" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AXMH7ywXa1Q/UFn4pGWjU7I/AAAAAAAAEnI/QbwWXtYfnss/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520black%252520rice_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="231"></a><br>My black rice with cuttlefish and prawns. Yum!</td></tr></tbody></table>The next morning we caught part of the mass at the main altar of the cathedral before taking an audioguide tour. There were crowds of pilgrims, many still carrying pack and staff and adorned with their cockle shell. You can only be a true pilgrim if you walk at least 100km I think, so that is still quite an effort, though by no means like one of the longer routes of over 1000km.In the cathedral it is traditional to walk up some steps behind the figure of St James on the high altar and embrace him. The lady in front of me became very emotional and needed to be comforted by a friend so I am sure she found it a very spiritual experience. One then visits the silver box beneath the altar said to hold the bones of St James. <br>The cathedral itself differed a bit from the usual Spanish ones we have seen. It is granite and growing lichen, so rather forbidding in appearance and is approached by a huge plaza and then several sets of stairs leading up the the entrance. Inside, the Glory Portico was covered for repairs so we couldn’t see it. It is supposed to be very beautiful.<br> <table style="width: 855px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="275"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jKQI0YbXMqE/UFn4rBQC8pI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/4DuBnqnRIrc/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520cathedral%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, cathedral N" border="0" alt="Santiago, cathedral N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DrN7YN-N4Is/UFn4sHKFA1I/AAAAAAAAEnY/pRyuijGUsGw/Santiago%25252C%252520cathedral%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="266"></a><br>Cathedral facade with steps up in front</td> <td valign="top" width="367"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_cbM1urSGhE/UFn4uqinpQI/AAAAAAAAEng/T1cr3dHGP2E/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520facade%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, facade" border="0" alt="Santiago, facade" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mRxc7q_kf5g/UFn4v9mjnfI/AAAAAAAAEno/UWSP0aa8YXs/Santiago%25252C%252520facade_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="260"></a><br>Detail of the lichened facade; just a tad overdone</td> <td valign="top" width="211"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ycVgdLvWCgE/UFoKDfxNjfI/AAAAAAAAEuw/tFskX54o8-0/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520plaza%252520N_edited-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, plaza N_edited-1" border="0" alt="Santiago, plaza N_edited-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8UktnIfDoMA/UFoKEzoghiI/AAAAAAAAEu4/R1CISs4eAxc/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520plaza%252520N_edited-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="266"></a><br>Another cathedral entrance and bell tower</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="275"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eX8lhiyVe9A/UFn40rMCpbI/AAAAAAAAEoA/SjBxmweoEoU/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520plaza%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, plaza" border="0" alt="Santiago, plaza" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fA4Yntk9Xgw/UFn41q-cT_I/AAAAAAAAEoI/4zQerN9LWk0/Santiago%25252C%252520plaza_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="194"></a><br>Massive plaza fronting the cathedral</td> <td valign="top" width="367"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b9kEWdjeKBc/UFn44GdHc2I/AAAAAAAAEoQ/n2dve_D9ts4/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520horse%252520fountain%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, horse fountain" border="0" alt="Santiago, horse fountain" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-agkQTywcqLg/UFn45CPJNlI/AAAAAAAAEoY/BBxX5ihbV-k/Santiago%25252C%252520horse%252520fountain_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="189"></a> <br> <div align="center">Pretty horse fountain</div></td> <td valign="top" width="211"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8JkHOgATfDk/UFn46xtjnpI/AAAAAAAAEog/yZt6IBB03YU/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520stepped%252520spire%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, stepped spire" border="0" alt="Santiago, stepped spire" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_UmEgEYbnIM/UFn48MWLOxI/AAAAAAAAEoo/47LIjfcRXMY/Santiago%25252C%252520stepped%252520spire_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Cloister and stepped tower of the cathedra</td></tr></tbody></table>The main altar is so encrusted with gold it is difficult to make out the individual features. However, there was no grille across the front and no choir stalls at all. We later found that an original stone choir had been removed (now reconstructed in part in the museum of the cathedral) and also a wooden one, now preserved in another museum in town. In front of the altar was a huge censer, one in gold on a chain and another not so ornate on a rope and pulley. On occasions eight strong men swing the censer so it flies high into the transepts; apparently not just to the glory of God, but to drown the smells of hundreds of sweaty pilgrims. Alas, we didn’t see it in action.<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j8XpPvX1Sq8/UFn4-TmQM5I/AAAAAAAAEow/ADn-YKYcTEk/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520altar%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, altar" border="0" alt="Santiago, altar" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vMpd9Bft9Xw/UFn4_cHvkRI/AAAAAAAAEo4/s49NbonyjAk/Santiago%25252C%252520altar_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="172" height="244"></a><br>A rather poor photo of the gold altar, taken down the main nave <br>and through the trumpets of the organ</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nyi8cXIWzdA/UFn5BGCDTvI/AAAAAAAAEpA/MrrwnloXigU/s1600-h/Santaigo%25252C%252520censer%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santaigo, censer" border="0" alt="Santaigo, censer" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7FdZunJDDXI/UFn5CfhL7zI/AAAAAAAAEpI/S_h_RvAHkPM/Santaigo%25252C%252520censer_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>The lesser censer</td></tr></tbody></table>Sunday morning we encountered a procession, maybe for Our Lady of Sorrows, with many parishioners following the statue and fireworks being set off at intervals. From the sounds we judge they walked at least half way around the old city. We love these unexpected little episodes. <br> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tU90TTiY-tk/UFn5EEgOX2I/AAAAAAAAEpQ/Ng2lCK5_cjg/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520procession%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, procession" border="0" alt="Santiago, procession" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Xa-UtgXHFc/UFn5FF9Cf8I/AAAAAAAAEpY/_CN-OK32LLI/Santiago%25252C%252520procession_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> </div>Our goal today was St Martin Pinero, a vast building incorporating a church, a double sided main altar with the monks chairs one side and the congregations the other, then a museum, parts of the old school including a pharmacy and science equipment and then the beautiful old wooden choir stalls from the cathedral, so close we could have touched them. It took us several hours. In our visit we saw several smaller museums as well, so that by the end we were church and “museumed” out.<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-03aXdXuivTI/UFn5HEUmc7I/AAAAAAAAEpg/tIy4Aon9rzU/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520entry%252520st%252520martin%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, entry st martin N" border="0" alt="Santiago, entry st martin N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-92GnhPT2Xt4/UFn5ISHXtcI/AAAAAAAAEpo/g7iwnnH_9S4/Santiago%25252C%252520entry%252520st%252520martin%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Museum and church entry</td> <td valign="top" width="268"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vf0LC71Va2w/UFn5KBn4SaI/AAAAAAAAEpw/oUYKGc8hsJc/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520St%252520Martin%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, St Martin N" border="0" alt="Santiago, St Martin N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g6sIKBgsQzE/UFn5NRLshnI/AAAAAAAAEp4/KixaUPWXFdc/Santiago%25252C%252520St%252520Martin%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">Formal entry to the monastery</div></td> <td valign="top" width="274"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rQDZoYpHVeU/UFn5QOfnBZI/AAAAAAAAEqA/LC0L7WaiapM/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520S%252520martin%25252C%252520organ%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, S martin, organ" border="0" alt="Santiago, S martin, organ" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qtbD6n-vo2A/UFn5RWfSByI/AAAAAAAAEqI/3FnAjQcdwlU/Santiago%25252C%252520S%252520martin%25252C%252520organ_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="189"></a><br>The grand organ</td> <td valign="top" width="52"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lg10FZ6Ix6w/UFn5Tq1AhaI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/_YI8i0j-J1A/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520s%252520martin%25252C%252520main%252520altar%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, s martin, main altar" border="0" alt="Santiago, s martin, main altar" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6TxYv_I3xpk/UFn5U339ZhI/AAAAAAAAEqY/N41sCpwz-uU/Santiago%25252C%252520s%252520martin%25252C%252520main%252520altar_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="185"></a><br>The altar seen through the screen above</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NpHAHVEH4Gs/UFn5W7CpJFI/AAAAAAAAEqg/EEfBK9rGrIU/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520double%252520altar%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, double altar N" border="0" alt="Santiago, double altar N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N7OZ0WmhQo4/UFn5YOcFwII/AAAAAAAAEqo/lEOfBVbgqBY/Santiago%25252C%252520double%252520altar%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>The unusual double altar. The monks sat behind</td> <td valign="top" width="268"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O_H8XpOY1sg/UFn5aZOtToI/AAAAAAAAEqw/QaxhBTAdcu4/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520S%252520Martin%25252C%252520choir%252520stalls%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, S Martin, choir stalls" border="0" alt="Santiago, S Martin, choir stalls" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cPu5oAr6RTM/UFn5bn6_yjI/AAAAAAAAEq4/ti8QPYWbtnw/Santiago%25252C%252520S%252520Martin%25252C%252520choir%252520stalls_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="184"></a><br>The rescued wooden stalls from the cathedral choir</td> <td valign="top" width="275"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kqvtNo5Z5Qs/UFn5d9GJ_PI/AAAAAAAAErA/-FIL-ZfM3SY/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520s%252520martin%25252C%252520choir%252520stall%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, s martin, choir stall" border="0" alt="Santiago, s martin, choir stall" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3eJpZ2cd-Dc/UFn5gWPHb2I/AAAAAAAAErI/vKbyWT8NX9U/Santiago%25252C%252520s%252520martin%25252C%252520choir%252520stall_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="187"></a><br>Carving of the Magdalene on one of the choir stalls</td> <td valign="top" width="62"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dP8OH-z0LLU/UFn5jc4hwpI/AAAAAAAAErQ/ZNELOkjmAnQ/s1600-h/Santaigo%25252C%252520sun%252520face%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santaigo, sun face" border="0" alt="Santaigo, sun face" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2XW7KIjUo4E/UFn5k-AEtvI/AAAAAAAAErU/2Yi7U6BlOAI/Santaigo%25252C%252520sun%252520face_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="187"></a><br>A sun decoration on one altar</td></tr></tbody></table>A charming small museum of Pilgrimages traced the history of pilgrimages across the world. The images and relics it contained were a reminder of how often man has sought some spiritual dimension through travelling to a far holy place.<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HuR6usCA4KE/UFn5m0VaTAI/AAAAAAAAErg/7f3vaq6oPlw/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520museum%252520of%252520pilgrimages%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, museum of pilgrimages N" border="0" alt="Santiago, museum of pilgrimages N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bySbn5vLsRA/UFn5opD89aI/AAAAAAAAEro/-vw70z_YBJE/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520museum%252520of%252520pilgrimages%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="237"></a><br>Pretty door to the museum</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BRveRoHKYVQ/UFn5qtJ2esI/AAAAAAAAErw/qsJztnbl1CQ/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520pilgrimage%252520museum%25252C%252520St%252520Iago%252520himself%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, pilgrimage museum, St Iago himself" border="0" alt="Santiago, pilgrimage museum, St Iago himself" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1J7lautYVqw/UFn5sIJ6y_I/AAAAAAAAEr4/bWJjfvDDtEw/Santiago%25252C%252520pilgrimage%252520museum%25252C%252520St%252520Iago%252520himself_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="280"></a> <br> <div align="center">St Iago himself</div></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9r2phyYFZOI/UFn5uCTzq2I/AAAAAAAAEsA/qvMzoBSACVM/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520museum%252520of%252520pilgrims%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, museum of pilgrims N" border="0" alt="Santiago, museum of pilgrims N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e_vGGwnj5Is/UFn5vNGIGbI/AAAAAAAAEsI/ZKFSC2h0h5k/Santiago%25252C%252520museum%252520of%252520pilgrims%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="199"></a><br>Figures of the legendary “Three Maries” who supposedly travelled to France after the death of Christ</td></tr></tbody></table>As a change of pace we took a taxi to the giant City of Culture being built on one of the hillsides of Santiago. Of many different types of stone, it mimics the hillsides and will eventually house performing art spaces, workshops, galleries, a library, archives, museums and so on. At first we seemed to be the only ones there and the buildings looked closed (continuing the theme of Santiago perhaps) but the place was open and we were able to wander around taking photos of the curved rooflines and a rather spectacular sky, visited a gallery and so on.<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hjj6eOOey6g/UFn5xZoIxyI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/4TqTuVbXIWA/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, city of arts 1" border="0" alt="Santiago, city of arts 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5fj5_aGgzcs/UFn5yvakWII/AAAAAAAAEsY/5Dlbv3YuWNM/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="190"></a><br>City of Arts entrance</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--fIcGKxi4Us/UFn50R8i8_I/AAAAAAAAEsg/VxI8lXu3B1Y/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520city%252520of%252520arts%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, city of arts" border="0" alt="Santiago, city of arts" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ytUqwZBPU48/UFn51jqOoII/AAAAAAAAEso/gtFSjR82HvI/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520city%252520of%252520arts_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="260"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-811L32PWC3I/UFn53hVTguI/AAAAAAAAEsw/uQl4wud-mvc/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, city of arts 2" border="0" alt="Santiago, city of arts 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O3Nby48TVkk/UFn54y889VI/AAAAAAAAEs4/Z3d3NiaPOw0/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="200"></a><br>Roof of one building</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Cg9MuM0IVI/UFn56-vKEWI/AAAAAAAAEtA/CG-EKKHCAV0/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, city of arts 4" border="0" alt="Santiago, city of arts 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6ATIYhIECyk/UFn58ClOmxI/AAAAAAAAEtI/n9mEPJb8qQY/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="188"></a><br>People walking and sitting on the slope of the roof</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uQtF4jYkg_E/UFn5-eX_d6I/AAAAAAAAEtQ/lsAAeYaEBJA/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, city of arts 3" border="0" alt="Santiago, city of arts 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S2AaSb-nIS4/UFn5_gmvXTI/AAAAAAAAEtY/gMmnaXrkZ-Q/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="189"></a><br>Beautiful stonework</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ggHk-YAZ98g/UFn6BnESv0I/AAAAAAAAEtg/fv4Q25eHWvw/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525205%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, city of arts 5" border="0" alt="Santiago, city of arts 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y5ioyQQl4W0/UFn6Cyzs8yI/AAAAAAAAEto/7HJARHIl5mE/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%2525205_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="208"></a><br>Beautiful sky</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IFJ-eVLaHYk/UFn6EtyOy3I/AAAAAAAAEtw/l3kbJ6Q_ze8/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520pink%252520marble%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, pink marble N" border="0" alt="Santiago, pink marble N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mqBie1lPF14/UFn6F_7iZ5I/AAAAAAAAEt4/PVhEUM_i23g/Santiago%25252C%252520%252520pink%252520marble%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="284"></a><br>Pink marble bust in the stone exhibit</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UZIU5ImYH9g/UFn6H60MuUI/AAAAAAAAEuA/vwqHx8jJk3I/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520stone%252520exhibit%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, stone exhibit N" border="0" alt="Santiago, stone exhibit N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J1mkkHN8fvg/UFn6I3ceOcI/AAAAAAAAEuI/ahIvBCQWKOQ/Santiago%25252C%252520stone%252520exhibit%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="177" height="294"></a> <br> <div align="center">A rather older madonna in the exhibit</div></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5XLiOXCjcJw/UFn6LTK00oI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/tUrU4DlGBKk/s1600-h/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%252520sarcophagus%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Santiago, city of arts sarcophagus" border="0" alt="Santiago, city of arts sarcophagus" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_KhwoYaiZ3k/UFn6MQRK-pI/AAAAAAAAEuY/xhh-xx75U3c/Santiago%25252C%252520city%252520of%252520arts%252520sarcophagus_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="201"></a><br>One of a series of huge sarcophagi; a modern installation in stone. Looks like it is ready to eat you, which is what sarcophagus means, flesh eater.</td></tr></tbody></table>A taxi to the airport in fog the next morning presaged a delay in flights to Madrid, so we saw a bit more of the interior of Santiago airport as we waited for the weather. But all was well and we left about an hour and a half late. <br>We did warm to Santiago somewhat, but it still had a grandiosity that we found less appealing than the other Spanish cathedral towns we had visited. I guess if we had walked the Camino it would have seemed a treasure at the end of difficult and demanding days, weeks or months. Certainly many of the pilgrims were expressing joy and wonder at what they had achieved. <br>Next stop: Madrid Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-43823516509665725442012-09-15T14:33:00.001-07:002012-09-15T14:49:12.783-07:00Salamanca<p> The way to Salamanca was past Avila, a town only familiar to me because of my childhood church education about St Teresa of Avila, a learned lady and Carmelite nun to whom even the men of the church listened, and a known mystic. It was Bernini’s statue of her in ecstasy that we saw a few years ago in Rome. We almost gave up because parking was so difficult, but finally found a spot and set off through the gates in the massive walls of the city. These I imagine to be very much restored as they are in such perfect condition. A gorgeous day with bright blue skies added considerably to the photos.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-47Pa_8XYgDI/UFTzGaC90xI/AAAAAAAAEak/v-qHA1MQGyg/s1600-h/Avila%252520walls.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Avila walls" border="0" alt="Avila walls" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7A8lF0a-Iak/UFTzHUtXEeI/AAAAAAAAEas/DhbCC-F1tbw/Avila%252520walls_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="209"></a><br>Avila walls</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4KUffDSrunw/UFTzIMiE5sI/AAAAAAAAEa0/oBIk0tOGX3w/s1600-h/Avila%252520gates.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Avila gates" border="0" alt="Avila gates" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yKS1VNDLKO8/UFTzJAtIktI/AAAAAAAAEa8/xlH09ACnPOY/Avila%252520gates_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="210"></a><br>Avila Gate</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wCIxtgrXnIY/UFTzKS5fIkI/AAAAAAAAEbE/gtSS4vGnjQw/s1600-h/Avila%25252C%252520N.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Avila, N" border="0" alt="Avila, N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XYnlNn3HRDo/UFTzLPmmIgI/AAAAAAAAEbM/y1wLJUGX7Dw/Avila%25252C%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="212"></a><br>Gate with statue of St Teresa</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The main square was delightful, lined with a colonnade of shops and restaurants one side and a small church at one end. The massive cathedral, mostly granite and therefore rather dour, was our target. Again, like most Spanish cathedrals the altarpiece was a number of paintings surrounded in gold. The ambulatory behind the altar contained lovely carvings of the four Evangelists. There was a delightful and very old font with a baptism of Christ on the front. The cloister was enclosed by glass and inside were a number of the church treasures, but the pretty trefoils at the top were covered in a ribbed plastic. I believe there should have been stained glass there, but maybe not.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lig-xOyNl2w/UFTzMDIYcfI/AAAAAAAAEbU/mBjGJ9TRwCw/s1600-h/Avila%252520cloister%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Avila cloister" border="0" alt="Avila cloister" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nJFGfBoox_g/UFTzMyyYRqI/AAAAAAAAEbc/2yETKenP-TI/Avila%252520cloister_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="213" height="328"></a><br>Avila cloister windows</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ytKHPDmTagg/UFTzN5SNPgI/AAAAAAAAEbk/h2pVADbw-94/s1600-h/Avila%252520font%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Avila font" border="0" alt="Avila font" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6-d5K4cWx7w/UFTzO-Ym8hI/AAAAAAAAEbs/jezltaw68Pw/Avila%252520font_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="233"></a><br>Old font</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qwOEUFI7M7c/UFTzPp_PfDI/AAAAAAAAEb0/KyJ8eS_mRzQ/s1600-h/Avila%252520St%252520Luke%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Avila St Luke" border="0" alt="Avila St Luke" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B9gSapgxbNw/UFTzQ1D_j6I/AAAAAAAAEb8/LNkoIpNC_xc/Avila%252520St%252520Luke_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="235"></a><br>St Luke</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We visited the small church at the end of the cloister and found it to be dark and not at all uplifting, which was a shame, but we were happy to sit for a while in a café and have a small lunch.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="722"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="399"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xg8__viq-tA/UFTzRuUJrxI/AAAAAAAAEcE/KNy15mlLCig/s1600-h/Avila%252520yum.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Avila yum" border="0" alt="Avila yum" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fVjYwHCdIII/UFTzShhpUpI/AAAAAAAAEcM/pQkH_KU-TO8/Avila%252520yum_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="205"></a><br>Avila sweet things</td> <td valign="top" width="321"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xveggKaGHW0/UFTzTWC6Q9I/AAAAAAAAEcU/ekwQMBlZ9iM/s1600-h/avila%252520square%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="avila square" border="0" alt="avila square" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_i8Ael5byIQ/UFTzUQa346I/AAAAAAAAEcc/565mm4e6mEs/avila%252520square_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="203"></a><br>Avila square and church</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Then onwards to Salamanca. We were very glad of our GPS as the city has many traffic free streets and the path to our hotel was circuitous, eventually landing us at the front door right at the cathedral plaza. Nice address! The hotel was an NH Hotel, which I have not heard of before but which really offered lovely rooms and the best ever breakfast buffet. This was the view from outside the door.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u1_YFVn6yEE/UFTzVE2HnqI/AAAAAAAAEck/B148yohi1m8/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520%252520old%252520cathedral%252520dome%252520and%252520lantern.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca old cathedral dome and lantern" border="0" alt="Salamanca old cathedral dome and lantern" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SWQTd9sIQX4/UFTzWJwIVLI/AAAAAAAAEcs/OTdQ-bxyzRM/Salamanca%252520%252520old%252520cathedral%252520dome%252520and%252520lantern_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="264"></a></p> <p>This is a city of two universities which are old and have links therefore to the church, clergy and cathedral. Indeed, students used to take their vive voce exams in the Chapel of St Barbara and be evicted by the back door if they did not pass. </p> <p>The New Cathedral was built against the Old Cathedral, even stealing a little of its space. The older was Romanesque with mostly rounded arches whereas the new was Gothic with soaring pillars, pointed arches and an ornate double choir, all capped with a lantern, a light filled topping like the one at Ely Cathedral in England.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="998"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="278"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gN1guyVhiHQ/UFTzW4ZhdKI/AAAAAAAAEc0/_6CjcUGsNPo/s1600-h/Salamanca-Old-cathedral-altar-N3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca Old cathedral altar N" border="0" alt="Salamanca Old cathedral altar N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gCL9bgPbI3o/UFTzXyfJ-zI/AAAAAAAAEc8/fbS8Yw908UQ/Salamanca-Old-cathedral-altar-N_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="244"></a><br>Old cathedral altar</td> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3oEd1J69C6s/UFTzYjAcQ2I/AAAAAAAAEdE/l3dgjbxSel8/s1600-h/Salamanca-last-judgement3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca last judgement" border="0" alt="Salamanca last judgement" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wrfwjxc6RII/UFTzZurHn3I/AAAAAAAAEdM/ea1bGymiCVs/Salamanca-last-judgement_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Detail from apse of the Last Judgement</td> <td valign="top" width="251"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U_KzL0nJNS8/UFTzad8f9HI/AAAAAAAAEdU/ycEvdrnsitk/s1600-h/salamanca%252520old%252520cathedral%252520chapel%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="salamanca old cathedral chapel" border="0" alt="salamanca old cathedral chapel" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_PgbjQnO1vk/UFTzbEBNNJI/AAAAAAAAEdc/DPk-ZAGUJD8/salamanca%252520old%252520cathedral%252520chapel_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Beautiful old chapel frescoes</td> <td valign="top" width="190"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fHYU_3Q_fno/UFTzcK_gkNI/AAAAAAAAEdk/iLSqSeCST-Y/s1600-h/Salamanca--bulls-head-N7.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca bulls head N" border="0" alt="Salamanca bulls head N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dE6H8MvcLrE/UFTzd3hn--I/AAAAAAAAEds/WWCzzQ2NOUA/Salamanca--bulls-head-N_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Detail from exterior of the choir, New Cathedral</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="278"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G5QQvgjTqv8/UFTzengDp-I/AAAAAAAAEd0/OchiwqgZICs/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520lantern.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca cathedral lantern" border="0" alt="Salamanca cathedral lantern" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mtQBhuswBNI/UFTzfVCdBkI/AAAAAAAAEd8/o_Cnu52lBJo/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520lantern_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="192"></a><br>Ceiling detail and lantern</td> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WA4pPzWg9X0/UFTzgFRKsnI/AAAAAAAAEeE/Jzh5Hu8btm8/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520ceiling%252520detail.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca cathedral ceiling detail" border="0" alt="Salamanca cathedral ceiling detail" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jyjAZ2A9gEY/UFTzgxKT7eI/AAAAAAAAEeM/ymseEZ8NmO4/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520ceiling%252520detail_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="191"></a><br>Glorious ceiling</td> <td valign="top" width="251"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wB6rT7kUDPM/UFTziBaxDrI/AAAAAAAAElw/-TxrYGH-SUs/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520virgin%252520ed%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca cathedral virgin ed" border="0" alt="Salamanca cathedral virgin ed" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qzXvS3xNBrA/UFTzjn6Rv7I/AAAAAAAAEl0/HO0dGvpf6uE/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520virgin%252520ed_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="178" height="290"></a><br>Virgin of Soledad (Consolation)</td> <td valign="top" width="191"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iayzaTUsXpo/UFTzkoGerAI/AAAAAAAAEek/84sM1LLqrYs/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520organ%252520and%252520choir%252520stalls%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca organ and choir stalls" border="0" alt="Salamanca organ and choir stalls" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--lhRldNzcC0/UFTzlaTckII/AAAAAAAAEes/6DfmYx6Jq_k/Salamanca%252520organ%252520and%252520choir%252520stalls_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="285"></a><br>The oldest organ and some detail of the top of the choir stalls</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The ambulatory behind the main altar had many chapels, but the one for Il Cid, carried into battle by the king, was quite moving. It appears the one above replaces the original below, but that is not really clear. The gold surrounds also make it difficult to see, but there is a white ivory or bone figure below.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dh_y4gZ1z-g/UFTzmuXxfGI/AAAAAAAAEe0/OdMRgkWZAF0/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520Il%252520Cid%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca Il Cid N" border="0" alt="Salamanca Il Cid N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cm-HjO6S6A0/UFTznTud0MI/AAAAAAAAEe8/bJ8KEjD28go/Salamanca%252520Il%252520Cid%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="244"></a> <p align="center">The altar of Il Cid</p></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P5To9ZWaQuQ/UFTzoOUe-HI/AAAAAAAAEfE/COxSfaXkDBI/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520il%252520cid%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca cathedral il cid" border="0" alt="Salamanca cathedral il cid" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--QFKj74xCa8/UFTzpDEexHI/AAAAAAAAEfM/kmQMnISUW7k/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520il%252520cid_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <p align="center"><br>Perhaps the original Il Cid</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Outside there were beautiful tympani and many niches for statues of saints, strangely empty. I heard a guide say they were short of cash, so some things were just not done, including much stained glass. Even so, the building took over 200 years to finish.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xTlRAVT4Bsk/UFTzpwFPoGI/AAAAAAAAEfU/qcgswsOGkKo/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520entry%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca cathedral entry" border="0" alt="Salamanca cathedral entry" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c-NXAzgGpTA/UFTzqo32VmI/AAAAAAAAEfc/-WV725pX2Is/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520entry_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Entry, Birth of Jesus and the Magi</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FkDMfRQT6x4/UFTzr3n7xwI/AAAAAAAAEfk/nBGy-3PFiBs/s1600-h/Salamanca-cathedral-annunciation7.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca cathedral annunciation" border="0" alt="Salamanca cathedral annunciation" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-THzXSFKxBKo/UFTzsjtePdI/AAAAAAAAEfs/zOOEvX26kMA/Salamanca-cathedral-annunciation_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Annunciation</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6goTZtuKWFo/UFTztRXFBKI/AAAAAAAAEf0/Lx0StaqLBt8/s1600-h/Salamanca-astronaut4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca astronaut" border="0" alt="Salamanca astronaut" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KbzpBWlVybg/UFTzuOHh-_I/AAAAAAAAEf8/CHND6MSsKbw/Salamanca-astronaut_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="303"></a><br>Que?</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>And from this last picture, a carving on the side portal, it seems there was some prediction of what was to come in the world. How amazing! (see why at the end) <p>We love to visit markets, especially fresh food. The Salamanca markets were very fresh, mostly fish and cured meats, some fresh meat and a few vegetable stores. I don’t know what the “Secret Iberico” is in the meat shops nor the unindentifiable bits in the fish shops ? cod cheeks.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ltTuoUvEu20/UFTzvFQfPzI/AAAAAAAAEgE/sJSZ_bX2Bas/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520markets%252520fish2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca markets fish2" border="0" alt="Salamanca markets fish2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1jofAs-NsFo/UFTzv_avfDI/AAAAAAAAEgM/BFI0z1xapgg/Salamanca%252520markets%252520fish2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="218"></a><br>Fish heads and octopus</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-snTuo5WU9GU/UFTzwvM50sI/AAAAAAAAEgU/2sWid4EUazY/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520%252520market%252520hams%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca market hams" border="0" alt="Salamanca market hams" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S2W7O1_Zynk/UFTzxhpMilI/AAAAAAAAEgc/pIuR8Qxlfkw/Salamanca%252520%252520market%252520hams_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="210"></a><br>Very expensive ham and smallgoods. Delicious.</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2m4v-YVncUs/UFTzyrUhcWI/AAAAAAAAEgk/dABIaopQi5Q/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520markets%252520fish%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca markets fish" border="0" alt="Salamanca markets fish" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LOCeYnoQX3g/UFTzzSzpc9I/AAAAAAAAEgs/QdIHaHuPblM/Salamanca%252520markets%252520fish_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="211"></a><br>Will this one do?</td></tr></tbody></table> <p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sNpT1v6u5TU/UFTz0pUCkLI/AAAAAAAAEg0/Iu2EOuZIdqI/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520deli%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca deli" border="0" alt="Salamanca deli" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wIsRPDanuMw/UFTz1rEKJZI/AAAAAAAAEg8/Y8ufVxsJIDM/Salamanca%252520deli_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="257"></a> <p align="center">Places in town also sold luscious goodies <p>The social hub of Salamanca is the Plaza Major, based on the one in Madrid and truly an harmonious place in its architecture. Many cafes and shops are under the arches of the colonnades. It was the Festival of Salamanca for two weeks, so families and students were out and about attending concerts, plays, dance and mini-festivals. There were little pop-up cafes set up everywhere serving drink and tapas. Plaza Major had a full sound stage in front of the town hall. Students were enrolling at the universities and the place was simply bustling.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9s0EVAvVj1o/UFTz2rbXs6I/AAAAAAAAEl4/HqqawHYgMYI/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520Plaza%252520major.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca Plaza major" border="0" alt="Salamanca Plaza major" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X1aUfStAMPY/UFTz3TBaCeI/AAAAAAAAEl8/BnC6rKfhF8I/Salamanca%252520Plaza%252520major_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="213"></a><br>Plaza Major, morning</td> <td valign="top" width="270"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FrUVji_5Z5o/UFTz48x3zxI/AAAAAAAAEmA/AyeCnQI2vII/s1600-h/salamanca%252520plaza%252520major%2525202%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="salamanca plaza major 2" border="0" alt="salamanca plaza major 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GatCV5o3Lt0/UFTz5sCTVpI/AAAAAAAAEmE/16IrSWfiEgo/salamanca%252520plaza%252520major%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="214"></a><br>Early evening with Mickey Mouse making balloon figures</td> <td valign="top" width="262"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZInUFoZKh7U/UFTz6TXPvpI/AAAAAAAAEmI/ezIG2n1KGLI/s1600-h/salamanca%252520plaza%252520major%2525203%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="salamanca plaza major 3" border="0" alt="salamanca plaza major 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n4VwxwiDGoU/UFTz7MY-kgI/AAAAAAAAEmM/O0DE-8NiXvs/salamanca%252520plaza%252520major%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="214"></a><br>Night time<br></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We walked through the streets, poked into some shops, sat in cafes, visited the Roman Bridge and the patio in the House of Shells, now a library. The patio was a double height open area around which the house was built. We loved the carved decorations as well as the gargoyles that directed the water from the roof into the cistern below the well. We intended to visit the interior of the Pontifical University but were told that could only be done by guided tour. I think this was not correct but the language barrier may have got in the way.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="860"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XZQHOJ6U2n4/UFTz8PhZmfI/AAAAAAAAEh4/QRHxkUXD2Ws/s1600-h/Salamanca-romanesque-church4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca romanesque church" border="0" alt="Salamanca romanesque church" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y6d9XXolIbo/UFTz8z0J0nI/AAAAAAAAEiA/tsKGdHQBvuk/Salamanca-romanesque-church_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="191"></a><br>The round, Romanesque church of San Marcos, 12th century</td> <td valign="top" width="308"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mt_oBxDh_K0/UFTz96d_SDI/AAAAAAAAEiI/60Y68t3mzuQ/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520university%252520N.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca university N" border="0" alt="Salamanca university N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mSRtXcNYLpY/UFTz-SBBe6I/AAAAAAAAEiQ/SnUrMcZGK7A/Salamanca%252520university%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="235" height="331"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yoplbEwOKs4/UFTz_SPKAmI/AAAAAAAAEiY/ltjMS-TP174/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520writing%252520on%252520wall.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca writing on wall" border="0" alt="Salamanca writing on wall" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uy2klfX9au0/UFT0AucWTjI/AAAAAAAAEig/JkWQs1bewcY/Salamanca%252520writing%252520on%252520wall_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="190"></a><br>This writing is everywhere, ancient and modern. There is some idea it celebrates graduations, also that it is written in bull’s blood. This is on the cathedral.</td> <td valign="top" width="6"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CiZA9bSR-Vg/UFT0BbNnNXI/AAAAAAAAEio/aTVWAPNRVkY/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520lantern%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca cathedral lantern 2" border="0" alt="Salamanca cathedral lantern 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bnquetiD43Q/UFT0CC4H_sI/AAAAAAAAEiw/xvwQfYVZ3zM/Salamanca%252520cathedral%252520lantern%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Cathedral Lantern</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6ZpXeGyqd08/UFT0DNNFYmI/AAAAAAAAEi4/DSQcpjJ65yw/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520house%252520of%252520shells%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca house of shells" border="0" alt="Salamanca house of shells" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GAeMmHdcXSQ/UFT0D5SgW_I/AAAAAAAAEjA/U4wtLXW8V3A/Salamanca%252520house%252520of%252520shells_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="294"></a><br>House of shells,<br></td> <td valign="top" width="308"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wg6mhvns4O0/UFT0E88sR6I/AAAAAAAAEjI/xuBVpSe0dQ0/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520Palacio%252520patio%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca Palacio patio N" border="0" alt="Salamanca Palacio patio N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oCKhh8kYqSk/UFT0Fp5R83I/AAAAAAAAEjQ/oOXKe4YSWro/Salamanca%252520Palacio%252520patio%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="308"></a><br>Bull’s head decoration in patio</td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-515z98z00B0/UFT0HPCT-8I/AAAAAAAAEjY/x6QMLlijMbs/s1600-h/Salamanca-patio-gargoyle3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca patio gargoyle" border="0" alt="Salamanca patio gargoyle" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iUlspXpePcI/UFT0HzvNh6I/AAAAAAAAEjc/81qA1LuQo1s/Salamanca-patio-gargoyle_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Screaming skull gargoyle in the House of Shells <br></td> <td valign="top" width="6"><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4f10xmCI25I/UFT0Ipk3X-I/AAAAAAAAEjo/ghJ48S9X7Cg/s1600-h/Salamanca%252520%252520Roman%252520bridge%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca Roman bridge" border="0" alt="Salamanca Roman bridge" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-goUhzQLrzXs/UFT0JTK2YdI/AAAAAAAAEjw/BRgHHmowosQ/Salamanca%252520%252520Roman%252520bridge_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="336"></a><br>Roman Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The Museum Lis is dedicated to Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Housed in a building with painted and stained glass windows and ceiling, is showcases much in the areas of glass and arts decorative of the period, plus hundreds of dolls by expensive doll makers. This section was frankly a bit creepy for us but we very much enjoyed the glass by masters such as Galle, the fluid lines of the furniture and the remarkable bronze and marble figurines. No photos allowed inside, alas! <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k5ZXblAVeg8/UFT0KJbm8xI/AAAAAAAAEj4/R-xLclKHFVM/s1600-h/Salamanca--Casa-Lis4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca Casa Lis" border="0" alt="Salamanca Casa Lis" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hAg0_ipfeE4/UFT0L238hkI/AAAAAAAAEkA/Jm9kI5b9d6c/Salamanca--Casa-Lis_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="231"></a> <p align="center">The exterior windows of Casa Lis <p>We ate in two very good restaurants; one, next door to the Museum, had a gorgeous view of the old cathedral from its window. Of course we ate in virtual isolation again, having begun at 9pm. The Spaniards began arriving at about 10pm. On our final night we ate at a French restaurant and it was enjoyable to have a change of pace and taste from Spanish food, much as we are enjoying that. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9WHB8FnlW_o/UFT0MmIUfJI/AAAAAAAAEkI/suREcdfYmgU/s1600-h/Salamanca-Old-cathedral-N4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Salamanca Old cathedral N" border="0" alt="Salamanca Old cathedral N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qWipjZNOK2Q/UFT0NWk-ESI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/j06Nc-2k9NA/Salamanca-Old-cathedral-N_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="268"></a> <p align="center">View from Restaurant Lis <p>(re the astronaut: The portal carvings were restored in 1992. The astronaut and an ice cream eating beastie were added then) <p>Next stop: Santiago de Compostela (though these pilgrims are travelling by car, not foot) Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-83176990314464113742012-09-13T09:45:00.001-07:002012-09-13T09:54:34.712-07:00Segovia<p>In travelling from Toledo to Segovia we detoured via the enormous monastery/royal palace of El Escorial. Originally set in an isolated woodland setting, the monks were supposed to pray for the souls of the kings. But it was also a good place for hunting and maybe a royal residence, so this absolutely monumentally huge building was created, surrounded by paved forecourts, Italianate gardens and walled forests.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ct_antCOkaE/UFILgnD7THI/AAAAAAAAERs/OPp1hqFIv7w/s1600-h/El%252520escorial%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="El escorial" border="0" alt="El escorial" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kFTWqkuiIEY/UFILiXzMq7I/AAAAAAAAER0/q1VRckab_qY/El%252520escorial_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="195"></a><br>El Escorial</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6ZoOZY3mwBE/UFILllAUOqI/AAAAAAAAER8/kVrAYikKjZg/s1600-h/El%252520Escorial%252520forecourt%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="El Escorial forecourt" border="0" alt="El Escorial forecourt" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9RBhg8syR9E/UFILnOSu_nI/AAAAAAAAESE/_cfOC2PUTbk/El%252520Escorial%252520forecourt_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="198"></a><br>The modest forecourt</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-erEDZ3-YbEg/UFILpsJCW-I/AAAAAAAAESM/GrRiKMi8mQw/s1600-h/El%252520Escorial%252520church%252520facade%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="El Escorial church facade" border="0" alt="El Escorial church facade" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OFuf5p_3gXQ/UFILq_CG2II/AAAAAAAAESU/i1msEGVEczU/El%252520Escorial%252520church%252520facade_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="297"></a><br>The church, based on St Peters</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>It was built of granite and is probably the most solid, cold, enormous and absolutely unappealing building we have visited. Photos were not allowed inside, so only a few of the forecourt here. We were glad to leave and have a rather nice lunch of Iberian cold meats before moving on through the sweeps of farm land to Segovia itself, the city high on the hill before us.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2Y-zBaM9w-o/UFILtoUxtyI/AAAAAAAAESc/C0Js7uBzieA/s1600-h/segovia%25252C%252520landscape%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="segovia, landscape" border="0" alt="segovia, landscape" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pwSfAfcj6dA/UFILvAp03qI/AAAAAAAAESk/2o9ndbxtvWo/segovia%25252C%252520landscape_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="187"></a><br>Farming lands</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-by-4DpZRt_s/UFILyXfYkrI/AAAAAAAAESs/vZxc5e9x4yk/s1600-h/Segovia%252520cityscape%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia cityscape N" border="0" alt="Segovia cityscape N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2_ZTIWCQthM/UFILzf-jdDI/AAAAAAAAES0/WIiSs_BKVeQ/Segovia%252520cityscape%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="238" height="187"></a><br>Cityscape and walls</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5hjBo7BaXYs/UFIL2g_zOKI/AAAAAAAAES8/w72u2eJS0-o/s1600-h/segovia%25252C%252520alcazar2%252520N%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="segovia, alcazar2 N" border="0" alt="segovia, alcazar2 N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AY6DdFqmlcE/UFIL32XP0zI/AAAAAAAAETE/k8fLxS1GvDY/segovia%25252C%252520alcazar2%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>The Alcazar from the valley below</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>This is a city absolutely dominated by one major feature; a perfect Roman aqueduct that runs right through the centre, built about 2000 years ago without mortar, and intact because it still supplies the city with water (sources differ on this, it may have recently ceased being used).</p> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Vcx6SegFAU/UFIL8XZt_XI/AAAAAAAAETM/8YWNcWZ4XZI/s1600-h/segovia%25252C%252520aqueduct%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="segovia, aqueduct" border="0" alt="segovia, aqueduct" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JvPeGLZD1QY/UFIL9yEQhbI/AAAAAAAAETU/zy8RL3rosIw/segovia%25252C%252520aqueduct_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="187"></a><br>Aqueduct continuing to the distance</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8GWMdrYENT8/UFIMBPU_wEI/AAAAAAAAETc/p1BCNANz-0s/s1600-h/Segovia%252520aqueduct%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia aqueduct N" border="0" alt="Segovia aqueduct N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qY7_mYRoF5g/UFIMCQ6d_OI/AAAAAAAAETk/EGOXL1TF5_Y/Segovia%252520aqueduct%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="186"></a><br>Aqueduct and square at night</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bOsLlVhEMGs/UFIMFrDvHfI/AAAAAAAAETs/_oc5RoMpCSw/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520aqueduct%25252C%252520evening%252520sky%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, aqueduct, evening sky" border="0" alt="Segovia, aqueduct, evening sky" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sX2zoDl53BA/UFIMG8exJNI/AAAAAAAAET0/wK7snCjDOt0/Segovia%25252C%252520aqueduct%25252C%252520evening%252520sky_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="185"></a><br>In the early evening</td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p>To add to the sights, there is a fairy-tale castle, the Alcazar, complete with conical slate rooves, at one end of town and a very impressive cathedral atop the hill. Very sensibly, a great deal of the old town is closed to vehicular traffic and streets are filled with cafes and shops and crowds of people, especially in the early evening, for the Spanish equivalent of the passegiata. We were only too happy to join in. <p>Because of the road closures we had some difficulty in finding the way to our hotel, and while I looked for the tourist office, Nick parked almost under the aqueduct. The friendly motorcycle policeman was happy to tell us which way to take; basically back through the green valley below the walls, up past the Alcazar and through a warren of one way streets to our palace/hotel. Well it sounds grand, and it truly was a palace, but it is a small hotel now, the sort that turns off the hot water in the day and provides only a very basic breakfast. But clean and convenient. <p>Segovia is quite hilly, so to get to the Plaza Major without climbing hundreds of stairs one must walk in the opposite direction, along a very pleasant, wide pedestrian street, through the aqueduct square and then up a long and gently sloping main street. On the trip we passed a number of quite ancient churches, mainly 12<sup>th</sup> century, including St Millan and St Martin, and a fabulous old palatio covered with granite points. In the valley around are more very old churches and walled monasteries. It is difficult to get our minds around the idea of a city that existed pre the Christian era and which has architecture dating back so far.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zpHRLaPtEX8/UFIMKZSZZYI/AAAAAAAAET8/vBI2TOkGJa4/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520St%252520Millan%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, St Millan" border="0" alt="Segovia, St Millan" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--WWjHm7sivI/UFIMLqB1mKI/AAAAAAAAEUE/MChCBsxAGT4/Segovia%25252C%252520St%252520Millan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="188"></a><br>San Millan</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RPe96HgjcGc/UFIMPNAezbI/AAAAAAAAEUM/YbmcvmAyCbM/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520san%252520Clemente%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, san Clemente" border="0" alt="Segovia, san Clemente" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YUnnOQYkgUc/UFIMQRWQRzI/AAAAAAAAEUU/m7V6FwV1GPI/Segovia%25252C%252520san%252520Clemente_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="189"></a><br>San Clemente</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VKvoKsnaIbg/UFIMSk3CUfI/AAAAAAAAEUc/9OGEjzft_U8/s1600-h/segovia%25252C%252520St%252520Martin%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="segovia, St Martin" border="0" alt="segovia, St Martin" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LYZ2UXPGxRk/UFIMTxcY4hI/AAAAAAAAEUk/H3hGbjA-I58/segovia%25252C%252520St%252520Martin_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="281"></a><br>San Martin</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>After exploring the first evening, and eating in a lovely outdoor setting on the main street with a view over the rooftops, we began the next day by gently climbing back up the street, past the cathedral and on to the Alcazar. Now truth is, this looks a bit like the first Disney castle, which might be explained by the story that it was the inspiration for Disney. Who knows? The Alcazar was badly burned at one stage in the 18<sup>th</sup> century, and greatly restored. Because the decorations had been accurately recorded on order of a king, they were able to replace almost all the ceilings, carvings and friezes. Magnificent!</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AAjupL17e6Y/UFIMXAEbzRI/AAAAAAAAEUs/aQiA8ZqtT1w/s1600-h/segovia%25252C%252520%252520alcazar%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="segovia, alcazar" border="0" alt="segovia, alcazar" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-umDhQVjNj94/UFIMYW-aj7I/AAAAAAAAEU0/HB4Oxb4BsMw/segovia%25252C%252520%252520alcazar_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="194"></a><br>The Alcazar</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bkqYeNFJALo/UFIMbH-YpkI/AAAAAAAAEU8/USHirXkcD5c/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%252520view%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, alcazar view" border="0" alt="Segovia, alcazar view" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mM81Yq5xqeo/UFIMcUY-nsI/AAAAAAAAEVE/g9DM4q96sFA/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%252520view_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Fairytale turrets</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CFsFDeT0kTk/UFIMe1GDprI/AAAAAAAAEVM/KTqNUkMNzUg/s1600-h/Alcazar%252520courtyard%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Alcazar courtyard N" border="0" alt="Alcazar courtyard N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QrAWwSE8JFQ/UFIMf6HmscI/AAAAAAAAEVU/A1V6OJ36bXw/Alcazar%252520courtyard%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Alcazar courtyard</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--kldXIRPQUw/UFIMlIzTh5I/AAAAAAAAEVc/0nY9pjX5XWQ/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%252520king%252520frieze%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, alcazar king frieze" border="0" alt="Segovia, alcazar king frieze" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t8N9sNDzr_M/UFIMmgkHGgI/AAAAAAAAEVk/7TEGb3xWATI/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%252520king%252520frieze_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="193"></a><br>Freize of all the kings of Spain</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wXuSzRo0kYU/UFIMqK_4WSI/AAAAAAAAEVs/dSPGhJbAUSM/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520%252520alcazar%252520ceiling%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, alcazar ceiling 2" border="0" alt="Segovia, alcazar ceiling 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sNSat2fY5Fw/UFIMrfIyJ6I/AAAAAAAAEV0/m90DVPTMdFA/Segovia%25252C%252520%252520alcazar%252520ceiling%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="178" height="274"></a><br>Amazing ceiling</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VrwLNA81__A/UFIMtf8Gn0I/AAAAAAAAEV8/DeKt5O_GxQw/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%252520window%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, alcazar window" border="0" alt="Segovia, alcazar window" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IiaaXW5S5zA/UFIMudwhRBI/AAAAAAAAEWE/qL-U3R1SiTk/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%252520window_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="278"></a><br>Window with view to the valley</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xo_NcZUe3uQ/UFIMx6VOmSI/AAAAAAAAEWM/Raj5JR6bpDI/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%25252C%252520thrones%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, alcazar, thrones" border="0" alt="Segovia, alcazar, thrones" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HE2GMDhxbL4/UFIMzL6CoHI/AAAAAAAAEWU/lHuwxIyK-5Q/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%25252C%252520thrones_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Royal thrones</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xjmH2UX-Apc/UFIM1HkBswI/AAAAAAAAEWc/_YwrywvU0Tw/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%252520light%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, alcazar light" border="0" alt="Segovia, alcazar light" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9_4dSLDAD54/UFIM2Ma4Q9I/AAAAAAAAEWk/aPWa-FK7RAM/Segovia%25252C%252520alcazar%252520light_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Amazingly weird lamp post outside the Alcazar</td> <td valign="top" width="266"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The cathedral is huge and relatively light filled. Like many Spanish cathedrals, the main altar is closed off with an ornate grille, as is the choir, leaving little room for the hoi-polloi to actually see the mass. Nevertheless, very beautiful and with a lovely cloister.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yoSMjaREKgA/UFIM6N46XuI/AAAAAAAAEWs/AiKVhe3YT9Q/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520cathedral%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, cathedral 2" border="0" alt="Segovia, cathedral 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-89qOg6E9slU/UFIM7uTYLSI/AAAAAAAAEW0/M042hz7LnCA/Segovia%25252C%252520cathedral%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="210"></a><br>The cathedral</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-njlJyW9KFBs/UFIM-oVw1YI/AAAAAAAAEW8/dTC3wHbZIvE/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520%252520cathedral%25252C%252520high%252520altar%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, cathedral, high altar" border="0" alt="Segovia, cathedral, high altar" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F00XgkH3bMI/UFIM_zefJRI/AAAAAAAAEXE/2utdgjOYgv8/Segovia%25252C%252520%252520cathedral%25252C%252520high%252520altar_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="178" height="298"></a><br>The ornate altar screen</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BEbuK_GCUjk/UFIPwaELRFI/AAAAAAAAEZM/PiYPE8S24RM/s1600-h/segovia%25252C%252520cathedral%252520calvary%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="segovia, cathedral calvary" border="0" alt="segovia, cathedral calvary" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K_c0-7dU6iI/UFIPx20FYMI/AAAAAAAAEZU/7izedTaXt3A/segovia%25252C%252520cathedral%252520calvary_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="244"></a><br>Simple calvary in a side chapel<br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2Oxk13GGLNA/UFINHjiNEOI/AAAAAAAAEXc/e-xwfbQ9kJg/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520cathedral%252520cloister%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, cathedral cloister" border="0" alt="Segovia, cathedral cloister" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jymu5mM_z2I/UFINIzUU7XI/AAAAAAAAEXk/h5Zglx43B5w/Segovia%25252C%252520cathedral%252520cloister_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Gorgeous cloister</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Hi6oX83k1E/UFINMMoHHaI/AAAAAAAAEXs/Zlp15Q4w_zs/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520cathedral%252520nave%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, cathedral nave" border="0" alt="Segovia, cathedral nave" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CDW7JU0dOOY/UFINNBpGAbI/AAAAAAAAEX0/dzeKfKV_5cs/Segovia%25252C%252520cathedral%252520nave_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Light filled side nave, choir and organ to the left</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0gUt7z1ftKg/UFINQ5s5nxI/AAAAAAAAEX8/DfRq1DbX450/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520painting%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, painting" border="0" alt="Segovia, painting" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q0dqXaOdkX4/UFINSZwpj3I/AAAAAAAAEYE/jirwvC5DYws/Segovia%25252C%252520painting_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="244"></a><br>Picture in side chapel. Christ is about to ring “Time” as death cuts down the tree of life, assisted by the devil. Mankind parties on top, oblivious.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Outside the town we attempted to visit the Church of Vera Cruze (the true cross) but it was closed and the same can be said for several of the older churches in the town. We did get to see inside St Millan, one of the oldest, but mass was about to start and taking photos was not appropriate. Beautiful Romanesque arches and apses and a very old crucifix gave it a deep spirituality. You could see why people were drawn to worship there. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cBlR8mQ4BT4/UFINWx1LjiI/AAAAAAAAEYM/ECNv9WmiWZ8/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520Vera%252520Cruz%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, Vera Cruz" border="0" alt="Segovia, Vera Cruz" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0qo1KZnr1j4/UFINYYDksFI/AAAAAAAAEYU/RZAL-m6PpDE/Segovia%25252C%252520Vera%252520Cruz_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="241"></a> <p align="center">Vera Cruz outside the walls</p> <p>There are other pretty features of the town such as lovely palaces and windows. Lunch in the light filled Plaza Major was very leisurely; beer and a tomato and anchovy sandwich. We also saw a wedding party as they left the town hall to resounding cheers and whistles, all the guests dressed in their best finery. A very liveable town, full of people who knew each other and delighted in each other’s company, from babies to elders.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AIEKIEKEzFA/UFINbTvEWMI/AAAAAAAAEYc/jlrC8810yig/s1600-h/segovia%25252C%252520%252520window%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="segovia, window" border="0" alt="segovia, window" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3bXJ7Z_0G30/UFINc3M4III/AAAAAAAAEYk/n-6QZ6g9NRo/segovia%25252C%252520%252520window_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="303"></a><br>Gorgeous window</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OZ52AsuHY9I/UFINgZzrHWI/AAAAAAAAEYs/NIMSWDGq5so/s1600-h/segovia%25252C%252520for%252520sale%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="segovia, for sale N" border="0" alt="segovia, for sale N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iIkGyLotE5s/UFINh-Cv25I/AAAAAAAAEY0/KTCUXAAK4Nc/segovia%25252C%252520for%252520sale%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="302"></a><br>Slightly in need of TLC and for sale</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o-0tLZgWh_M/UFINl86sGXI/AAAAAAAAEY8/wtUgHxNASKI/s1600-h/Segovia%25252C%252520lunch%252520at%252520Plaza%252520major%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Segovia, lunch at Plaza major" border="0" alt="Segovia, lunch at Plaza major" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hi-ZQTNuuQ0/UFINnsV00zI/AAAAAAAAEZE/3zwG7RCSOO8/Segovia%25252C%252520lunch%252520at%252520Plaza%252520major_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="243"></a><br>This life is good!</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Next stop: Salamanca</p> Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-70545560543173108602012-09-10T08:43:00.001-07:002012-09-11T14:02:55.880-07:00Toledo<p>The trip from Istanbul to Munich and then on to Madrid went well, but there were big distances to be walked in both terminals and a surprising number of flights using a bus and stairs to the plane, either boarding or de-planing. We flew over the Pyrenees but there was really no snow on the mountains we saw. There was a long walk at Madrid to get to the car hire which was only available at terminal 1; a Seat car, diesel which we prefer, and roomy enough for us and our luggage. <br>Off to Toledo and some difficulty finding our accommodation as the GPS preferred to send us to a Carmelite convent rather than our planned Hostal del Cardenal. With a bit of help from the locals we eventually found it, a green oasis behind high walls with multiple sets of stairs and no elevator. We must have been seduced by the look of this place when booking because we are usually very careful about this. However, a more gradual ramp around the walls was discovered and that helped considerably, plus we “encouraged” the staff to rescue our luggage from the car.</p> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><br> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NhGVaDWnjAw/UE4JVDFRVqI/AAAAAAAAEHE/Uhovy-Ir94w/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520hotel%252520stairs%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, hotel stairs" border="0" alt="Toledo, hotel stairs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L70DNniSlCA/UE4JWCXcvHI/AAAAAAAAEHM/_-cwwSPM-_s/Toledo%25252C%252520hotel%252520stairs_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="208" height="285"></a><br>Hotel stairs, oops!</div></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J_jqI4xM41I/UE4JXnLT63I/AAAAAAAAEHU/JC2EEla4X4E/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Hostal%252520del%252520Cardenal%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Hostal del Cardenal" border="0" alt="Toledo, Hostal del Cardenal" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a8x1eHZvQBw/UE4JY8R-0bI/AAAAAAAAEHc/2-CCRTMuI_c/Toledo%25252C%252520Hostal%252520del%252520Cardenal_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="254"></a> <br> <div align="center">The lovely terrace where we ate our tiny piggy</div></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> </p> <p>Now Toledo is built on seven hills. Again, what were we thinking??? But it is so lovely; full of history, amazing architecture, art and restaurants (all serving roast piggy quarters). We wandered a bit that evening, then ate roast piggy in the garden of the hotel. And very nice it was too! <br>The next morning we drove to the top of the hill to near the forbidding Alcazar and parked, from there moving gradually downhill to the cathedral and later on to the El Greco museum. We didn’t visit the Alcazar as that is a military museum and they really don’t appeal to us. Of course, at the end, we needed to take a taxi back to the parking at the top of the hill.<br></p> <table style="width: 750px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="889"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="275"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yxHasiuiiSY/UE-mwlOdoTI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/Z99u5QUMjus/s1600-h/alcazar.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alcazar" border="0" alt="alcazar" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PA6UhnWa6PU/UE4Jb-PRENI/AAAAAAAAEQY/e9jJ1gGh-YA/alcazar_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="197"></a><br>Alcazar</td> <td valign="top" width="201"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XkTrg8Yg3RY/UE4JdFIL-GI/AAAAAAAAEH0/KmTvb-Z2j2k/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Cathedral%252520glimpse%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Cathedral glimpse N" border="0" alt="Toledo, Cathedral glimpse N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R_L-z65TFho/UE4JeZUK-OI/AAAAAAAAEH8/O9G7F0EkMNM/Toledo%25252C%252520Cathedral%252520glimpse%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="300"></a><br>A glimpse of the cathedral spire</td> <td valign="top" width="230"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xdv3ptVuuL4/UE4Jf8hxJTI/AAAAAAAAEIE/jysLxtgS5ZQ/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520and%252520square%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cathedral and square" border="0" alt="Toledo, cathedral and square" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pZfqhkeksLU/UE4Jgw_ayEI/AAAAAAAAEII/UkE6E2-V0-g/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520and%252520square_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="345"></a><br>Cathedral and square</td> <td valign="top" width="181"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7TBmHpstQqo/UE4JiP2B_rI/AAAAAAAAEQc/BdbCbOPhunI/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Gate%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Gate" border="0" alt="Toledo, Gate" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-phPHRqrRCHA/UE4JjC3DPNI/AAAAAAAAEQg/2J9BBBEjgLY/Toledo%25252C%252520Gate_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="175" height="289"></a><br>Massive city gate</td></tr></tbody></table>The cathedral was the second biggest in Spain, but somehow formidable. The altar, enclosed by a grille is quite close to the double choir, also enclosed, so there is a feeling of exclusion, even though the cathedral was large enough to take the entire population inside at one time.<br> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZuT3kSpscIw/UE4JkUQLsdI/AAAAAAAAEIg/LHDWV9wy20k/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520and%252520square%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cathedral and square" border="0" alt="Toledo, cathedral and square" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RnL0geiaXlQ/UE4JlSY74JI/AAAAAAAAEIo/0ZQ-CEWfL60/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520and%252520square_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Cathedral and square</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--GJsCPM7qYU/UE4JnS_GREI/AAAAAAAAEIw/wO3swomyntk/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520glass%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cathedral glass N" border="0" alt="Toledo, cathedral glass N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VUQ-2ub8moU/UE4JoahAViI/AAAAAAAAEI4/yeNxdAuVvTs/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520glass%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>One of the rose windows</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1mrX7dhIPSA/UE4JqTS51fI/AAAAAAAAEJA/Cv_Eo7utt1E/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520vaulting%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cathedral vaulting" border="0" alt="Toledo, cathedral vaulting" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VqJLBADjkzY/UE4JrTuC8sI/AAAAAAAAEJI/b2FjQvRmsws/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520vaulting_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><br>Beautiful vaulting</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_zhq7iUsTZc/UE4Jtn29Z5I/AAAAAAAAEJQ/DXMLnqC0ncU/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520ceiling%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cathedral ceiling" border="0" alt="Toledo, cathedral ceiling" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pOQKxT4YTYQ/UE4JvULYzWI/AAAAAAAAEJY/773TE0ppx2Q/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520ceiling_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Arabic ceiling in a side chapel</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5mUpd2TzYNU/UE4Jw3FE-5I/AAAAAAAAEJg/OrJjMLtU3Dk/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Cathedral%25252C%252520choir%252520stalls%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Cathedral, choir stalls" border="0" alt="Toledo, Cathedral, choir stalls" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RhovUz8dBmo/UE4JxxgYB-I/AAAAAAAAEJo/VCamqd4EoZs/Toledo%25252C%252520Cathedral%25252C%252520choir%252520stalls_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>The second tier of choir seats</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tlrUHkdW-kU/UE4Jzs2nYII/AAAAAAAAEJw/YH4aO67o29M/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Cathedral%25252C%252520lectern%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Cathedral, lectern" border="0" alt="Toledo, Cathedral, lectern" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CnYStFkwc0c/UE4J0kp94fI/AAAAAAAAEJ4/MA4GAEdBSGY/Toledo%25252C%252520Cathedral%25252C%252520lectern_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>The very annoyed looking eagle on the choir lectern</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qXBrDUljNdI/UE4J2cre54I/AAAAAAAAEKA/dkwUW-gDSGg/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%25252C%252520royal%252520tombs%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cathedral, royal tombs N" border="0" alt="Toledo, cathedral, royal tombs N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PXcD_LjySjw/UE4J3fqcY9I/AAAAAAAAEKI/zKlCpQ-0gEA/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%25252C%252520royal%252520tombs%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>A royal tomb in a side chapel</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f_BmUb9YFQQ/UE4J4yQiIrI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/zwFDct75nfI/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520crucifix%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cathedral crucifix N" border="0" alt="Toledo, cathedral crucifix N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X2qH1GWc8vc/UE4J5yk2h4I/AAAAAAAAEKY/1v57NLvD5ig/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%252520crucifix%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>A rather beautiful crucifix</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>More than the architecture, it was the art that grabbed us. In small rooms the walls were hung with the likes of Caravaggio, El Greco, Rubens, Van Dyck, Tintoretto and so on. Most people just walked past, oblivious. <br>One section, in the rear of the ambulatory behind the altar houses Il Transparente, so named because it allows light to come in through an opening and shine through an amazingly baroque marble and bronze arrangement of saints and angels, to transmit some light to the high altar.<br></p> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="402"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-enTgw-RivJM/UE4J7dQ-hCI/AAAAAAAAEQk/GiaxnclsRm0/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520il%252520transparente%252520N.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, il transparente N" border="0" alt="Toledo, il transparente N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XFzAJ38DfCw/UE4J8G-BQuI/AAAAAAAAEQo/t3rBjH-3kso/Toledo%25252C%252520il%252520transparente%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="263"> </a><br> <div align="center"></div> <p align="center">The highly decorated window</p></td> <td valign="top" width="396"> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y2GTAtqG0uA/UE4J98R2FkI/AAAAAAAAEKw/CNNOoDSArXA/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%25252C%252520il%252520transparente_edited-1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cathedral, il transparente_edited-1" border="0" alt="Toledo, cathedral, il transparente_edited-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QHAI0uOhaJg/UE4J_D0GJAI/AAAAAAAAEK0/IHMy0J7__3s/Toledo%25252C%252520cathedral%25252C%252520il%252520transparente_edited-1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="243"></a></div> <div align="center">The marble and bronze confection</div><br></td></tr></tbody></table><br> <div align="left">We walked quite a bit to search for the El Greco house and museum. One man had a vision to display his art and his working environment together, and though it wasn’t really El Greco’s house he did have one close by. Apparently this idea for showcasing an artist was novel in its day and much adopted by others. Personally, if any artist was ever so tidy that not a brush or paint tube was visible in his studio I would be very surprised, but the house was quite interesting. <br>The art work was stupendous. A second series of portraits of the twelve apostles (the other is in the cathedral) was the highlight for us. He really gave them personality. <br></div> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 735px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="371"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TFGgYV0vvRA/UE4J_76lhbI/AAAAAAAAELA/bYUHtdO4J4Q/s1600-h/l%252520reco%252520St%252520Mark%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="l reco St Mark" border="0" alt="l reco St Mark" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j_kx9R3uCiw/UE4KA9ANE-I/AAAAAAAAELI/KizmyDk6VKo/l%252520reco%252520St%252520Mark_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a> <br> <div align="center">St Mark</div></td> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jlxkzZ4Vk18/UE4KCchmPpI/AAAAAAAAELQ/g-lffZiJHxQ/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Il%252520Greco%252520st%252520John%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Il Greco st John" border="0" alt="Toledo, Il Greco st John" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IKRRZjVoelo/UE4KDMN_5nI/AAAAAAAAELU/VgrgmRCC8I8/Toledo%25252C%252520Il%252520Greco%252520st%252520John_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="215"></a><br>St John (looking just like a rebellious teenager)</td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div align="center"> </div> <div align="left">Toledo is defended by high walls and steep gorges leading to the river Tagus. Pretty, old bridges span the water and roads on the far side of the gorges ring the town, leading to wonderful views. We took advantage of a small tourist train to see this and get an overview of all the buildings.<br></div> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 837px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="333"> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fl1qDaIhq7E/UE4KE7RPPcI/AAAAAAAAELg/BY11SIZVs2Q/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520city%252520view1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, city view1" border="0" alt="Toledo, city view1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WsYeiBZ9uCQ/UE4KF0DIN6I/AAAAAAAAELo/dLWUBsfoUCg/Toledo%25252C%252520city%252520view1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="226"></a><br>View of the city and walls</p></td> <td valign="top" width="252"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VBuqSmGw0Uc/UE4KHUkbtJI/AAAAAAAAELw/l4nTJti70lY/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520church%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, church" border="0" alt="Toledo, church" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g-mTYzj8Wr8/UE4KIXpBxBI/AAAAAAAAEL4/wJ-BuKZW7Os/Toledo%25252C%252520church_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="222"></a><br>Church of St John the Evangelist</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O_4N4q0brCU/UE4KJ3U-4iI/AAAAAAAAEMA/BSVEdqUFWvM/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520bridge%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, bridge" border="0" alt="Toledo, bridge" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZMs2K1juvF4/UE4KK7rrB9I/AAAAAAAAEMI/fVX4Wo0kEuo/Toledo%25252C%252520bridge_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="215"></a><br>St Martin’s Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div align="center"> </div> <div align="center">Afterwards, we headed for the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes with a very beautiful double height cloister and an ornate chapel. This was to be the burial place of kings, but they ended up using Granada instead.<br></div> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 800px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3aGFRWYfMuU/UE4KMhQdpcI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/dJwLPZvQA-g/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520san%252520juanchains%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, san juanchains" border="0" alt="Toledo, san juanchains" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oiGaeQ36St4/UE4KNg91pdI/AAAAAAAAEMY/GcODskJFbKo/Toledo%25252C%252520san%252520juanchains_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Chains adorn the outside, supposedly the chains that Muslims used to imprison Christian soldiers. Like I would carry my chains home in my luggage?</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rU2urIUiwx0/UE4KPDphsmI/AAAAAAAAEMg/A6pX9jmt1Jw/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cloister%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cloister N" border="0" alt="Toledo, cloister N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c9cHMnKFAQE/UE4KQPzzuyI/AAAAAAAAEMo/bfiJxLI5NlQ/Toledo%25252C%252520cloister%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>Entrance to cloister garden</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gQoxo2VNfvU/UE4KR_4DLWI/AAAAAAAAEMw/OyLgi0gihCA/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cloister%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cloister, San Juan los Reyes" border="0" alt="Toledo, cloister, San Juan los Reyes" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yMgZtc-9RHY/UE4KSxaC1BI/AAAAAAAAEM4/dpKXNOD2fpY/Toledo%25252C%252520cloister%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><br>The luminous cloister. We have no idea re the big and little doors at the far end, the smaller being child sized</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z0JtmY-wxk0/UE4KVe781sI/AAAAAAAAENA/MkxFQzo5B8A/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cloister%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes2%252520%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cloister, San Juan los Reyes2 " border="0" alt="Toledo, cloister, San Juan los Reyes2 " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hIG6kd8xrpE/UE4KWf-UiII/AAAAAAAAENI/TaR8r_exfsk/Toledo%25252C%252520cloister%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes2%252520_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Sunlight streams in</td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div align="center"> </div> <div align="left">I was most taken by the gargoyles at the upper cloister level, an owl, a cat, an acrobat with his legs providing the water channel, fanciful beasts. In addition, I loved the vistas down the cloister, with its ornate wood roof in the arab style.</div> <div align="left"><br> </div> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 781px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CwGrtlhBPNo/UE4KX6IAoZI/AAAAAAAAENQ/EINz2ai9shc/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520san%252520juan%252520gargoyle%252520cat%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, san juan gargoyle cat" border="0" alt="Toledo, san juan gargoyle cat" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lnhvWzqNFc0/UE4KY3hsAKI/AAAAAAAAENY/YTjv041AsWA/Toledo%25252C%252520san%252520juan%252520gargoyle%252520cat_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="204"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="259"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w82FCvdTA50/UE4KacUKgOI/AAAAAAAAENg/hx45fLxqe6s/s1600-h/toledo%25252C%252520sj%252520gargoyle%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="toledo, sj gargoyle 3" border="0" alt="toledo, sj gargoyle 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xRKdQNHewBk/UE4KbgXRoFI/AAAAAAAAENo/ZrecR1psHt0/toledo%25252C%252520sj%252520gargoyle%2525203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="206"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="254"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uLBBENJ9GiU/UE4Kdffd9lI/AAAAAAAAENw/IMaRxBoaiXE/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cloister%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes%25252C%252520gargoyle%252520%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cloister, San Juan los Reyes, gargoyle " border="0" alt="Toledo, cloister, San Juan los Reyes, gargoyle " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k2I_2kNTjbA/UE4Ked4YFWI/AAAAAAAAEN4/fYTOy2CaHCk/Toledo%25252C%252520cloister%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes%25252C%252520gargoyle%252520_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="203"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div align="center"><br></div> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 748px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="446"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OO1CBcqBmhQ/UE4KfwEo67I/AAAAAAAAEOA/VetaglAVrcg/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520cloiste%252520upper%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, cloiste upper, San Juan los Reyes" border="0" alt="Toledo, cloiste upper, San Juan los Reyes" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8Ii90xPZNDQ/UE4Kg9TY5OI/AAAAAAAAEOI/lDokKjkN9fg/Toledo%25252C%252520cloiste%252520upper%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="237"></a><br>Upper cloister</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xFaXwld9rEk/UE4KiUg8ixI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/9_WlsFi0KSI/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes%252520stair%252520%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, , San Juan los Reyes stair " border="0" alt="Toledo, , San Juan los Reyes stair " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Si-FXycDkzw/UE4KjfW8CEI/AAAAAAAAEOY/vrg1A3k9G9k/Toledo%25252C%252520%25252C%252520San%252520Juan%252520los%252520Reyes%252520stair%252520_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="208" height="320"></a><br>Stair ceiling and light</td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div align="left">We visited also the synagogue, curious as to how it could be named Santa Maria la Blanca. Oh, surprise, it had been taken over as a church! Now the walls had a pious letter from the bishop (and primate of Spain) saying how the Catholics love the Jewish people and may this art display symbolise peace. Given that Toledo prides itself on being the city of three cultures, Jewish, Islamic and Christian, I was actually quite offended that a former synagogue should still be named as a church, albeit not, it seems, a working one. The internal architecture was beautiful, though it reminded me more of a mosque than a synagogue.<br></div> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 859px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="314"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EUgrripXgi0/UE4KkvTimII/AAAAAAAAEOg/nlpQQ00oWlg/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Jewish%252520architecture%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Jewish architecture" border="0" alt="Toledo, Jewish architecture" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-thy-FPKNG2Q/UE4Kli3ia8I/AAAAAAAAEOo/2lrXoWJV4hk/Toledo%25252C%252520Jewish%252520architecture_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="213"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="323"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Sv4T0pSn9A/UE4KmyFEOUI/AAAAAAAAEOw/csswJeT0Rbc/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Santa%252520maria%252520la%252520blanca%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Santa maria la blanca N" border="0" alt="Toledo, Santa maria la blanca N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QH4sW17KXew/UE4Kn0vrwWI/AAAAAAAAEO4/7HXTP8heWcY/Toledo%25252C%252520Santa%252520maria%252520la%252520blanca%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="220"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IZ8dLGFYiSc/UE4KpPvvxYI/AAAAAAAAEPA/V7_8d-O-LcM/s1600-h/Toledo%25252C%252520Jewish%252520architecture%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Toledo, Jewish architecture 2" border="0" alt="Toledo, Jewish architecture 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-13bbPH51_dw/UE4KqUPUdsI/AAAAAAAAEPI/0y-nV9--1GE/Toledo%25252C%252520Jewish%252520architecture%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="222"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <div align="left">Back to the hotel by bus to recuperate and pack for our move to Segovia in the morning, via the huge El Escorial.<br>Next episode: El Escorial and Segovia</div> Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-7788258709444731472012-09-07T09:12:00.001-07:002012-09-07T13:48:41.663-07:00Istanbul; Out and About<p>We had promised ourselves a Bosphorous Cruise, denied last year because of atrocious weather. So we decided on the full day tour and hopped a slow ferry that goes all the way up the Bosphorous, stops to allow you a leisurely lunch, and returns in the same slow fashion. By the end of the day we wanted to attach a few Evinrude motors to the back, but it was pleasant. <p>We took the ferry close to the Galata Tower Bridge which is double layered, with road, tramline and many fishermen along the top and multiple fish cafes underneath. Along the way we saw the graceful suspension bridges, some of the old palaces and fortifications, amazingly luxurious summer beach houses of past pashas, viziers and consulates to the small fishing villages. The water is rich with fish and amazingly clear given the amount of shipping traffic that passes through to the Black Sea.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5FynQPClDGc/UEobWYeay-I/AAAAAAAAD4U/mhMicH8kjPw/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Galata%252520bridge%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Galata bridge" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Galata bridge" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aTJl_CtBo3c/UEobXpNbKMI/AAAAAAAAD4c/kF8lI6NmexU/Istanbul%25252C%252520Galata%252520bridge_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="197"></a><br>Galata Bridge, Galata Tower in background</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N69HV47JN3Q/UEpdRZo4b4I/AAAAAAAAED8/cqIA0j00wm0/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Dolmabache.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Dolmabache" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Dolmabache" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OcNXYc1P4_A/UEobbCxhYDI/AAAAAAAAEEE/fpTo2aYS5k4/Istanbul%25252C%252520Dolmabache_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="200"></a><br>Fence of Dolmabache palace<br></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XTPoV1MtbKg/UEobdMtBB3I/AAAAAAAAEEI/qTw_KnSV0_E/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520bridge%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, bridge" border="0" alt="Istanbul, bridge" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uEOKBJ6Ox_M/UEobeBBUWhI/AAAAAAAAEEM/MFVB7EBjzA4/Istanbul%25252C%252520bridge_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="246"></a><br>Suspension Bridge</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7BhMRikK3DI/UEobf93DTdI/AAAAAAAAD5E/v9lQzdW3jqk/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520towers%252520and%252520bridge%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, towers and bridge N" border="0" alt="Istanbul, towers and bridge N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5j1z2ViV4rc/UEobhAPAzPI/AAAAAAAAD5M/XhNiPlKb1sc/Istanbul%25252C%252520towers%252520and%252520bridge%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="209"></a><br>Fortifications and Sultan Mehmet Bridge</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nx4A9FlSlNU/UEobjbs5dlI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/ccgUsmrZWNw/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Bosphorous%25252C%252520summer%252520house%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Bosphorous, summer house" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Bosphorous, summer house" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i8O00lf8oyY/UEobkTjsFZI/AAAAAAAAEEU/CJYMvL6ablo/Istanbul%25252C%252520Bosphorous%25252C%252520summer%252520house_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="315"></a><br> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Summer house</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mWkY_2Vx334/UEobmoAPlRI/AAAAAAAAD5k/YbR37mcTLaw/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Anadolu%252520Kavagi%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Anadolu Kavagi" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Anadolu Kavagi" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-34h3H0TmaIY/UEobnxoYnQI/AAAAAAAAD5s/Dn71LqbZnqU/Istanbul%25252C%252520Anadolu%252520Kavagi_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="311"></a><br>Pretty fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WLXOxamxv5I/UEobp2dn0KI/AAAAAAAAD50/KEYnIbHQeDc/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520fighting%252520fish%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, fighting fish" border="0" alt="Istanbul, fighting fish" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WmDWEWxF778/UEobrMXb0rI/AAAAAAAAD58/TticvcF-idk/Istanbul%25252C%252520fighting%252520fish_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" height="192"></a><br>Fish fight over our bread</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wm0unCXBqlQ/UEpdd5M4NnI/AAAAAAAAEEY/i8iNPS0F_WE/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520flag2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, flag2" border="0" alt="Istanbul, flag2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-retPt6HhcfM/UEpde5XsMEI/AAAAAAAAEEg/k_bH6AQJE5Q/Istanbul%25252C%252520flag2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Fort above Andolu Kavagi</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>While at the village of Anadolu Kavagi we ate at a seafront café (they all try to entice you in) fed bread to the fish and watched them fight for it, then wandered back, passing a string of parked, shiny, black cars and young men in suits with walkie talkie earpieces. Hmm! Seems the local governor and possibly also the president were worshipping at the local mosque. Later they walked a little, pressing the flesh of locals (we were politely ignored) while the cars followed. The most we could manage was a photograph of the VIP number plate. Then they all hopped into the cars and departed. Our brush with fame! <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H71zzhKr9xI/UEobxd20LSI/AAAAAAAAD6U/fcOHD9inihY/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520numberplate%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, numberplate" border="0" alt="Istanbul, numberplate" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T8iNpCIJXlQ/UEobytbKhnI/AAAAAAAAD6c/HbWUAIKWNKs/Istanbul%25252C%252520numberplate_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="236"></a> <p align="center">VIP numberplate <p>We also took the ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul at Kadikoy, this time a fast ferry trip, but we had neglected to do our homework in advance and could find little of interest at the end of the trip. This was not helped by the fact that the map handed out by the Tourist Office has almost no street names. Our fault. We revisited places like the Grand and Spice Bazaars and also the Arasta bazaar where I found some lovely Ikat silk in cream and raspberry shades. </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MGW5zgZWGD4/UEob1_wlY6I/AAAAAAAAD6o/Xe5mieZFyQg/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520spices%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, spices" border="0" alt="Istanbul, spices" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JOcZ3Lg_YVc/UEob3BpCGfI/AAAAAAAAD6w/0JKuAHPRIL8/Istanbul%25252C%252520spices_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Spices</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7nO5gcnoAeg/UEob58Tcq-I/AAAAAAAAD64/Oa9xlo6QCys/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520sweetmeats%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, sweetmeats" border="0" alt="Istanbul, sweetmeats" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rogmw3DBRsw/UEob6ydmJMI/AAAAAAAAD7A/D1DavRHP3Q0/Istanbul%25252C%252520sweetmeats_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Sweetmeats</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VYxq8ZsUkCg/UEob9sdHAVI/AAAAAAAAD7I/ZwnfEaG6Q78/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520apricots%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, apricots" border="0" alt="Istanbul, apricots" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VKFl0Ik7Y28/UEob-ryKZOI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/zTcjz3opn0c/Istanbul%25252C%252520apricots_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>I think apricots</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZGq1UloUjTY/UEocAertDZI/AAAAAAAAD7c/FPSEizi778Q/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520what%252520is%252520this%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, what is this" border="0" alt="Istanbul, what is this" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KFrB0R7W1Do/UEocBRpz8AI/AAAAAAAAD7k/BC2_F_WG_Q8/Istanbul%25252C%252520what%252520is%252520this_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>I have no idea. Any guesses?</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_LW33ho9Iqk/UEocEV1Ce1I/AAAAAAAAD7s/Q6JTq_mWYcQ/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520bazaar%252520ceiling%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, bazaar ceiling" border="0" alt="Istanbul, bazaar ceiling" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-px8w5wrahrs/UEocFWtDwZI/AAAAAAAAD70/k2nR7-ALhRY/Istanbul%25252C%252520bazaar%252520ceiling_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><br>Ceiling of Grand Bazaar</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AAHd6xIDios/UEocIDb2cGI/AAAAAAAAD78/ROEOxCtIsFM/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520bazaar%25252C%252520gold%252520cuff%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, bazaar, gold cuff" border="0" alt="Istanbul, bazaar, gold cuff" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q1lbW1fQ5c0/UEocJJ1qRHI/AAAAAAAAD8E/tf__ngKkPCI/Istanbul%25252C%252520bazaar%25252C%252520gold%252520cuff_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Detail of gold filigree cuff</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FrVU5Q9PzcE/UEocL9M3oCI/AAAAAAAAD8M/mqQxYGCcBNo/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Turkish%252520Delight%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Turkish Delight" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Turkish Delight" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6GqObc5X9r8/UEocM1s0SLI/AAAAAAAAD8U/hApi-rnxedk/Istanbul%25252C%252520Turkish%252520Delight_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Turkish delight (he selected far too much for us. Alas, we had to eat it)</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ErC2jWTjuMQ/UEocPhd1JOI/AAAAAAAAD8c/GYRDugQJpwc/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520fish%252520market%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, fish market" border="0" alt="Istanbul, fish market" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ZsIxOqAcyg/UEocQ-O1fxI/AAAAAAAAD8k/PKSRYvE6ck8/Istanbul%25252C%252520fish%252520market_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>The fish market</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Seeing the wall of the city was quite an eye-opener. We had seen vestiges on the way to and from the airport, but further north they are very solid structures well suited to defending a city. The aqueduct, as well, is still standing in parts; the traffic even drives under it, giving witness to a history very different from ours in Australia.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qd96BV2PMDw/UEocTU-V-bI/AAAAAAAAD8s/_wM4CDrIn3w/s1600-h/Istanbul%252520walls%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul walls" border="0" alt="Istanbul walls" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rM_pgU_jE_s/UEocUiLsF4I/AAAAAAAAD80/2NKXVSZdr8I/Istanbul%252520walls_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="222"></a><br>The very solid walls of the city (somewhat restored)</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jkIfYv79LOs/UEocYrMF5eI/AAAAAAAAD88/edvahiRsULo/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520aqueduct%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, aqueduct" border="0" alt="Istanbul, aqueduct" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vo2BhcbX_nM/UEocZxwgvcI/AAAAAAAAD9E/OLaBRxwuGYE/Istanbul%25252C%252520aqueduct_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="220"></a><br>The amazing aqueduct</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>A few additional sights including some of the rather nice Topaz restaurant where we ate Ottoman food with a view of some substance</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="252"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OXInpBEAZgI/UEocbqYOATI/AAAAAAAAD9M/Ej5yut3HeCs/s1600-h/Istanbul%252520tram%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul tram" border="0" alt="Istanbul tram" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VIy0tukJ1sc/UEocciwDx1I/AAAAAAAAD9U/SSwFuW0dluY/Istanbul%252520tram_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Interior of tram</td> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qHb8CpkKs0c/UEoceRg9CJI/AAAAAAAAD9c/aEJN5qAARn4/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520birds%252520on%252520a%252520wire%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, birds on a wire" border="0" alt="Istanbul, birds on a wire" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ah_swN69bus/UEocfp6fQ-I/AAAAAAAAD9k/gTAkdQQx_Es/Istanbul%25252C%252520birds%252520on%252520a%252520wire_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Birds on a wire at Eminimou</td> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pdNSX5NEkjg/UEociEVUkCI/AAAAAAAAD9s/FQVCF9Jfly4/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520blue%252520mosque%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, blue mosque" border="0" alt="Istanbul, blue mosque" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xc0yAvxrthg/UEocjFlXwFI/AAAAAAAAD90/hWunJ8TLVTw/Istanbul%25252C%252520blue%252520mosque_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a><br>Blue Mosque</td> <td valign="top" width="40"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T4FqT5Byvis/UEpdhnId45I/AAAAAAAAEEo/gODCLIE6oBo/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520university%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, university" border="0" alt="Istanbul, university" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NRvHFk1m0xA/UEpdizdAJiI/AAAAAAAAEEw/G5HDWaI0rWU/Istanbul%25252C%252520university_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="241" height="170"></a><br>Istanbul University</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="252"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e-JkzPLQ3jc/UEocmP8wp1I/AAAAAAAAD98/_CNnd3YhoOM/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520restaurant%252520lights%252520Topaz%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, restaurant lights Topaz" border="0" alt="Istanbul, restaurant lights Topaz" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NjhwVvQgBcY/UEocnC7VgcI/AAAAAAAAD-E/zZxwMUWckok/Istanbul%25252C%252520restaurant%252520lights%252520Topaz_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>Exotic lights at Topaz restaurant</td> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ICJM1pjKFCg/UEocpNC6FgI/AAAAAAAAD-M/566jU_AlD_M/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Topaz%252520view%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Topaz view" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Topaz view" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Iif9yMXAZMU/UEocqemP70I/AAAAAAAAD-U/e2HTRfyVOhI/Istanbul%25252C%252520Topaz%252520view_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>View at Topaz restaurant</td> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZSmc1UcaT7s/UEocs1_ZmzI/AAAAAAAAD-c/hdT35CKjA1Q/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520night%252520cafes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, night cafes" border="0" alt="Istanbul, night cafes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ec6HvYtbjco/UEoct17H72I/AAAAAAAAD-k/-uaBhpAM4TU/Istanbul%25252C%252520night%252520cafes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>More usual restaurant view</td> <td valign="top" width="46"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MGE_I2n0QVg/UEpdlD2uskI/AAAAAAAAEE4/WojF7UuyIa0/s1600-h/Istanbul%252520waterfront%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul waterfront" border="0" alt="Istanbul waterfront" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0moj91JUDDk/UEpdmC-9n5I/AAAAAAAAEFA/JJehxBsaVII/Istanbul%252520waterfront_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="188"></a><br>Istanbul waterfront</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The thing we noticed most was that there were so many more tourists than on our last trip in April 2011. There were more places open, it seemed, but also huge crowds in places like the spice bazaar or walking down Istikal Street, even for entrance to Agia Sophia with queues already at 9am. <p>Finally, as we checked into the airport very early in the morning, we asked re the lounge we could use. Turkish Airlines were delighted to have us stop with them as a part of the Star Alliance. I have NEVER seen an airline lounge (business class) as swish and luxe as this, and wish I had taken more photos. Designed like a series of interlocking spheres, it had a lavish use of mirrors, separate areas such as a “gentleman’s club” equipped with a library of glossy books on Turkey and a billiard table, several “cafe” type areas, a curtained alcove for resting/sleeping and so on. Multiple types of food and drink as well, all part of the service. The piece de resistance was the ladies loo. Again, all mirrors, including in the cubicle (not sure re that, multiple reflections of me on the pedestal is not required) a forest of phalaenopsis orchids, waterfall taps into a granite shallow basin, stools for the kiddies to stand on and little make-up stations with places for your purse, well away from the wet area. United, please take note!</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="837"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="357"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rLwQmhy7o8A/UEocwgpKCsI/AAAAAAAAD-s/Ka8C-smlZJs/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Turkish%252520Air%252520Lounge%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Turkish Air Lounge" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Turkish Air Lounge" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F9HkLuO4qWM/UEocxlKtR0I/AAAAAAAAD-0/nzKW0vQQVv4/Istanbul%25252C%252520Turkish%252520Air%252520Lounge_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="275"></a><br>Cafe tables in the lounge</td> <td valign="top" width="101"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gBTEkyGVlx8/UEpdodKe4vI/AAAAAAAAEFI/zlxrCAEATjc/s1600-h/Istanbul%252520Turkish%252520lounge%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul Turkish lounge" border="0" alt="Istanbul Turkish lounge" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TuP3J6uir0k/UEpdpvuWIMI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/AcqsLMx_JCc/Istanbul%252520Turkish%252520lounge_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="328" height="274"></a><br>Sleeping alcove and transparent lockers</td> <td valign="top" width="377"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3McquuCFVW8/UEoczwsbjhI/AAAAAAAAD_A/CVsYIMfLu_I/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Turkish%252520Air%252520ladies%252520washbasin%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Turkish Air ladies washbasin" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Turkish Air ladies washbasin" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-58xmpZrU9Yc/UEoc1KB5BDI/AAAAAAAAD_I/85I9m-hs2ic/Istanbul%25252C%252520Turkish%252520Air%252520ladies%252520washbasin_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="274"></a><br>Washbasin area</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Next stop: Toledo, Spain</p> Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-28820679732547408222012-09-07T07:44:00.001-07:002012-09-07T11:28:27.939-07:00Istanbul, Sacred Places<p>We visited Istanbul for three nights, took our week’s tour already described, then returned to Istanbul for a further three nights. As we had spent a week in the city last April, we did not revisit many of the major sights, but set out to find new ones. <p>There is no doubt that Istanbul is vast and that it is impossible to see everything. For convenience, I shall group some of the sights together, not necessarily chronologically. <p>On the agenda were several mosques we had not previously seen, the Chora Church and a return to Agia Sophia. We set out to find the Suleymaniye Mosque but somehow took a wrong turn, ending up at the Sehzade Mehmet instead, which was good, as it was a very beautiful and peaceful place.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="807"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MgLD4SCQ0bE/UEoG73uOnjI/AAAAAAAADyE/BaWWGEc4NGQ/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252CSehzade%252520Mehmet%252520dome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul,Sehzade Mehmet dome" border="0" alt="Istanbul,Sehzade Mehmet dome" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TWtxJ5xpaic/UEoG9h0fW_I/AAAAAAAADyM/UGsMchrAXf8/Istanbul%25252CSehzade%252520Mehmet%252520dome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="191"></a><br>Dome of the mosque</td> <td valign="top" width="189"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KuASUPzpoF4/UEoG_iLYefI/AAAAAAAADyU/Lfhdu06Pl24/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520light%252520in%252520SM%252520mosque%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, light in SM mosque" border="0" alt="Istanbul, light in SM mosque" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jYycUXRAYlM/UEoHBtyRoDI/AAAAAAAADyc/UFn7768Hj10/Istanbul%25252C%252520light%252520in%252520SM%252520mosque_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" height="266"></a>The gorgeous central light</td> <td valign="top" width="296"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dni32BEzPTU/UEoHEXNkFfI/AAAAAAAADyk/Rvve402I-3s/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520carpet%252520SM%252520mosque%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, carpet SM mosque" border="0" alt="Istanbul, carpet SM mosque" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ITbR0aDDd3s/UEoHFaMH6fI/AAAAAAAADys/Kmim5tzPSFg/Istanbul%25252C%252520carpet%252520SM%252520mosque_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="204"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dni32BEzPTU/UEoHEXNkFfI/AAAAAAAADyk/Rvve402I-3s/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520carpet%252520SM%252520mosque%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><br></a>Interior. The lines on the carpet indicate where to stand and kneel</td> <td valign="top" width="43"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ghOYWLY2DaM/UEo73VHdqXI/AAAAAAAAEA0/RWrRqkMKWKM/s1600-h/Istanbul%252520mosque%252520minbah%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul mosque minbah" border="0" alt="Istanbul mosque minbah" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-21MmfvsiLEI/UEo74v1dSrI/AAAAAAAAEA8/Y0lcTA4wJY8/Istanbul%252520mosque%252520minbah_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Mimbar in mosque</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Finding our way onwards, we did reach our original destination. The interior was not as beautiful in our opinion and it somewhat lacked the cooling breezes, despite its situation high and overlooking the harbour.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SduYxW0MDoQ/UEoHHlHVPgI/AAAAAAAADy0/aGjuc8kZP5M/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Suleymain Mosque N" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Suleymain Mosque N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OCGWvhnejSE/UEoHIiv0JQI/AAAAAAAADy8/A2woOkNTesM/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="201"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SduYxW0MDoQ/UEoHHlHVPgI/AAAAAAAADy0/aGjuc8kZP5M/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><br></a>Courtyard</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Do80vmfN5Zs/UEoHK3Yy_EI/AAAAAAAADzE/1rH--jjq6qc/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque%252520outside%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Suleymain Mosque outside" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Suleymain Mosque outside" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yc2u1mLaRKE/UEoHL7vV0MI/AAAAAAAADzM/8wKjR85cAgw/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque%252520outside_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="197"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Do80vmfN5Zs/UEoHK3Yy_EI/AAAAAAAADzE/1rH--jjq6qc/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque%252520outside%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><br></a>Facade</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-buhddAIwXBE/UEoHOSVUqcI/AAAAAAAADzU/h18VLnnD6-k/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Suleymain Mosque" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Suleymain Mosque" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ku0GMkOIXA8/UEoHPgGA9zI/AAAAAAAADzc/nqP_9IrnMRc/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="194"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-buhddAIwXBE/UEoHOSVUqcI/AAAAAAAADzU/h18VLnnD6-k/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Suleymain%252520Mosque%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><br></a>Interior</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pxnFLz2erAQ/UEoHSJW2YgI/AAAAAAAADzk/8gwHV3moRpM/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520to%252520the%252520harbour%252520from%252520mosque%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pxnFLz2erAQ/UEoHSJW2YgI/AAAAAAAADzk/8gwHV3moRpM/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520to%252520the%252520harbour%252520from%252520mosque%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, to the harbour from mosque N" border="0" alt="Istanbul, to the harbour from mosque N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c9k4naFCXHw/UEoHTRdWqkI/AAAAAAAADzs/cr4pWKOofq4/Istanbul%25252C%252520to%252520the%252520harbour%252520from%252520mosque%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="196"></a><br></a>From the mosque, looking down to the harbour</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The Chora Church (St Saviour in Chora) was high on my priorities. Just inside the massive walls of the old city, it is now a museum, decorated with the most beautiful frescoes and mosaics. They leave you breathless really, with everything from the spotted leper being cured to a gorgeous peacock in the corner of an arch, a magisterial Christ and a tender Madonna and child, translucent angels and saint filled domes.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="779"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="291"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0CnJO-svpXk/UEoHWYWCIEI/AAAAAAAADz0/-7k6ZRlZJmc/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%2525201%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Chora 1 N" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Chora 1 N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FZ0Z1-MJkiU/UEoHXkCOmFI/AAAAAAAADz8/qQgjKM5baeo/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%2525201%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="201"></a><br>Apse fresco</td> <td valign="top" width="295"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3trvkXEx0LI/UEoHaf_z6pI/AAAAAAAAD0E/k_Svu2_cmwk/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520chora%252520angels%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, chora angels" border="0" alt="Istanbul, chora angels" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gqWcraTmsOs/UEoHbnxryII/AAAAAAAAD0M/XRkKzcjtFvo/Istanbul%25252C%252520chora%252520angels_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="203"></a><br>Angels in a dome</td> <td valign="top" width="185"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8HmjoBmA6o8/UEoHeJrep2I/AAAAAAAAD0U/-iFRSOPUNd4/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%25252C%252520Pantocrator%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Chora, Pantocrator" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Chora, Pantocrator" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FWeFz-10Jdc/UEoHfImPZlI/AAAAAAAAD0c/05h5QyqujmQ/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%25252C%252520Pantocrator_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" height="275"></a><br>Pantocrator mosaic</td> <td valign="top" width="6"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D6Krg2Uha6A/UEo77PeolvI/AAAAAAAAEBE/dgNBy9LiEiQ/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%25252C%252520madonna%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Chora, madonna" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Chora, madonna" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G0yxe5lXO3k/UEo78VFUJpI/AAAAAAAAEBM/hI66Ft-kr4I/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%25252C%252520madonna_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><br>Madonna and child</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="291"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b8CCVbOt84Q/UEoHhXx8-XI/AAAAAAAAD0k/o-PXnNvv1Lc/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520chora%252520angel%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, chora angel" border="0" alt="Istanbul, chora angel" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zJBVy6mLlZ8/UEoHiphufVI/AAAAAAAAD0s/SsO2Ls94pFM/Istanbul%25252C%252520chora%252520angel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="199"></a><br>Archangel</td> <td valign="top" width="295"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ls8JISiAtiI/UEoHl3vAlMI/AAAAAAAAD00/I43ih4BDj4U/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%252520Peacock%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Chora Peacock N" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Chora Peacock N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0LhNXbZdkCw/UEoHnM7hM3I/AAAAAAAAD08/afop9A7R0IM/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%252520Peacock%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="227"></a><br>Peacock mosaic</td> <td valign="top" width="185"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rdz-aWH0sgo/UEoHpaHwo7I/AAAAAAAAD1E/7m0UDKW6_xc/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%252520St%252520Peter%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Chora St Peter N" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Chora St Peter N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7v1dIZCPMFA/UEoHqnCnuYI/AAAAAAAAD1M/OioEHUIY7K0/Istanbul%25252C%252520Chora%252520St%252520Peter%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" height="263"></a><br>St Peter, insouciantly dangling his keys</td> <td valign="top" width="6"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xX7Ib6KE90A/UEo7_lCxeoI/AAAAAAAAEBU/v_vFOo0eZ6s/s1600-h/istanbul%25252C%252520chora%25252C%252520cana%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="istanbul, chora, cana" border="0" alt="istanbul, chora, cana" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D6hzBMDaoYk/UEo8BBsdpTI/AAAAAAAAEBc/ewqunt3GYdo/istanbul%25252C%252520chora%25252C%252520cana_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><br>The marriage feast at cana</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We managed a return to Agia Sophia because we both loved it so much on the last trip. I found myself concentrating on the shapes of the lights in the dark. I find the low lighting in these huge buildings endlessly fascinating. Of course, in the days of oil lamps they needed to be low so the faithful could see and read. Now replaced with electric bulbs they are not quite as I imagine they must have looked, but they have kept the original forms. Judge for yourself. I wonder why we insist on replacing older light fixtures with fluorescent tubes or weird modern lights?</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="805"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-32-FZj_dUCE/UEoHtgATH2I/AAAAAAAAEBk/1YGGDjl0-e8/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520agia%252520sophia%252520dome.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, agia sophia dome" border="0" alt="Istanbul, agia sophia dome" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PboExFoCpVk/UEoHvFl9VvI/AAAAAAAAEBo/XnGrETqfoyc/Istanbul%25252C%252520agia%252520sophia%252520dome_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="200"></a><br>Dome</td> <td valign="top" width="201"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Cp-YnGbVBg/UEoHxfrnVZI/AAAAAAAAEBs/gQaA8f9lx1c/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Agia%252520Sophia%252520gallery.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Agia Sophia gallery" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Agia Sophia gallery" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-by2olvIQaGc/UEoHy7d-5DI/AAAAAAAAEBw/iRefRbhmptQ/Istanbul%25252C%252520Agia%252520Sophia%252520gallery_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="327"></a><br>Upper gallery</td> <td valign="top" width="319"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BKk0hcTrmRE/UEoH2SrcVjI/AAAAAAAAEB0/kHtIQ_PYXoE/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520agia%252520sophia%252520madonna.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, agia sophia madonna" border="0" alt="Istanbul, agia sophia madonna" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UEw-bx_5XXc/UEoH3o2RM2I/AAAAAAAAEB4/4i9PtigXrd8/Istanbul%25252C%252520agia%252520sophia%252520madonna_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="208" height="329"></a><br>Madonna in mosaics</td> <td valign="top" width="6"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P1KXX8sochU/UEoH6PngSRI/AAAAAAAAD2E/HxEd1lme4uk/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520Aya%252520Sophia%252520decoration%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, Aya Sophia decoration N" border="0" alt="Istanbul, Aya Sophia decoration N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tueroUp5OP0/UEoH7hi_hdI/AAAAAAAAD2M/afCB8-sgDWc/Istanbul%25252C%252520Aya%252520Sophia%252520decoration%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="213"></a>Painted decoration</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="277"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1TcmiZpC-PQ/UEo8X9rM_4I/AAAAAAAAEB8/ASv32fr57Z8/s1600-h/istanbul%252520agia%252520sophia%252520apse%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="istanbul agia sophia apse" border="0" alt="istanbul agia sophia apse" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pCg2UoOmjdY/UEo8ZCilJ-I/AAAAAAAAECE/Jxdm8sL6lio/istanbul%252520agia%252520sophia%252520apse_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="190"></a><br>Apse</td> <td valign="top" width="201"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FV8f9AEDBiU/UEoH-JCZlvI/AAAAAAAAD2U/-b5--MmYdUg/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520agai%252520sophia%252520light%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, agai sophia light" border="0" alt="Istanbul, agai sophia light" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nKNkhrS4BuM/UEoH_UO4YOI/AAAAAAAAD2c/qz8IHCIV6Jw/Istanbul%25252C%252520agai%252520sophia%252520light_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="291"></a><br>Light</td> <td valign="top" width="319"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WqFqKzjtt0A/UEoIBAmJSFI/AAAAAAAAD2k/UbUTIFb7wII/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520agia%252520sophia%252520lights%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, agia sophia lights" border="0" alt="Istanbul, agia sophia lights" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--emrW8H5k8Q/UEoICeBQQNI/AAAAAAAAD2s/PhzXp2wM14Q/Istanbul%25252C%252520agia%252520sophia%252520lights_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="220"></a><br>Series of lights</td> <td valign="top" width="6"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rj2nvppJrso/UEo8bXfE3PI/AAAAAAAAECM/BjzzMc5eAsM/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520agia%252520sophia%25252C%252520light3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, agia sophia, light3" border="0" alt="Istanbul, agia sophia, light3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BUQKt43fkV0/UEo8cZFRFYI/AAAAAAAAECU/w8bqVtXDsx4/Istanbul%25252C%252520agia%252520sophia%25252C%252520light3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><br>Graceful</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Following the Agia Sophia we realised we could visit the tombs of the sultans. These are in five pavilions behind Agia Sophia, are free to enter, and hold not only the sultans, but their wives and children, all in sarcophagi covered in green, a holy colour in Islam. The sarcophagi of the males are identified with a white turban shape. There were many, many tiny sarcophagi, indicating death very early in life. I have no idea if this was natural or whether entire families were put to the sword. My knowledge of history is sadly lacking for the Ottoman Empire. The tombs are marvellously decorated with tile, calligraphy, stone, wood inlay and decorative designs.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="762"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="223"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HxJA-0jPTqM/UEoIEYTVftI/AAAAAAAAECc/0X4Aic2p_0Y/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520tombs%252520of%252520the%252520sultans.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, tombs of the sultans" border="0" alt="Istanbul, tombs of the sultans" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C_G5XJi8uqI/UEoIF0AQWsI/AAAAAAAAECg/SylX-qfGyvI/Istanbul%25252C%252520tombs%252520of%252520the%252520sultans_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="209" height="339"></a><br>Sarcophagi under a dome</td> <td valign="top" width="219"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-02HNNyZeYg4/UEoIIqYpt4I/AAAAAAAAECk/L6E4a8jpA5w/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520sultans%252520tombs%25252C%252520tiles.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, sultans tombs, tiles" border="0" alt="Istanbul, sultans tombs, tiles" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nXUm2MHsMac/UEoIKM2c4SI/AAAAAAAAECo/5e_CgFLJZT4/Istanbul%25252C%252520sultans%252520tombs%25252C%252520tiles_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="341"></a><br>Beautiful tiles</td> <td valign="top" width="212"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y3qA0cTrCso/UEoIMbxFHcI/AAAAAAAAECs/ahzaSVaAtXo/s1600-h/Istanbul%25252C%252520tombs%252520of%252520the%252520sultans%25252C%252520inlaid%252520door.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Istanbul, tombs of the sultans, inlaid door" border="0" alt="Istanbul, tombs of the sultans, inlaid door" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_7b7FDlThII/UEoINRvEoaI/AAAAAAAAECw/WXGtsfqwYDo/Istanbul%25252C%252520tombs%252520of%252520the%252520sultans%25252C%252520inlaid%252520door_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="334"></a><br>Wood door inlaid with mother of pearl</td> <td valign="top" width="106"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_YAvxuQ_bIU/UEo8wgTCinI/AAAAAAAAEC0/CxM_rmdAOXc/s1600-h/istanbul%25252C%252520tomb%25252C%252520calligraphy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="istanbul, tomb, calligraphy" border="0" alt="istanbul, tomb, calligraphy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mLh8Mskd4Ak/UEo8yLYnCGI/AAAAAAAAEC8/MZOLdwpO6dU/istanbul%25252C%252520tomb%25252C%252520calligraphy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="207"></a><br>Calligraphy in the tiles</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Next: Out and about Istanbul</p> Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-72120510275236950532012-09-04T06:05:00.001-07:002012-09-04T07:27:52.189-07:00Pergamon and Pamukkale<p>Neither of these places is conveniently close to Selcuk where we were staying but it seemed better to have one base rather than change hotels each night. <p>Ali was our guide again for Pergamon with Ahmet our driver. We were ready to start when we realised that my seatbelt wouldn’t close. As there seemed to be no other seatbelt points in the back apart from our two, this car being a fairly small sedan, we needed to go to Kusadasi on the coast to pick up a change of car, which took the better part of an hour. Next day we found there were bits for a middle seatbelt down the back of the seat. We were not being very creative on this one. <p>Then off through the countryside to Pergamon. It is a fairly awe inspiring place, based on the Greek Parthenon and perched high on its own acropolis with amazing views far out across the country. Apart from a massive basalt wall, little remained intact, but reconstructions of the marble columns and still fallen remains give a really good idea of its size and majesty. <p>As the place was discovered by Germans, the actual altar of the temple of Zeus is now in a dedicated museum in Berlin, as is much else from the site, and two large alabaster jars are now in Hagia Sophia. A large flat area led to fabulous views and to the edge of the remarkably steep theatre, built into the natural hillside. One could also look down on the sanctuary of Dionysius. Along the edge we walked through a series of arches with side rooms, used for storage I think, but also vaulting holding up the terraces above. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="912"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="407"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ay76VDbx-dg/UEX7kI5bO_I/AAAAAAAADo8/6uE1qqb11uo/s1600-h/Pergamon%252520entry%252520road%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pergamon entry road N" border="0" alt="Pergamon entry road N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1oqp_Nutrok/UEX7lsyXIqI/AAAAAAAADpE/Y7TDjWVn_Tk/Pergamon%252520entry%252520road%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="209"></a><br>Entry into Pergamon</td> <td valign="top" width="242"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-po5lQhHxgOo/UEX7nuEh5cI/AAAAAAAADwE/Zq57-96qRJs/s1600-h/pergamon%25252C%252520acropolis%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pergamon, acropolis" border="0" alt="pergamon, acropolis" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9kjpV_GuxVc/UEX7p3UqgkI/AAAAAAAADwI/-nQnn455i5U/pergamon%25252C%252520acropolis_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="210"></a><br>The Parthenon</td> <td valign="top" width="186"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mtQ9HWo31nc/UEYAp-mQ4jI/AAAAAAAADwM/jOGqzA49ZD0/s1600-h/Sanctuary%252520of%252520Dionysius%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sanctuary of Dionysius" border="0" alt="Sanctuary of Dionysius" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y3TB9m8RHZI/UEYAqwuh_PI/AAAAAAAADwQ/qyO_5ujNsWo/Sanctuary%252520of%252520Dionysius_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="292"></a><br>Sanctuary of Dionysius</td> <td valign="top" width="75"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K9Hm-MeDZfU/UEX7sujW_kI/AAAAAAAADwc/arw2dZeQ3Ww/s1600-h/Pergamon%252520medusa%252520and%252520sister%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pergamon medusa and sister N" border="0" alt="Pergamon medusa and sister N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R3IZ9VpOY3c/UEX7ubGmAKI/AAAAAAAADwg/u2jLD3z_6vA/Pergamon%252520medusa%252520and%252520sister%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="158"></a><br>Medusa and one sister. The third face has disappeared. Used to avert evil.</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="407"><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-so3OM1Jpsdk/UEX7xMNh40I/AAAAAAAADps/wgQXF5YYjvA/s1600-h/pergamon%25252C%252520theatre%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pergamon, theatre N" border="0" alt="pergamon, theatre N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1Z8mt_CLGuw/UEX7yzBQV_I/AAAAAAAADp0/aVovU_xAi04/pergamon%25252C%252520theatre%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><br>The very steep theatre </td> <td valign="top" width="242"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lVaksB5ZFPY/UEX74FOMs9I/AAAAAAAADqM/tW4s75st3SY/s1600-h/pergamon%25252C%252520ruin%252520and%252520tree%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pergamon, ruin and tree" border="0" alt="pergamon, ruin and tree" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rCPuwhrkvPQ/UEX74_VLEnI/AAAAAAAADqU/zrKHM3SA2ds/pergamon%25252C%252520ruin%252520and%252520tree_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="187"></a><br>Remains of a wall and tower<br></td> <td valign="top" width="186"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e_ABDA5Kt3U/UEX71DKrDmI/AAAAAAAADp8/8uaPKM6B-DY/s1600-h/pergamon%25252Ctunnel%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pergamon,tunnel" border="0" alt="pergamon,tunnel" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NnLjYErV-Ec/UEX72I_2AfI/AAAAAAAADqE/R36PyGT1y-E/pergamon%25252Ctunnel_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="298"></a><br>Arches</td> <td valign="top" width="75"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>From there we proceded to the Asclepion below. Here were long approaches lined with shops and houses, springs of water, an underground tunnel leading to the treatment centre, which was circular and surrounded by the sounds of running water. We were amused that death was apparently forbidden here, so really sick people went elsewhere while the curable were given the health spa treatment; taking the waters and bathing, reading in the extensive library, being entertained in the theatre, massage and other treatments as designed by Galen according to the analysis of the patients’ dreams, whispered to them by the gods as they slept. Sounds very modern to me.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tqz4e7bH530/UEX763SIh-I/AAAAAAAADwk/CFq0T3sHliw/s1600-h/pergamon%25252C%252520way%252520to%252520Asklepion%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pergamon, way to Asklepion" border="0" alt="pergamon, way to Asklepion" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-smERCqO0-H0/UEX77hrbGJI/AAAAAAAADwo/9mUYObA8k7w/pergamon%25252C%252520way%252520to%252520Asklepion_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="212"></a><br>The way to the Asclepion</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oOhJtRTEgjQ/UEX79B2UbgI/AAAAAAAADws/EZCyxPUlTlI/s1600-h/pergamon%25252C%252520theatre%252520at%252520Asklepion%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pergamon, theatre at Asklepion" border="0" alt="pergamon, theatre at Asklepion" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--rkQTJ4yaic/UEX7-I-JwnI/AAAAAAAADww/tQ4wlv_2OCI/pergamon%25252C%252520theatre%252520at%252520Asklepion_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="213"></a><br>The theatre for entertainment</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iQc_I-pMNC0/UEX7_QOQ6nI/AAAAAAAADw0/BRXekz33BGA/s1600-h/pergamon%25252C%252520steps%252520at%252520theater%25252C%252520asklepion%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pergamon, steps at theater, asklepion" border="0" alt="pergamon, steps at theater, asklepion" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-031Kx_pUc48/UEX8AZsWriI/AAAAAAAADw4/uOxsUZ1rZoU/pergamon%25252C%252520steps%252520at%252520theater%25252C%252520asklepion_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="268"></a><br>Steps of the theatre</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Pergamon was one of the seven churches named in the Apocalypse, and also named as the Altar of the Devil. The church is the tiny round church of St John right next to a huge red building that was the temple of Isis for visiting devotees from Egypt, but the altar of the devil is presumed to be the altar of Zeus. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EHRUSYkWegc/UEX8Bm_HVBI/AAAAAAAADrM/Dv0xsFvmn3c/s1600-h/pergamon-church-of-St-John4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="pergamon, church of St John" border="0" alt="pergamon, church of St John" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FzpJiB6pXmI/UEX8CiaN0WI/AAAAAAAADrU/rVVDPZIf9V8/pergamon-church-of-St-John_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="302"></a> <p align="center">Church of St John <p>The following day was for Pamukkale, meaning Cotton Castle for the billows of white calcium carbonate that form terraces and pools on the hillside. This is an extraordinary natural and historic spring with the travertine terraces cascading down the hill, contrasting white and azure. People are allowed in some areas and they have even formed pools for them, but others are kept as pristine as possible. Hotels have now been banned from the top of the site as they were polluting the springs. Our guide, Zricky, was a delight and the best of the tour. <p>What was unexpected was the approach through the ancient city of Hierapolis, first the monumental necropolis (seemed to be the place to come before you died. Maybe like the Gold Coast) and then the city, again rather dedicated to healing with its baths and springs. It was a scorching day and the option of the shuttle to Pamukkale was irresistible, so we saw very little of Hierapolis itself, arriving to a type of holiday site at the top where people were still taking dips in the warm waters of the springs, named Cleopatra’s Pool in honour of her visit to rid herself of wrinkles.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PTc7G3lIJvk/UEX8Eg_swII/AAAAAAAADrc/nFPrxLgOiVo/s1600-h/Hieropolis%25252C%252520sarcophagi%25252C%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Hieropolis, sarcophagi, N" border="0" alt="Hieropolis, sarcophagi, N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HUly47CcdZs/UEX8FiFIpFI/AAAAAAAADrk/vQf6YX0nWAY/Hieropolis%25252C%252520sarcophagi%25252C%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="213"></a><br>Sarcophagus</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CXgrGjRCuA8/UEX8HvhCM4I/AAAAAAAADw8/UMkHeC1D_fU/s1600-h/Pamukkale%25252C%252520Cleopatra%252527s%252520pool%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale, Cleopatra's pool" border="0" alt="Pamukkale, Cleopatra's pool" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BmtZpmc6ZTQ/UEX8IiPibqI/AAAAAAAADxA/yDgw3v-nQ84/Pamukkale%25252C%252520Cleopatra%252527s%252520pool_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="217"></a><br>Modern day partakers of the waters</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U1iOKhChZMk/UEX8J7WUXTI/AAAAAAAADxE/B4RzsFlChZQ/s1600-h/Pamukkale%25252C%252520spring%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale, spring" border="0" alt="Pamukkale, spring" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AW2W9nebbYM/UEX8K_5W2_I/AAAAAAAADxI/UCfAlwpUZRc/Pamukkale%25252C%252520spring_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="215"></a><br>The spring</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Then to the edge of the hill where the travertines were covered by a wash of water from the springs and people were walking and lying in the water. I paddled. My feet should now be wrinkle free. Beyond that were the marvellous pools and terraces, like an outdoor Jenolan Caves for the Australians among you. The pictures say more than words.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0w8Faox-FYM/UEX8LzpIk-I/AAAAAAAADsM/nmElyxOUEjE/s1600-h/PanPanakke%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="PanPanakke N" border="0" alt="PanPanakke N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DsRqGvH4llc/UEX8MxylUqI/AAAAAAAADsU/QGdtuGTENIk/PanPanakke%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="783" height="297"></a></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aFFHSe3-wZc/UEX8OaAL-PI/AAAAAAAADsc/oiWL0IEKr6A/s1600-h/Pamukkale%25252C%252520walking%252520on%252520the%252520travertines%252520N%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale, walking on the travertines N" border="0" alt="Pamukkale, walking on the travertines N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JYgPtsMvvi4/UEX8PFYHN8I/AAAAAAAADsk/zfRXnCfp360/Pamukkale%25252C%252520walking%252520on%252520the%252520travertines%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="220"></a><br>Walking on the travertines</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yqiWUcEPqCs/UEX8QnusT9I/AAAAAAAADxM/6JHm1f-0160/s1600-h/Pamukkale%25252C%252520terraces%2525202%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale, terraces 2 N" border="0" alt="Pamukkale, terraces 2 N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dov81vFFgec/UEX8RmHWukI/AAAAAAAADxQ/XbMwUc7bUi0/Pamukkale%25252C%252520terraces%2525202%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="251"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xbLoT-Z-ako/UEX8THr1yJI/AAAAAAAADxU/lXlFafoT6fk/s1600-h/Pamukkale%252520travertines%2525203%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale travertines 3" border="0" alt="Pamukkale travertines 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1v3QNNRVtzI/UEX8UKj0ewI/AAAAAAAADxY/LWPeIOXIa6U/Pamukkale%252520travertines%2525203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="241"></a><br>Cascades of pools</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eaalFchv6OU/UEX8Vyq8pDI/AAAAAAAADtM/uahB6zxNIto/s1600-h/Pamukkale%25252C%252520terraces%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale, terraces N" border="0" alt="Pamukkale, terraces N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uS-BL0O6YI0/UEX8WzIrJ2I/AAAAAAAADtU/u32M_esqa_w/Pamukkale%25252C%252520terraces%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="228"></a><br>Terraces</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aFHg0gtv6-U/UEX8YVzUP2I/AAAAAAAADtc/zkSbRH3Bexs/s1600-h/Pamukkale%252520travertines%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale travertines 1" border="0" alt="Pamukkale travertines 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RrwKfTBsHM8/UEX8ZM5qH0I/AAAAAAAADtk/l2IBzjhEtW4/Pamukkale%252520travertines%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="227"></a><br>The calcium carbonate structures</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P13zrd61840/UEX8aalGANI/AAAAAAAADts/VhthJk1Naic/s1600-h/Pamukkale%252520travertines%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale travertines 2" border="0" alt="Pamukkale travertines 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jXXKFNJsEMU/UEX8bFEKeGI/AAAAAAAADt0/1NdWdKbpD2M/Pamukkale%252520travertines%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="222"></a><br>Water drips, carrying more minerals</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>In leaving, we walked past natural channels built up by the minerals in the water and through massive Byzantine gates in walls constructed in the 6<sup>th</sup> century to keep the acquisitive out of this special place.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="746"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="356"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P_k76mztvNA/UEX8dIIKwYI/AAAAAAAADt4/yff5C0LQbac/s1600-h/Pamukkale%25252C%252520Theatre%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale, Theatre" border="0" alt="Pamukkale, Theatre" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pmg2apCYvMc/UEX8eCIOTUI/AAAAAAAADuE/LVQ1ZPSsMNo/Pamukkale%25252C%252520Theatre_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="216"></a><br>The ancient Hierapolois theatre</td> <td valign="top" width="273"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B72u2MzxHLk/UEX8fTeZtcI/AAAAAAAADuM/cQSP3unPf44/s1600-h/Pamukkale%25252C%252520Byzantine%252520Gate%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale, Byzantine Gate N" border="0" alt="Pamukkale, Byzantine Gate N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jAD_RnELR0k/UEX8gcaDfoI/AAAAAAAADuQ/tc3DOtX31PU/Pamukkale%25252C%252520Byzantine%252520Gate%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="215"></a><br>Massive Byzantine walls and gate</td> <td valign="top" width="115"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d7RgAyjRm5E/UEX8h0zHwVI/AAAAAAAADuc/msedxvj_Ues/s1600-h/Pamukkale%252520walls%252520and%252520channels%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale walls and channels" border="0" alt="Pamukkale walls and channels" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Z3jdapS6tg/UEX8jBbXyII/AAAAAAAADuk/IIZ-QvhclmI/Pamukkale%252520walls%252520and%252520channels_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="215"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d7RgAyjRm5E/UEX8h0zHwVI/AAAAAAAADuc/msedxvj_Ues/s1600-h/Pamukkale%252520walls%252520and%252520channels%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><br></a>Gate and natural channels</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>As we left the Pamukkale site we visited a nearby hotel complex for lunch and saw the natural red travertines formed when iron oxide is present. I am glad the rather lurid yellow was not the colour at Pamukkale itself. Of interest as well was the local housing. As is often the case in Turkey, small high-rise apartments are the norm. In areas of great heat they build a roof over the flat rooftop where they can sleep and eat in the very hot weather. In addition, almost all apartments have a subsidised solar powered hot water tank, leading to some interesting rooflines, but providing cheap hot water for up to 300 days a year.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2YxKNSGE1ak/UEX8kegf_-I/AAAAAAAADus/kX7dxw9oHGY/s1600-h/Pamukkale%25252C%252520red%252520terraces%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pamukkale, red terraces" border="0" alt="Pamukkale, red terraces" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KxseEm6VkRc/UEX8lUcYboI/AAAAAAAADu0/NqmaIuZtkVU/Pamukkale%25252C%252520red%252520terraces_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="195"></a><br>Red terrace at hotel</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3aCWzxbMfQg/UEX8mpbadyI/AAAAAAAADu8/nuLlGi_5Av8/s1600-h/house%252520rooftop%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="house rooftop" border="0" alt="house rooftop" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4SA-OqsH0WQ/UEX8nvKB9bI/AAAAAAAADvE/iyDqEotH0cQ/house%252520rooftop_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="283"></a><br>Roof over the roof</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wq9HxbL8B_Q/UEX8o-4l3uI/AAAAAAAADvM/fLoNsXEmZO8/s1600-h/hot%252520water%252520and%252520TV%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hot water and TV" border="0" alt="hot water and TV" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KyNDa4KCsFk/UEX8pyAzfbI/AAAAAAAADvU/qyg3CfjJtfM/hot%252520water%252520and%252520TV_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="243"></a><br>Solar hot water</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Next: I will attempt to condense all Istanbul into one post.</p> Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-37609686876425961052012-08-31T07:05:00.001-07:002012-09-04T05:27:40.066-07:00Ephesus<p>A flight in Izmir and a transfer drive to Selcuk was quick and easy. The hotel, Kalehan, is a family style place built almost courtyard style around a pool and garden, so green and cooling after the heat outside. The rooms and the hotel itself are decorated in Turkish eclectic and are small, but the staff can’t do enough for you. </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yxoMC19JIuI/UEDDueyWwqI/AAAAAAAADdc/GyfIV9MpmlY/s1600-h/ephesus%25252C%252520wing%252520of%252520Kalehan%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus, wing of Kalehan" border="0" alt="ephesus, wing of Kalehan" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ee0m0sR7JSQ/UEDDvqicWEI/AAAAAAAADdk/AKD4mYMPOTQ/ephesus%25252C%252520wing%252520of%252520Kalehan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="226"></a></p> <p>Our room middle left</p></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p-ywW6dLpnk/UEDDxDZ2xNI/AAAAAAAADds/uad_YZOWTd0/s1600-h/halehan%252520dining%252520room%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="halehan dining room" border="0" alt="halehan dining room" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yyVjUw0_H6I/UEDDyF7yU0I/AAAAAAAADd0/H9VPh8xg0VM/halehan%252520dining%252520room_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="233"></a><br>The eclectically decorated dining room</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Selcuk, at about 20,000 inhabitants, still has the air of a farming town; trailers full of watermelons for sale, many men in the “men only” cafes playing a sort of matching tile game, called, I think, OK, drinking tea or coffee and waiting for the time to work in the fields. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XZq7wG_VwiI/UEXzgbH_r8I/AAAAAAAADno/YvItsD57A0E/s1600-h/Selcuk%25252C%252520men%252520at%252520work%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Selcuk, men at work N" border="0" alt="Selcuk, men at work N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q86EjEIM-MU/UEXzhjb1RSI/AAAAAAAADnw/lQ2Cuk2Qfew/Selcuk%25252C%252520men%252520at%252520work%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="227"></a><br>The men of the town solve the world’s problems</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-spPp90h-56Q/UEXziy31seI/AAAAAAAADn4/JotPbofChso/s1600-h/Selcuk%25252C%252520stork%252520nest%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Selcuk, stork nest N" border="0" alt="Selcuk, stork nest N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eaQL81hynzI/UEXzjnPr8eI/AAAAAAAADoA/DHsj6_Cl20k/Selcuk%25252C%252520stork%252520nest%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="221"></a><br>The storks’ nest. Vacated the day before when they all flew to Morocco.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Eateries tend to be a few tables and a window in a wall selling kebabs, pide or similar. I am enjoying the fresh salad parts but find we don’t really much like the food. A bit like Greece really; many long stewed vegetable dishes and casserole type things, some grilled meats on or off skewers, rice, meatballs and so on. And so MUCH food on a set menu, at least 4 courses. <p>Our trip to Ephesus, which is close to town, was interesting but terribly crowded. Ali, our guide, only 6 months out from his 5 year stint at university to gain guide status, was happy to recite lots of facts and help extend our knowledge of the site. I think perhaps he will develop more of an easy style as time goes on, but he was cheerful and willing and certainly more immediate and informative than a guide book. <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="801"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="209"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ex-HgVtRQY/UEDDzoP5RbI/AAAAAAAADd8/iWQN5W-cO7U/s1600-h/Ali%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ali" border="0" alt="Ali" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Co5RsWCTzNM/UEDD0Nma8bI/AAAAAAAADeE/iAXSrA8gWyc/Ali_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="303"></a><br>Ali, our cheerful guide</td> <td valign="top" width="286"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V60vN578gHc/UEDD1u98ibI/AAAAAAAADeM/zxSaeMF5qho/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520fake%252520watches%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, fake watches N" border="0" alt="Ephesus, fake watches N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KB9cMBbUveI/UEDD2dg9mPI/AAAAAAAADeU/V4HacRvR0HA/Ephesus%25252C%252520fake%252520watches%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="220"></a><br>Probably the most photographed sign <br>at Ephesus</td> <td valign="top" width="304"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bp9YrKBaQjc/UEDD39y28fI/AAAAAAAADec/Pmcq6qyrXhI/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520The%252520crowds%252520on%252520the%252520colonnaded%252520way%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, The crowds on the colonnaded way" border="0" alt="Ephesus, The crowds on the colonnaded way" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qWUV0N1LbdA/UEDD4Xm2WWI/AAAAAAAADek/GOyPqomYggA/Ephesus%25252C%252520The%252520crowds%252520on%252520the%252520colonnaded%252520way_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="219"></a><br>An idea of the crowds</td></tr></tbody></table> <p align="left">Ephesus was an important Roman port city with temples, including a rather lovely Temple of Hadrian, a massive theatre where they actually had gladiator and wild animal fights (unusual for a theatre) a very large library built by a son in memory of his father, paved marble ways, communal male toilets, agoras, shops and the works. Plus the nearby Temple of Artemis, now marked by one badly reconstructed column, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and must indeed have been a marvellous sight as the sailors came into the port.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PTkkVJCQ7lI/UEDD59qcliI/AAAAAAAADoI/Op7Qm-Mi23o/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520Odeon%252520and%252520the%252520way%252520in.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, Odeon and the way in" border="0" alt="Ephesus, Odeon and the way in" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qLeGXY3L7t0/UEDD6gobpZI/AAAAAAAADoM/bl8LztE-Tzg/Ephesus%25252C%252520Odeon%252520and%252520the%252520way%252520in_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="189"></a><br>The odeon to the right at the entrance to Ephesus</td> <td valign="top" width="267"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fh2_L6MqzX0/UEDD7pR0LOI/AAAAAAAADe8/nWWialaps1Q/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520communal%252520toilets%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, communal toilets" border="0" alt="Ephesus, communal toilets" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZmDF0_ahWB0/UEDD8bL7KhI/AAAAAAAADfE/NhkQ_Swtp1A/Ephesus%25252C%252520communal%252520toilets_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="317"></a><br>The communal male loo, good for a chat as you sat butt to butt</td> <td valign="top" width="278"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5h1FTfVNgPs/UEDw8Upy3QI/AAAAAAAADoQ/b2tdX-IAbM8/s1600-h/Ephesus-medusa-on-Temple-of-hadrian-.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, medusa on Temple of hadrian N" border="0" alt="Ephesus, medusa on Temple of hadrian N" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cQFjoYP4LKk/UEDD-d2eR-I/AAAAAAAADlQ/PWE_FSbsW3s/Ephesus%25252C%252520medusa%252520on%252520Temple%252520of%252520hadrian%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="290"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5h1FTfVNgPs/UEDw8Upy3QI/AAAAAAAADoU/-_kt0LErIDo/s1600-h/Ephesus-medusa-on-Temple-of-hadrian-%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><br></a>Possibly the only Medusa where the body was shown as well. She was protective, like an evil eye amulet. Here on the Fountain of Hadrian</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="253"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_xYg84TDwO0/UEDEEw9A0rI/AAAAAAAADlY/NhfHk2WRgys/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520Nike%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, Nike" border="0" alt="Ephesus, Nike" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OjgaAZ7903M/UEDEFt5dqnI/AAAAAAAADlc/WLKwW66Yago/Ephesus%25252C%252520Nike_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="298"></a><br>The Nike, or goddess of victory. The famous swoosh is under her right hand.</td> <td valign="top" width="268"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OECyGx0epP4/UEDEHZWW_FI/AAAAAAAADgA/SvMMixQFqJc/s1600-h/Ephesus%252520theatre%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus theatre" border="0" alt="Ephesus theatre" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iwbK2-sAH2c/UEDEIOYPM5I/AAAAAAAADgI/1UDveU9JP1I/Ephesus%252520theatre_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="184"></a><br>The theatre. Note the height of the front wall to stop the animals getting to the audience<br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l7N90PR7vGA/UEDEJn9guzI/AAAAAAAADgQ/_6YXhYwBF1o/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520theatre%252520seats%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, theatre seats" border="0" alt="Ephesus, theatre seats" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zg6UNamKL_I/UEDEKZz-2PI/AAAAAAAADgY/G7djxSsqFgs/Ephesus%25252C%252520theatre%252520seats_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="189"></a><br>The stairs and seats</td> <td valign="top" width="278"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YjyLOrOVhTs/UEDxEJ48ObI/AAAAAAAADlg/ADmUahTi_ds/s1600-h/library%252520of%252520Cestus%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="library of Cestus" border="0" alt="library of Cestus" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FZn4hYGuje8/UEDxE7eY1ZI/AAAAAAAADlo/LgxFcIt5Bns/library%252520of%252520Cestus_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="220"><br></a><br>Library of Celsus, reconstructed facade</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The Terrace Houses are 7 rich Roman houses under excavation. While we could have seen them, and would have loved to, the climb to reach them and the temperature of the day precluded that, so I think we missed the best. <p>In time, the river silted up the site, the harbour receded and is now 5km away, the marshes bred mosquitoes and therefore fevers and much of the site was abandoned, the material was stolen and used in other constructions, even in Agia Sophia in Istanbul and all that was left was ruin. So what is seen now is mostly reconstruction and it looks that way. And it is on the itinerary of every ship that docks at nearby Kusadasi so it is impossibly crowded. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-POpZT1Hutdk/UEDELpTvauI/AAAAAAAADgg/TjxrHP4JCoc/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520temple%252520of%252520Artemis%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, temple of Artemis" border="0" alt="Ephesus, temple of Artemis" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zVxZ9WgbVCo/UEDEMTd_87I/AAAAAAAADgo/BbC2XspEYyg/Ephesus%25252C%252520temple%252520of%252520Artemis_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="227"></a> <p align="center">All that is left of the temple <p align="left">Later we visited the local museum which has some of the beautiful artworks found, including the many breasted Artemis and a room devoted to pieces about Eros. Small glass objects found intact in some of the houses indicated the delicacy of decoration. Very peaceful and giving maybe more of a feel of the ancient city than the ruins themselves. <p align="left"> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6AtTVuPfU_s/UEDENvpSWxI/AAAAAAAADgw/PrZPla0X3QU/s1600-h/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520Asclepius%252520N%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus museum, Asclepius N" border="0" alt="ephesus museum, Asclepius N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AAY1uCYnjAA/UEDEONs1ltI/AAAAAAAADg4/m_tKtnKQxnw/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520Asclepius%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="214"></a><br>Asclepius and the snake</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ysbkp0Kj3CE/UEDEPYbyZMI/AAAAAAAADhA/RXDC6EN_cGQ/s1600-h/Ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520warrior%252520face%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus museum, warrior face" border="0" alt="Ephesus museum, warrior face" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4xRjY7ttgEU/UEDEP4LoBkI/AAAAAAAADhI/UjFVHrMEbGc/Ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520warrior%252520face_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="214"></a><br>An exhaused warrior</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OOldDkiJSJY/UEDERAdYX9I/AAAAAAAADhQ/6Yr-N-vqZ9M/s1600-h/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520winged%252520lion%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus museum, winged lion" border="0" alt="ephesus museum, winged lion" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_rYfXs6IqKA/UEDER9_pnII/AAAAAAAADhY/DoYsohVepGo/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520winged%252520lion_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="209"></a><br>Winged lion (minus the wings)</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dZYSqRf0ArY/UEDETMH-dPI/AAAAAAAADm4/tW_nTmSn_94/s1600-h/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520eros%252520and%252520anteros%252520N.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus museum, eros and anteros N" border="0" alt="ephesus museum, eros and anteros N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dAlK8forkQ4/UEDET1fLV3I/AAAAAAAADm8/RpA4Qyv56AY/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520eros%252520and%252520anteros%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="303"> <p align="left"></a>Eros and Anteros</p></td> <td valign="top" width="266"> <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus museum head of Eros" border="0" alt="ephesus museum head of Eros" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tRhvlYi8e38/UEDyam4uYyI/AAAAAAAADmQ/zzJDlYUsYMY/ephesus%252520museum%252520head%252520of%252520Eros_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="194" height="307"><br> <p align="left">Head of Eros</p></td> <td valign="top" width="266"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f2su2Fx18z8/UEDybVm25-I/AAAAAAAADnA/SsxKG1MEA3s/s1600-h/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520glass.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus museum, glass" border="0" alt="ephesus museum, glass" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oAJXOROADAM/UEDycFxhf1I/AAAAAAAADnE/Jq460eMGO7s/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520glass_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="287"></a> <p align="left">Delicate glass container</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZhsQqRZ7Axg/UEDEXa3_HAI/AAAAAAAADlw/InxS3nUmzOs/s1600-h/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520Artemis.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus museum, Artemis" border="0" alt="ephesus museum, Artemis" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ib2bwnAVPtU/UEDEXyHvTwI/AAAAAAAADl0/VSyoArIFbXc/ephesus%252520museum%25252C%252520Artemis_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="209" height="384"></a>The amazing and rather alarming statue of Artemis <p>The nearby Basilica of St John has his supposed grave though there is little evidence to support this. Maybe the presence of a quite large treasury and the size of the building itself lend credence to it being a very important site for Christianity. From the area surrounding the Basilica we could see the beautiful old mosque, reputed to be the first in Turkey and with a peaceful garden courtyard which was supposed to influence the Blue Mosque, 300 years later. The mosque was simple and quiet. It is still in use today.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4suFQ0BHOY8/UEDEZPZwNOI/AAAAAAAADig/oMkfHa28gtA/s1600-h/ephesus%252520entry%252520to%252520St%252520John%252527s%252520basilica%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus entry to St John's basilica" border="0" alt="ephesus entry to St John's basilica" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3xpgkBbbRVU/UEDEZuwPB_I/AAAAAAAADio/mjJPUjlhcKo/ephesus%252520entry%252520to%252520St%252520John%252527s%252520basilica_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a><br>Entry to the basilica of St John</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DMyDLpSowZo/UEDEa1rtGHI/AAAAAAAADiw/46Q1blwcMzs/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520grave%252520of%252520St%252520John%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, grave of St John" border="0" alt="Ephesus, grave of St John" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1lT9i-Sobug/UEDEbi1btgI/AAAAAAAADi4/ho43IVRFrI0/Ephesus%25252C%252520grave%252520of%252520St%252520John_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="230"></a><br>The suppose site of John’s grave</td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jjeY6lJ9hII/UEDEc27As2I/AAAAAAAADjA/Q_TDcjZVoVk/s1600-h/ephesus%25252C%252520mosque%25252C%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus, mosque, N" border="0" alt="ephesus, mosque, N" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K9CG20bQvsA/UEDEdjLvj5I/AAAAAAAADjI/JxILYwnA5GQ/ephesus%25252C%252520mosque%25252C%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="225"></a><br>The Ali Bey mosque from above</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eIfXcR7kbRY/UEDEethisdI/AAAAAAAADjQ/bDsCgYmAPCg/s1600-h/Ephesus%25252C%252520mosque%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Ephesus, mosque N" border="0" alt="Ephesus, mosque N" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hsNPX6KK_Ic/UEDEfp-aQKI/AAAAAAAADjY/iGDDTSR2BrI/Ephesus%25252C%252520mosque%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="287"></a> <p align="center"><br>The mirhab</p></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aENMjzpvSjo/UEDEg9J-5NI/AAAAAAAADjg/I93OAVPABeM/s1600-h/ephsus%25252C%252520mosque%252520fountain%252520N%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ephsus, mosque fountain N" border="0" alt="ephsus, mosque fountain N" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PI4Lpzns_t8/UEDEhhlUJaI/AAAAAAAADjo/bo1bdvlLrkA/ephsus%25252C%252520mosque%252520fountain%252520N_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="290"></a> <p align="center"><br>Peaceful garden and fountain</p></td> <td valign="top" width="266"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ftp7ZVAEGEc/UEDEi_ti0LI/AAAAAAAADjw/R1WG1salYIU/s1600-h/ephesus%25252C%252520ali%252520bey%252520mosque%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ephesus, ali bey mosque" border="0" alt="ephesus, ali bey mosque" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wuFi9O2XKlM/UEDEjhIJDXI/AAAAAAAADj4/QkSVSzv0qo8/ephesus%25252C%252520ali%252520bey%252520mosque_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="288"></a> <p align="center"><br>Ali Bey Mosque</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>And as John was thought to be looking after Mary, there is a story that she lived and died here, a small house near a spring being dreamt of by a German nun in about 1800 and later discovered in the mountains. I am afraid it did less for me spiritually than Mary’s house at Loreto in Italy, but some were obviously moved to prayer. <p>Overall, while it is a huge site and only partially explored and excavated, I did not find that it excited or moved me as other places such as Mycenae have done. Nick liked it better, I think, but hated the crowds. <p>But more tomorrow; this time Pergamon. Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-28148596339962138922012-08-29T06:35:00.001-07:002012-08-29T06:41:04.589-07:00CappadociaWhile we spent three days in Istanbul, we will return to the city later, and so i will post about that later. Instead, lets begin with our adventures out of Istanbul starting in Cappadocia.<br />
We had a 5am pick-up at our hotel for the flight to Nevhesir airport. All was well and he arrived on time. Unfortunately he dropped us at the International terminal and we needed to find our way back to the domestic terminal to catch the right plane. Which we did. A short trip later we were delivered safely to our tour guide Neily and Mehmet our driver. We had arranged the trip through Byzas Tours and they co-ordinated all our fares, accommodation, transfers, tours around and most meals. It sounds luxurious but it was really no more expensive than arranging it all ourselves, and a lot less hassle.<br />
Off, then, into the very hot and dry areas of Cappadocia to experience the effects of a volcanic landscape formed of layers of ash and lava and then moulded by wind and rain into extraordinary shapes. As the ash layers are softer, they can easily be dug out to make houses, churches and underground cities, while the harder layers on the top form hats and protective layers.<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EtO4lv8zUnU/UD4Ztk_4YDI/AAAAAAAADWw/M-DI42GnC0k/s1600-h/Cappadocia-Green-among-the-ash-hills.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, Green among the ash hills, " border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AzO0JXAF00I/UD4ZuFTZksI/AAAAAAAADW4/h82RO5OaPlk/Cappadocia-Green-among-the-ash-hills%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, Green among the ash hills, " width="244" /></a><br />The soft rock formed by the overburden of volcanic ash</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YK3Ma8_IOCQ/UD4ZvWvvLJI/AAAAAAAADXA/pAzbTxV6g-Q/s1600-h/Cappadoccia-Fairy-Chimneys-3.jpg"><img alt="Cappadoccia Fairy Chimneys " border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gUG1b5ojp40/UD4Zv8iQGEI/AAAAAAAADXI/5cGBIVrOs-o/Cappadoccia-Fairy-Chimneys-_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadoccia Fairy Chimneys " width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YK3Ma8_IOCQ/UD4ZvWvvLJI/AAAAAAAADXA/pAzbTxV6g-Q/s1600-h/Cappadoccia-Fairy-Chimneys-3.jpg"><br /></a>Fairy Chimneys</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W7HzOeHwCso/UD4ZxLbqM0I/AAAAAAAADXQ/dlLQReTE1i0/s1600-h/Cappadocia-Fairy-Chimneys-25.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, Fairy Chimneys 2" border="0" height="208" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5q1BoywvzUs/UD4Zxya5N-I/AAAAAAAADXY/kxx3P75CUrs/Cappadocia-Fairy-Chimneys-2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, Fairy Chimneys 2" width="282" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W7HzOeHwCso/UD4ZxLbqM0I/AAAAAAAADXg/i9Tdbm3v6pI/s1600-h/Cappadocia-Fairy-Chimneys-24.jpg"><br /></a>A group of Fairy Chimneys including one that is due to lose its hat</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zALavknJAT0/UD4Z1NxpquI/AAAAAAAADXk/a5hz2wgjQC0/s1600-h/Cappadocia-outdoor-muiseum4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, outdoor muiseum" border="0" height="208" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yDNsN44_1_k/UD4Z1_XZO1I/AAAAAAAADXs/IOT7vwqq3ik/Cappadocia-outdoor-muiseum_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, outdoor muiseum" width="264" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zALavknJAT0/UD4Z1NxpquI/AAAAAAAADXk/a5hz2wgjQC0/s1600-h/Cappadocia-outdoor-muiseum4.jpg"><br /></a>In the Goreme open air museum</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UBpWCqosjbY/UD4Z2px5_rI/AAAAAAAADX0/RC6Mf-jiNkQ/s1600-h/Cappadocia-hats4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, hats" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DqEIWWH5fGA/UD4Z3olsCfI/AAAAAAAADX8/I0qqQT8BLVY/Cappadocia-hats_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, hats" width="208" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UBpWCqosjbY/UD4Z2px5_rI/AAAAAAAADYE/L7T_Zb9LBfM/s1600-h/Cappadocia-hats3.jpg"><br /></a>Chimneys thta have kept their hats</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IHCr1jT54k8/UD4Z6KS6FaI/AAAAAAAADYI/KesUw9blSok/s1600-h/Cappadocia-Neily-our-guide4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, Neily our guide" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1aPdXVJrFmg/UD4Z6uMmtPI/AAAAAAAADYQ/kMJuXeshFUQ/Cappadocia-Neily-our-guide_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, Neily our guide" width="185" /></a><br />
Neily our guide</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0euvo39Vpic/UD4Z8DgTY6I/AAAAAAAADYY/doQbCJAC0PY/s1600-h/cappadocia-Valley-of-the-Imagination%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cappadocia, Valley of the Imagination" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fjt_OkekjcA/UD4Z9RXPJwI/AAAAAAAADYg/fRsjw_aBzsI/cappadocia-Valley-of-the-Imagination.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cappadocia, Valley of the Imagination" width="286" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0euvo39Vpic/UD4Z8DgTY6I/AAAAAAAADYo/Kr_jpyIVjHk/s1600-h/cappadocia-Valley-of-the-Imagination%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><br /></a>Valley of the Imagination. Perhaps you can see a hand and a cowled woman</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V97P14eS99s/UD4aA6vVRsI/AAAAAAAADYs/F5sXGvpscc8/s1600-h/Cappadocia-evil-eye-tree4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, evil eye tree" border="0" height="294" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZcxHcsV-j84/UD4aBskPkII/AAAAAAAADY0/QF2NQfXT6eA/Cappadocia-evil-eye-tree_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, evil eye tree" width="191" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V97P14eS99s/UD4aA6vVRsI/AAAAAAAADY8/x1k10l-8uaE/s1600-h/Cappadocia-evil-eye-tree3.jpg"><br /></a>A tree festooned with evil eye talismans</td></tr>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kk2dIhKeAGk/UD4aENvmooI/AAAAAAAADZA/yDk_v8FUsbQ/s1600-h/Cappadocia%25252C%252520panorama%2525202%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, panorama 2" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YGcim6Qzo8U/UD4aEs4Ez7I/AAAAAAAADZI/ht8qift0pdA/Cappadocia%25252C%252520panorama%2525202_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, panorama 2" width="789" /></a><br />
<div align="center">
Nick’s panorama of one valley</div>
We stopped for lunch at a pretty and cool restaurant beside a river in Avanos but, alas, the food was very poor, thin in textures and flavours. We hoped this wasn’t a foretaste of things to come.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ViWzod8ygVE/UD4aF9N6XwI/AAAAAAAADZQ/x6WML_M8CrA/s1600-h/Cappadocia-River-at-Avanos-4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, River at Avanos " border="0" height="256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZPlxrv7JMw4/UD4aGmF6btI/AAAAAAAADZY/sv_5iCoV0gI/Cappadocia-River-at-Avanos-_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, River at Avanos " width="358" /></a><br />
We also stopped at a pottery factory for which the region is famous, and were treated to an individual pottery throwing show, followed by a tour of the painting and glazing factory. Very intricate work and very expensive. We felt some obligation to purchase something, eventually settling on a hand painted tile for which we probably paid too much.<br />
The combined effects of an early start, excessive heat and too little water too its toll. By the time we reached our hotel at three we were ready to collapse and I suspect I was close to heat stroke. We surfaced for dinner at the hotel, a pretty cave place carved into the soft rock, and then went to sleep again. So no balloon ride fro us the next morning. We simply couldn’t have managed another 4am start.<br />
The hotel was sweet and quite popular. It has a series of individual rooms each a cave, set around a courtyard area, with windows and doors at the front and nice bathrooms. Unfortunately for me, the lovely big tub provided had sides too high for me to negotiate safely and I had to have recourse to the basin for my ablutions. Nick just managed. I did ask at the desk if something else was available, but none were as nice as our room, so I decided I could manage for two nights. I did try to explain to the lovely guys on the desk, but they got the giggles at my drawing showing me to be too small. An additional and unexpected feature was the pitter-patter of falling sand from the ceiling, which left about a teaspoon on the comforter by morning. Ah well, all part of the adventure.<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3gkZZgD817k/UD4aHnn470I/AAAAAAAADZg/BFz2PFFkiQQ/s1600-h/Cappadocia-Etkep-Evi-gate4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, Etkep Evi gate" border="0" height="286" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A07_mTlefuQ/UD4aIQ5ZyAI/AAAAAAAADZo/-2nQ9f5TINU/Cappadocia-Etkep-Evi-gate_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, Etkep Evi gate" width="187" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mavv7DazPpI/UD4aNbGxeQI/AAAAAAAADZw/NPkBLCZbAz4/s1600-h/Cappadocia%25252C%252520Etkep%252520Evi%252520Hotel.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, Etkep Evi Hotel" border="0" height="254" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CjcCe3EqwG0/UD4aOFy1uJI/AAAAAAAADZ4/hkZejbBbpHw/Cappadocia%25252C%252520Etkep%252520Evi%252520Hotel_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, Etkep Evi Hotel" width="349" /></a></td></tr>
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Breakfast was in the lovely, airy terrace, obviously fairly new, with views out over the valley and a delightful breeze. The food comprised a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, olives and cheeses, some cereals and breads and eggs also. We are eating far too much, though I suspect, also working it off.<br />
Off on the second day, this time to the buried villages or the underground museum. This is a six level city, underground and connected via tunnels and ramps, where people could escape any raiders, store food and wine in the cool and share life in a community. They had cooking rooms in common, family rooms and places they could seal with rolling stones to cut off the enemy. It is rather difficult to photograph this meaningfully, so just a few shots.<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="337"><div align="center">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-epobO8lmWuw/UD4aPAGwtrI/AAAAAAAADaA/0uWJMtg-XEM/s1600-h/Cappadocia-Nick-and-Neily-at-buried-%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, Nick and Neily at buried city" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y_QvRoBTpgQ/UD4aQdHPYFI/AAAAAAAADaI/UBluELN0hTo/Cappadocia-Nick-and-Neily-at-buried-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, Nick and Neily at buried city" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-epobO8lmWuw/UD4aPAGwtrI/AAAAAAAADaA/0uWJMtg-XEM/s1600-h/Cappadocia-Nick-and-Neily-at-buried-%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><br /></a>Nick and neily in the Underground Museum</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="247"><div align="center">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cOUWqiSzVqM/UD4aRDvXHQI/AAAAAAAADaQ/jE1fhiQyfzc/s1600-h/Cappadocia-underground-city3.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, underground city" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-btXbTtATR-k/UD4aSJhq6UI/AAAAAAAADaY/c3Gq28VSseU/Cappadocia-underground-city_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, underground city" width="164" /></a><br />Connecting rooms</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="297"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xxgHuzsxq94/UD4aTI1UTUI/AAAAAAAADag/2Jrp0vPtzqg/s1600-h/Cappadocia-air-shaft-underground-cit%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, air shaft, underground city" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jFTPEIK4sJ4/UD4aTh7z41I/AAAAAAAADao/51QL4YUwH80/Cappadocia-air-shaft-underground-cit.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, air shaft, underground city" width="244" /></a><br />
Looking down an air shaft with steps cut in the sides. Not for me thanks!</td></tr>
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Nick found walking the small tunnels bent over quite difficult for his breathing and it made us realise that some of the challenges of age are affecting the sort of travel we can do in future. We will see how we fare with the trains in Spain where we need to manage our luggage.<br />
I found it interesting that there is quite a pigeon thing here. Even in the first eras of the monks living in isolation in these valleys, they kept pigeons, but it appears it is mainly for the guano to fertilise the fields, and not for food. The pigeon houses and boxes are carved into the rock and the entrance sealed except for tiny windows for the birds. Once a tear they are opened and the guano removed. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-htMlRRT87GA/UD4aU9NZELI/AAAAAAAADaw/bPgVjjMA20w/s1600-h/Cappadocia-pigeon-valley4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, pigeon valley" border="0" height="227" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jmr7S8PYva4/UD4aV_T7DNI/AAAAAAAADa4/xJ2pFId1Mpo/Cappadocia-pigeon-valley_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, pigeon valley" width="322" /></a></div>
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Pigeon houses, Pigeon Valley</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LbupUZOMGqM/UD4aXAZy8LI/AAAAAAAADbA/RM0q0nqsHJU/s1600-h/Cappadocia-pigeon-roosts-4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, pigeon roosts " border="0" height="227" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GZ8kcoHDmlw/UD4aX3_Jf6I/AAAAAAAADbI/ZQYbaj35bYw/Cappadocia-pigeon-roosts-_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, pigeon roosts " width="323" /> </a><br />
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Ancient pigeon roosts near the outdoor museum</td></tr>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LaQDCkuk3_g/UD4aY5KovoI/AAAAAAAADbQ/F2RwXXy1PWA/s1600-h/Cappadocia%25252C%252520panorama%2525204%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, panorama 4" border="0" height="328" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I_-PODpdsic/UD4aZwB7mkI/AAAAAAAADbY/gEsfbLNQ3uA/Cappadocia%25252C%252520panorama%2525204_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, panorama 4" width="943" /></a><br />
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Houses partially carved into the soft rock</div>
Certainly the land is frequently arid and bare, the grape vines grown low on the ground, as in Santorini, so the heat will ripen the grapes quickly and only by using underground water sources can crops like potato or sunflower be grown. The fields seem small and the crops are in small strips. They grow pumpkin too, but jusy for the seeds; the rest is thrown back on the land as fertiliser.<br />
Love Valley was fairly obviously named for the shape of the Fairy Chimneys there. I think they all look a bit like that.<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A0OJEzfqYww/UD4abPk51DI/AAAAAAAADbg/WDP-GVGa4QU/s1600-h/Cappadocia-Love-valley4.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, Love valley" border="0" height="227" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Knv7FPkUWIQ/UD4acE3RBXI/AAAAAAAADbo/MeqYi-D10e8/Cappadocia-Love-valley_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, Love valley" width="323" /></a> <br />
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Love valley</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sA8fRdy1CPQ/UD4ad5cEerI/AAAAAAAADbw/d0XS88RbzUQ/s1600-h/Cappadocia%25252C%252520Greek%252520house%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, Greek house" border="0" height="226" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RBCn0o9SHmU/UD4aetiGXCI/AAAAAAAADb4/T8_08ki_sXk/Cappadocia%25252C%252520Greek%252520house_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, Greek house" width="307" /></a> <br />
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A Greek house. In 1922 Greeks living in Turkey were exchanged for Turks living in Greece and many of these houses ended up abandoned</div>
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Before lunch we visited a Turkish Rug house where the women made the rugs, doing double knots in wool or silk so swiftly, trimming each knot with a deft twist of a tiny knife. Ther may just possibly be one knot in one Turkish carpet made by me, but I suspect it was inferior and was later removed. I asked how much they could do in a day; maybe 3-4 cm, depending on the material. That means a 3m rug may take 100 days and may sell for $25,000, or $250/day, though probably less. I wonder how much of that goes to the women? Regretfully, we had to decline the offer of checking out all the merchandise, though we did get to see the spinning of the silk in 25 ply strands.<br />
Lunch this time was in an old Greek style house which caters for tour groups. Very busy and very good food. A walnut and rocket salad and meatballs in yoghurt for me, fried cheese (very yummy and bad for him) and lamb skewers for Nick.<br />
Lastly, a visit to an old cavaranserai from the Silk Route. Largely restored, it is now a cultural centre (read tourist venue) where one could be entertained at night with an historical light show followed by a Whirling Dervish ceremony. Neily explained the meaning of the dance, even though we have not seen it. The building was beautifully done with separate areas for meeting and trading, winter rooms that could be made warm and larger sleeping quarters. I imagine the smell with all the camels and horses inside the courtyard and the doors all locked for safety must have been rather pungent. They built the caravanserai every thirty kilometers, a day’s trip apart, and you could stay for free for two days. I guess the trade was worth enormous amounts to the pashas and sultans.<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="198"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sp1LLhWlBFg/UD4af514RWI/AAAAAAAADcA/_SqpsLhCoQk/s1600-h/Cappadocia%25252C%252520caravensari%252520gate%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, caravensari gate" border="0" height="299" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fzMNQIRKPvc/UD4ag24XjaI/AAAAAAAADcI/5kG08HCda6M/Cappadocia%25252C%252520caravensari%252520gate_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, caravensari gate" width="192" /></a><br />
Entrance gate with clever jig-saw blocks holding the arch</td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pq6dLgLxxbQ/UD4ah400MHI/AAAAAAAADcQ/dYO9w7rs14A/s1600-h/Cappadocia%25252C%252520fountain%252520caravenserai%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, fountain caravenserai" border="0" height="298" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HVTqGwB5yDQ/UD4ai9XWQtI/AAAAAAAADcY/cJOOjFAd0S4/Cappadocia%25252C%252520fountain%252520caravenserai_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, fountain caravenserai" width="194" /></a><br />
Cool fountain and door to a winter room</td> <td valign="top" width="420"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xwsukdsK8Z8/UD4akIdW0OI/AAAAAAAADcg/Km3jp6G_FT4/s1600-h/Cappadocia%25252C%252520summer%252520area%252520caravenserai%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, summer area caravenserai" border="0" height="223" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XAsoSPuIC0k/UD4alG0WLPI/AAAAAAAADco/4INBJ9t0CXc/Cappadocia%25252C%252520summer%252520area%252520caravenserai_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, summer area caravenserai" width="278" /></a><br />
The open courtyard and summer rooms</td> <td valign="top" width="188"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jly_saNEtLc/UD4amZVaEBI/AAAAAAAADcw/DLxhSWBUH_c/s1600-h/Cappadocia%25252C%252520dome%252520in%252520caravenserai%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cappadocia, dome in caravenserai" border="0" height="224" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r48pLrxRQQI/UD4anbjiKRI/AAAAAAAADc4/vfOAs7ZpzU4/Cappadocia%25252C%252520dome%252520in%252520caravenserai_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cappadocia, dome in caravenserai" width="306" /></a><br />
Gorgeous dome over the closed area where people could sleep on wooden platforms</td></tr>
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Next post, EphesusLynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-37617854342609344662012-08-24T08:48:00.000-07:002012-08-25T07:09:09.742-07:00SingaporeThe stay in Singapore was busy to say the least. We stayed a little out of the centre at the rather unusual Wangz Hotel which was reasonably close to the very efficient train system.<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="229"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NhiqxUXFto4/UDhT77QdKJI/AAAAAAAADKc/aXMfLc3vhiU/s1600-h/Wangz%252520Hotel%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Wangz Hotel" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eEpubTmzT30/UDhT92Lq-3I/AAAAAAAADKk/9_4DZuwANhU/Wangz%252520Hotel_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Wangz Hotel" width="164" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NhiqxUXFto4/UDhT77QdKJI/AAAAAAAADKc/aXMfLc3vhiU/s1600-h/Wangz%252520Hotel%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><br /></a>The Wangz Hotel with rooftop bar</td> <td valign="top" width="371"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IwpIeh10yhk/UDhT_-Eq7zI/AAAAAAAADKs/PH5JI8KqZes/s1600-h/wangz%252520hotel%252520bar%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wangz hotel bar" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rHvER5AV_KA/UDhUB0aVDHI/AAAAAAAADK0/QoAeZ-9TgXo/wangz%252520hotel%252520bar_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wangz hotel bar" width="244" /></a><br />
Wangz Hotel bar located right at the top in the open area shown<br />
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Our first day was spent doing an initial explore and then meeting with friends, Gene and Bee Ling and their children Lex and Riddle, getting a guided tour of the city and eating some delicious food.<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="150"><div align="left">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i6C6BbQ30SU/UDhYtSOyJVI/AAAAAAAADLE/GlGEXV8V6A8/s1600-h/merlion%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="merlion" border="0" height="212" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yRexlF5vj-c/UDhYu5UpKBI/AAAAAAAADLM/HTePvs2CQYI/merlion_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="merlion" width="244" /></a>The Merlion, symbol of Singapore</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="150"><div align="left">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S7OJsipMWa0/UDhYwzFOMYI/AAAAAAAADLU/0o5L7f2PW4E/s1600-h/Esplanade%252520Drive%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Esplanade Drive" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cAURaTiAXLY/UDhYynLkVyI/AAAAAAAADLc/_latNaU5b1I/Esplanade%252520Drive_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Esplanade Drive" width="244" /></a>In the shade under the arches of the Esplanade bridge</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="150"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-70M3XXI757s/UDhY0zeTT9I/AAAAAAAADLk/BLmjDe4zBHU/s1600-h/marina%252520sands%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="marina sands" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qAn7sFHcg5M/UDhY2ZzjMmI/AAAAAAAADLs/XXHsJyFDcDk/marina%252520sands_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="marina sands" width="244" /></a>Peeking through the trees, the ship-like prow of the Marina Bay Sands. There is a 150m pool and a viewing deck up there, plus full sized palm trees.</td> <td valign="top" width="150"><div align="left">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fu7xZobWLOk/UDhY4WWqsuI/AAAAAAAADL0/D9RGckUo1U8/s1600-h/Boat%252520Quay%252520edited%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Boat Quay edited" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fx6cZEaZ7PY/UDhY6OuPm9I/AAAAAAAADL8/pgjJD9wdmRE/Boat%252520Quay%252520edited_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Boat Quay edited" width="244" /></a>Looking towards Boat quay on the river. The boats are no longer there but once this was crowded</div>
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="150"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zDU5SGLt_uw/UDhY8fDCbcI/AAAAAAAADME/ny4Sr_AX60o/s1600-h/Boat%252520Quay%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Boat Quay 1" border="0" height="170" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lBcLQtFuYck/UDhY9_lwCoI/AAAAAAAADMM/uJhncLj6wx4/Boat%252520Quay%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Boat Quay 1" width="244" /></a>A very traditional British remnant at Boat Quay</td> <td valign="top" width="150"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dwcLumIwE0k/UDjOVgA8hwI/AAAAAAAADQ8/nkJKoN9ONy4/s1600-h/Rafflesn%252520n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Rafflesn n" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LvrnqaduIqg/UDjOWyzF5eI/AAAAAAAADRE/iJW2Ehbn7LM/Rafflesn%252520n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Rafflesn n" width="244" /></a>The entrance to Raffles Hotel</td> <td valign="top" width="150"><div align="center">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y7exA1X2H_w/UDeiNZVrrRI/AAAAAAAADJ0/O8lHdPfHvVo/s1600-h/Raffles%252520entrance%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Raffles entrance" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ftWcYJmkjyA/UDeiOpUzpGI/AAAAAAAADJ8/4R-DUStxffA/Raffles%252520entrance_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Raffles entrance" width="244" /></a>The entrance to Raffles. Non residents not allowed</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hygpTW7MVvQ/UDeiKKMmCzI/AAAAAAAADJk/rO0xJ2oELdk/s1600-h/Gene%252520and%252520Riddle%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Gene and Riddle" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WQO6QyMgni4/UDeiLZTmGHI/AAAAAAAADJo/-mTIgxLo0G8/Gene%252520and%252520Riddle_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gene and Riddle" width="244" /></a>Gene and Riddle at Raffles</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-anIxuJB3CrM/UDjOYoJLKTI/AAAAAAAADRM/u9-ETRo04rw/s1600-h/SporeWaterfront%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="SporeWaterfront" border="0" height="377" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rUA5sshHgIU/UDjOZzji7eI/AAAAAAAADRU/r4YPNdKuirM/SporeWaterfront_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SporeWaterfront" width="902" /></a> <br />
Nick’s panorama of the Singapore waterfront looking to Boat Quay. Once this would have been filled with small working boats but since they dammed the river to provide additional reservoirs of fresh water, the boats no longer have access. Now it is just a few tourist boats.<br />
There are a number of separate ethnic areas in Singapore, each with its own architecture, food centres, markets and temples, so we set out to explore a few as well as see some of the reminders of British heritage and some of the extraordinary architecture of modern Singapore.<br />
First, Little India, then Chinatown<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 994px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="287"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BgtmecaIHkU/UDhfO3VBP3I/AAAAAAAADMg/enAKmrvxvd8/s1600-h/garlands%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="garlands" border="0" height="176" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yUr99CVNJ0g/UDhfP_nskUI/AAAAAAAADMo/GNM90EgkiAw/garlands_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="garlands" width="244" /></a>Fresh flower garlands for offerings and for decorating your bride</td> <td valign="top" width="205"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ap_Q732-e_Q/UDhfRtjnyNI/AAAAAAAADMw/8OSZXTro9wQ/s1600-h/Hindu%252520temple%252520entrance%252520Singapore%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Hindu temple entrance Singapore" border="0" height="264" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KaKN0t01iSI/UDhfSqA-XOI/AAAAAAAADM4/Hge4m43EOXs/Hindu%252520temple%252520entrance%252520Singapore_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hindu temple entrance Singapore" width="175" /></a>Hindu temple gate</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m1I_CQRkEMA/UDjOcKLEF7I/AAAAAAAADRc/-3VBGCjBK_c/s1600-h/Hindu%252520temple%252520N%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Hindu temple N" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u8FpksZ9eCo/UDjOddqjDuI/AAAAAAAADRk/dQm8qM-pcj8/Hindu%252520temple%252520N_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hindu temple N" width="244" /></a><br />
Deities and altars inside the temple</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kYq4D4zKTKY/UDhfbzUnA8I/AAAAAAAADNQ/5cyH41khxV4/s1600-h/chinesehouse%252520little%252520india%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chinesehouse little india" border="0" height="146" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-COXuzU_KQyM/UDhfc1WmYVI/AAAAAAAADNY/odlya8HVX3M/chinesehouse%252520little%252520india_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chinesehouse little india" width="244" /></a>This colourful house was the only Chinese house in Little India, owned by a wealthy merchant</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="287"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-auF9tpfWhK0/UDhfeViZVMI/AAAAAAAADNg/HEBH9fYTihs/s1600-h/jungelbar%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="jungelbar" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bgUWNH2Z29k/UDhffsH163I/AAAAAAAADNk/JklYjHogRoQ/jungelbar_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="jungelbar" width="244" /></a><br />
The culturally and geographically confused bar in which we revived with a cool lime drink. The servers wore British kahki and solar topees and the jungle contained all sorts of animals and trees plus the delightful addition of a native American</td> <td valign="top" width="214"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zhg-KpM-MLA/UDhkMDEyBkI/AAAAAAAADO8/VhpjZIdefd8/s1600-h/Temple%252520of%252520the%252520Buddha%252527s%252520Tooth%25255B3%25255D.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-loz68ewgsPk/UDjOfJDGQSI/AAAAAAAADRs/mkVJOfCAqkI/s1600-h/Chinatown%252520alley%252520n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Chinatown alley n" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-twc8yzrsWGQ/UDjOgcz6heI/AAAAAAAADR0/hnibGONV9Zg/Chinatown%252520alley%252520n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Chinatown alley n" width="184" /></a>Alley in Chinatown </td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/---WoP9s1AR0/UDhkItH0_7I/AAAAAAAADOs/ZdVx8igMJdA/s1600-h/Singapore%252520Hindu%252520Deities%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Singapore Hindu Deities" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vyvjrIzQR1E/UDhkJ3WwhhI/AAAAAAAADOw/7CZEcEkhMVQ/Singapore%252520Hindu%252520Deities_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Singapore Hindu Deities" width="244" /></a> <br />
<div align="left" style="color: black;">
Hindu deities again but now in Chinatown, where we were privileged to witness a ceremony.<br /> </div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="257"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zhg-KpM-MLA/UDhkMDEyBkI/AAAAAAAADO8/VhpjZIdefd8/s1600-h/Temple%252520of%252520the%252520Buddha%252527s%252520Tooth%25255B3%25255D.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zhg-KpM-MLA/UDhkMDEyBkI/AAAAAAAADO8/VhpjZIdefd8/s1600-h/Temple%252520of%252520the%252520Buddha%252527s%252520Tooth%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Temple of the Buddha's Tooth" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5RfkR2ls12A/UDhkNQuZz5I/AAAAAAAADPE/j7FeIzXUeus/Temple%252520of%252520the%252520Buddha%252527s%252520Tooth_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Temple of the Buddha's Tooth" width="164" /></a><br />Temple of the Buddha’s tooth with many offerings and much we did not understand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We spent some time taking a river cruise to see the architecture and followed that with a walk through Clarke Quay and a visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum. We also visited the Gardens by the Bay for the amazing space they have created, including artificial trees they are filling with bromeliads, and in which there is a light show each night. This in turn is connected to that weirdest of hotels, the Marina Bay Sands, a place that can’t possibly exist, but does.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 942px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CJrffc9zp-w/UDjOikBjS-I/AAAAAAAADR4/pfEdj2SmSXA/s1600-h/riverboats-Clarke-Quay3.jpg"><img alt="riverboats Clarke Quay" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-en9sQ1R_fUw/UDjOjm7gK_I/AAAAAAAADSA/-iJppjIpDG4/riverboats-Clarke-Quay_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="riverboats Clarke Quay" width="244" /></a>Clarke Quay</td> <td valign="top" width="190"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ci8UGp_vuic/UDjOlJLDIvI/AAAAAAAADSM/Gzrzy-TdpG4/s1600-h/Singapore-street-lights3.jpg"><img alt="Singapore street lights" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UWW7qgpbTjg/UDjOmCeb28I/AAAAAAAADSU/zhg6VWC09AU/Singapore-street-lights_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Singapore street lights" width="146" /></a><br />
Lights</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0jUE-bQD-Mg/UDjOnpyMX5I/AAAAAAAADSc/nA2le6xdqKg/s1600-h/Fullerton-Hotel-Singapore-steps3.jpg"><img alt="Fullerton Hotel Singapore, steps" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2PAHaf14UKY/UDjOosguXaI/AAAAAAAADSk/v_laK0d_sDE/Fullerton-Hotel-Singapore-steps_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fullerton Hotel Singapore, steps" width="244" /></a>The ornate stairway in the Fullerton Hotel<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0jUE-bQD-Mg/UDjOnpyMX5I/AAAAAAAADSc/nA2le6xdqKg/s1600-h/Fullerton-Hotel-Singapore-steps3.jpg"><br /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0OIYml3F2Ps/UDjOqf-y1QI/AAAAAAAADSs/KHpTUSIX8DU/s1600-h/Workers%252520statue%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Workers statue" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-294kTq-yWNY/UDjOrlz-koI/AAAAAAAADS0/mShRQ5RhW6M/Workers%252520statue_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Workers statue" width="244" /></a>Commemorative statue on the waterfront</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="259"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H2YDNYENeLY/UDjOtd2e4aI/AAAAAAAADS8/NoIFca6-bHw/s1600-h/Police%252520buildings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Police buildings" border="0" height="165" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8iJ-3Mp4yEM/UDjOupt35vI/AAAAAAAADTE/Q8aAJRiJBT0/Police%252520buildings_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Police buildings" width="244" /></a>Old Police buildings converted to a new purpose</td> <td valign="top" width="190"><div align="left">
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8DnnOWC5mxs/UDjOwAGhd7I/AAAAAAAADTM/RQEk36ef7yc/s1600-h/buddah%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="buddah" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xbeo0qnFCTE/UDjOw2iIaxI/AAAAAAAADTU/o4v3XWm3EAg/buddah_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="buddah" width="184" /></a>A serene Buddha</div>
</td> <td valign="top" width="257"><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d2CXuCdr37E/UDjOy6M_MpI/AAAAAAAADTc/9eX-zLubNKk/s1600-h/Asian%252520Culture%252520Museum%252520puppets.jpg"><img alt="Asian Culture Museum puppets" border="0" height="176" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OLWCtAonBPo/UDjO0MeceVI/AAAAAAAADTk/m9dWMKSuo5M/Asian%252520Culture%252520Museum%252520puppets_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Asian Culture Museum puppets" width="244" /></a><br />
Rod puppets<br /> <br />
<br />
<br /></td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RNtASOjvbrw/UDjO1SSDZrI/AAAAAAAADTs/NTrZ3Fbpmv0/s1600-h/Garuda-Asian-Culture-Museum-Singapor.jpg"><img alt="Garuda Asian Culture Museum Singapore" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B1UAPtjPwe4/UDjO2RkF4hI/AAAAAAAADT0/6gcplhCbp28/Garuda-Asian-Culture-Museum-Singapor%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Garuda Asian Culture Museum Singapore" width="164" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RNtASOjvbrw/UDjO1SSDZrI/AAAAAAAADTs/NTrZ3Fbpmv0/s1600-h/Garuda-Asian-Culture-Museum-Singapor.jpg"><br /></a>A Garuda at the museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took the very efficient and clean subway system to places like Marina Bay Sands and The Gardens by the Bay which are connected by walkways.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 1002px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mVf_jpz00ac/UDhfgwpnwbI/AAAAAAAADNw/WwMVMQeDUgE/s1600-h/Singapore%252520train%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Singapore train" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SMa8b9bOCNQ/UDhfh83fvXI/AAAAAAAADN4/W14AxTW5JRA/Singapore%252520train_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Singapore train" width="164" /></a><br />
On via train to Marina Bay Sands. This is the spacious interior of a driverless train.</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2-bcCwLj_fU/UDhfjrYbvII/AAAAAAAADOA/_TWeUsV9JsE/s1600-h/subway%252520to%252520Marina%252520bay%252520sands%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="subway to Marina bay sands" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UntQqwY0bKk/UDhfkeKhjyI/AAAAAAAADOI/9EJZvTi7Lp8/subway%252520to%252520Marina%252520bay%252520sands_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="subway to Marina bay sands" width="244" /></a>This is the subway to the Hotel and Bay Gardens, lined with mirrors and pictures. Sydney, are you taking note?</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-37TKUJT8QnI/UDhkQW3zCfI/AAAAAAAADPM/sdUlkOqoPkk/s1600-h/dragonfly%252520bridge%252520to%252520gardens%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dragonfly bridge to gardens" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0E6POh5NLZA/UDhkd_J2YoI/AAAAAAAADPU/T_gH-1ZEO-Y/dragonfly%252520bridge%252520to%252520gardens_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="dragonfly bridge to gardens" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-37TKUJT8QnI/UDhkQW3zCfI/AAAAAAAADPM/sdUlkOqoPkk/s1600-h/dragonfly%252520bridge%252520to%252520gardens%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><br /></a>The dragonfly bridge leading to the Gardens by the Bay and the artificial trees that will eventually be all green</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TknFVT8lqWo/UDjO4oMhz5I/AAAAAAAADT8/a94ObQh8EAk/s1600-h/dragonfly%252520n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dragonfly n" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ph4WwrB5r_g/UDjO5y3q9RI/AAAAAAAADUE/aidp41yLDVI/dragonfly%252520n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="dragonfly n" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fjdD5OU7Da8/UDhkfmPctyI/AAAAAAAADPc/091ZkqQK2NY/s1600-h/walkway%252520in%252520trees%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><br /></a>Dragonfly sculpture </td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fjdD5OU7Da8/UDhkfmPctyI/AAAAAAAADPc/091ZkqQK2NY/s1600-h/walkway%252520in%252520trees%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="walkway in trees" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cXjUp6vcxGk/UDhkgosuFYI/AAAAAAAADPk/15EtDe8hZpw/walkway%252520in%252520trees_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="walkway in trees" width="244" /></a><br />
One can walk on this skyway among the trees. However, it poured rain and we took sanctuary in the hotel.</td> <td valign="top" width="257"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WKGrRoQkS-o/UDjO7aXvU7I/AAAAAAAADUM/mcNXeLg5QvY/s1600-h/Gardens%252520trees2%252520N%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Gardens trees2 N" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NstVOx2eRTI/UDjO8vdndZI/AAAAAAAADUU/MM6KcPXM5hs/Gardens%252520trees2%252520N_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gardens trees2 N" width="244" /></a><br />
The evening light show among the trees</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5ndK1dB01_A/UDjO-7TLl-I/AAAAAAAADUc/LJyMlxNdIwA/s1600-h/Singapore%252520Flyer%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Singapore Flyer" border="0" height="186" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gMxACloM-Zw/UDjPAL-F47I/AAAAAAAADUk/eAgvFPf5RVY/Singapore%252520Flyer_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Singapore Flyer" width="244" /></a><br />
The Singapore Flyer</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QuyXLqpllQE/UDjPBmf3ZyI/AAAAAAAADUs/z5t-jVYTwOE/s1600-h/Marina%252520Bay%252520Sands%252520night%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marina Bay Sands night" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pm8Q0iqAhqU/UDjPCi_QgWI/AAAAAAAADU0/rDanWXIoKeY/Marina%252520Bay%252520Sands%252520night_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marina Bay Sands night" width="244" /></a>The impossible hotel</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="260"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kaFwlNKOc-U/UDhfmGm68pI/AAAAAAAADOQ/1hIgMzokjIw/s1600-h/Marina%252520Bay%252520Sands%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marina Bay Sands" border="0" height="149" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-crQmpSk8h60/UDhfnR5-jWI/AAAAAAAADOU/2Nm5EcFaLXw/Marina%252520Bay%252520Sands_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marina Bay Sands" width="244" /></a><br />
This is the marina Bay Sands complex, the hotel, a massive shopping mall, a conference centre and the Museum of Arts and Sciences known as the Lotus<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kaFwlNKOc-U/UDhfmGm68pI/AAAAAAAADOQ/1hIgMzokjIw/s1600-h/Marina%252520Bay%252520Sands%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: black;"></span></a></td> <td valign="top" width="264"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bo_YVr_RulY/UDjPEHUBc1I/AAAAAAAADU8/2mFwr1lXB2w/s1600-h/Marina%252520Bay%252520Sands%252520interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Marina Bay Sands interior" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6jwYVcB4sD4/UDjPFTgMDxI/AAAAAAAADVE/P0DV4BPzut0/Marina%252520Bay%252520Sands%252520interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Marina Bay Sands interior" width="164" /></a><br />
The soaring atrium of one of the towers of the Marina Bay Sands hotel</td> <td valign="top" width="257"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b06mUrH0r-M/UDjPG8rOlzI/AAAAAAAADVM/ajP5VydeMJw/s1600-h/Restaurant%252520MBS%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Restaurant MBS" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1iGfgPPr_90/UDjPIOTEYLI/AAAAAAAADVU/rQprwUJTAUU/Restaurant%252520MBS_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Restaurant MBS" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b06mUrH0r-M/UDjPG8rOlzI/AAAAAAAADVM/ajP5VydeMJw/s1600-h/Restaurant%252520MBS%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><br /></a>Restaurant in the atrium where we ate. The “lanterns” are private dining rooms</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CL3jvAy6sIQ/UDhkh0MH-pI/AAAAAAAADPs/WDe-pG9zn70/s1600-h/lotus%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lotus" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dUIrFEufbHk/UDhkjLczBSI/AAAAAAAADPw/U43IyX819aQ/lotus_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lotus" width="244" /></a><br />The Museum of Arts and Sciences</td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="260"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L1_adLfLyCs/UDhkkX7ElJI/AAAAAAAADP4/_AetGocnJzM/s1600-h/lily%252520pond%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lily pond" border="0" height="188" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hPh7Kb7hFtU/UDhklodrdkI/AAAAAAAADQA/0jl4UOjw5SU/lily%252520pond_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lily pond" width="244" /></a><br />
There is a reflecting pool below the lotus with water-lilies</td> <td valign="top" width="264"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4YI1LPPvkHk/UDhknMEq2CI/AAAAAAAADQM/fIqAhh_ylHw/s1600-h/lily%252520below%252520the%252520lotus%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="lily below the lotus" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n0xI1Roi1TY/UDhkoEn5CcI/AAAAAAAADQU/9VSO7mYNajM/lily%252520below%252520the%252520lotus_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="lily below the lotus" width="172" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="257"></td> <td valign="top" width="250"></td></tr>
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And finally, for your complete shopping experience, you must have<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 786px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cWg4krotHSE/UDjPJu4bt-I/AAAAAAAADVc/nDFzC9Gpt2E/s1600-h/shoes1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cWg4krotHSE/UDjPJu4bt-I/AAAAAAAADVc/nDFzC9Gpt2E/s1600-h/shoes1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="shoes1" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0r1VRW5nW-M/UDjPLRfdKPI/AAAAAAAADVk/Uf00DOVcroo/shoes1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="shoes1" width="244" /></a><br />Shoes</td> <td valign="top" width="250"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UQMXnJ4N7XM/UDjPNjoEyvI/AAAAAAAADVs/q0z1RHjHatA/s1600-h/louis%252520vuitton%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="louis vuitton" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iFf8zq9qNI0/UDjPPe4dCvI/AAAAAAAADV0/rfLboclAYKA/louis%252520vuitton_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="louis vuitton" width="244" /></a><br />Tentacles in the window,<br /></td> <td valign="top" width="278"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dG1iFKG1Lys/UDjPR3mu9rI/AAAAAAAADV8/wA9NOFwHJqk/s1600-h/whirlpool%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="whirlpool" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QVDxZP8cAK4/UDjPTooXiLI/AAAAAAAADWE/OGILDQ3TYrI/whirlpool_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="whirlpool" width="272" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dG1iFKG1Lys/UDjPR3mu9rI/AAAAAAAADV8/wA9NOFwHJqk/s1600-h/whirlpool%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><br /></a> a whirlpool on the roof</td> <td valign="top" width="6"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c8kE4VOS76o/UDjPVwK8F-I/AAAAAAAADWM/qP-d49NplN8/s1600-h/waterfall%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="waterfall" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6VO6Y1xTDyw/UDjPXtMvUeI/AAAAAAAADWU/ucjJEyZc4sU/waterfall_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="waterfall" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c8kE4VOS76o/UDjPVwK8F-I/AAAAAAAADWM/qP-d49NplN8/s1600-h/waterfall%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><br /></a>leading to a waterfall below around which you may be taken in a boat. Of course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next episode, Istanbul.Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8419570651139423077.post-26405383949525515362012-07-29T21:46:00.005-07:002012-07-31T04:31:06.899-07:00Off we go again<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Just over two weeks to go until<span style="font-size: small;"> we leave and suddenly there are many things to do. The house must be clean for the house sitters (so many cobwebs and so much cat fur); the clothes must be cool and altered to fit; Nick needs a good sun hat; dry cleaning; weeding of the excess in the garden; visits to dentists and doctors; reacquainting myself with Blogspot which is obstinate and changes each time I use it; learn some Spanish; meals with the kidz. Suddenly we are very busy after what seems like a long time since we planned the trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">However, we have all the tickets, such as they are these days. We have starter money in all the six different currencies, even the difficult Moroccan dirhams; all the accommodation and transport is booked; we hope the two personal tours in Turkey and Morocco will eventuate as planned; we have lists of places to see and restaurants to eat in; I have invested in a Kindle for reading and storing travel information and my iPhone has developed an alarming number of apps (something I barely knew about a year ago) I do like the one that makes translations from the spoken word, it can even translate "Two beers please" into Spanish. Most useful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Gloriously, we come to Portland at almost the end of the trip, for eight days with C,C,& Ry.It is hard to be grandma when the grandson is so far away, and while Skype is great it doesn't give cuddles. I have become Grandma cat, because our cat makes lots of noise while we talk on-line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We hope to be more adventurous than previously; we may even attempt a balloon flight in Cappadocia if the weather is fine. We will certainly post pictures and a running commentary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is the basic plan for Turkey, but with side trips to Pamukkale, Epehesus and so on from Selcuk.</span><br />
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And then for Spain/Morocco/Portugal<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">OK I know it looks complicated but we get to see places we haven't seen before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So take the URL of this website and drag it to your
address bar. Join as a follower if you want and, every now and then, check up on our trip and give us
cheering comments.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<br /></div>Lynn and Nick Boothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395070657948107200noreply@blogger.com0