These European capitals

never cease to fascinate and excite us and Madrid was no different. We spent the first day exhausting ourselves by walking everywhere in the heat. We learnt our lesson and on the second day we discovered the joy of the metro. We did enjoy the walking and discovered Madrid's main square the Plaza Mayor and its symmetrical buildings and interesting bars. One bar is a tribute to bullfighting. Here are a couple of pictures for the not so squeamish

The dude from the first photo survived. I think this is as close to bullfighting as we might get. The streets are interesting and the walk from here to the Royal Palace and cathedral was a maze of narrow alleys and plazas that demanded a stop and maybe a coffee and cake 

We had a fantastic time the following days at the Prado Museum, one of the foremost displays of classical art in the world. Filled with Goya, El Greco, Velazquez, Raphael, Picasso, Breughel, and too many others we say the highlights over a few hours. It is well presented and as usual, we have to shake ourselves to understand we are viewing the originals, so used are we to seeing photos or prints. 

We had an interesting time too at the Naval Museum tracing Spain's mighty naval history. This painting of Colombus was one of the masterpieces of this museum

But the real stand out were the incredible models and probably the building in which all this was housed. After a delicious lunch nearby, a three course meal with bread and beer/wine and coffee for ten euros, we had a relaxing stroll through Retiro Park.

From Madrid we headed north to El Escorial which we were keen to see as the Royal Palace in Madrid was closed for official functions for the two days we were there. El Escorial was the summer palace of the Kings and queens 

The highlight here was the library with its painted ceiling and of course beautiful ancient books. 

Over the past couple of days we have visited the towns of Segovia and Avila. We have enjoyed them both.  Segovia with its huge aqueduct which up till recently was still in use

and Avila with its intact and well preserved walls 

As you can see the weather has been very kind.  We are enjoying our road trip in our little car and Spanish roads are good. The food is great. Yesterday we splurged on a wonderful meal at a fantastic restaurant at Segovia, roast suckling lamb and vegetables. It was so delicious. As you can probably tell we are being more measured as we look after John's health. He has been OK but is conscious of being very careful. 

Happy holidays to all my teaching friends especially to those heading off on trips. Safe travels and look forward to swapping stories. 

Very happy in Valencia

After a very relaxing time in Peniscola on the beach, we headed south to Valencia - orange eating territory - and our friends whom we met in Vietnam earlier this year, Phil and Denise Barker. Well, we have been treated like royalty for the past couple of days and have had a great look at Valencia. Phil and Denise live in the old town and knew all the great places to eat and drink and we did a bit of both of those. Valencia has diverted its river around the city and turned the area into a huge park with amazing buildings and ovals and running tracks etc.  One area based on Science and the Arts is architecturally astounding - actually Tomorrowland was filmed here. We walked many kilometres in this parkland enjoying the sights of Valencia.  

On our full day there we caught the tram down to the beach and had a swim and lunch on the beach. Of course oranges were always on the menu. 

We didn't really know what to expect of Valencia but we both loved it, particularly living in the old town and our long walks with our friends. Thank you to PHIL and Denise for your exceptional hospitality. Look forward to returning the favour soon. 

This morning we headed off to Cuenca, 

a small town with an interesting old city built on a gorge, and have arrived this afternoon at Belmonte, where Spain's most complete castle stands. We have got great accommodation here.  Spent the afternoon exploring the castle which was closed for renovations. We just pushed the gate open and wandered around. John even got up on the wall. If we had something bigger than the Fiat we could have popped a suit of armour in as there was no one there. 

Belmonte is also Don Quixote country and there are quite a few of these beautiful things dotting the countryside. 

All is well and we are loving Spain. 

On the road to the south

We Had the happiest day yesterday. Picked up our gorgeous little Fiat 500 convertible in Barcelona and headed down to Tarragona. What an amazing world we live in when on the highway I was messaging and sending photos with Cait who is in Melbourne. She was celebrating with Shalla the end of exams. It was a beautiful day here - warm and blue - and we had the top back and the music on for the drive to Tarragona. 

We stopped here for a look at this amphitheatre with its amazing setting on the Mediterranean at Tarragona. 

After a stop at the beach and a great creamy coffee that you would have loved, Carmel, 

we headed off to the little town of Tortosa for lunch. We finally arrived in beautiful Peniscola about 4 where we are perfectly happy with a castle on the hill overlooking a sun soaked beach. Had a couple of swims and then a walk up to the castle and around town. 

This is the view from our room so guess who's pretty happy. 

They have foolishly built around the castle. Our hotelier attributes it to greed and power. Surprise, surprise. John tells me this is a Templar castle that was never taken.  We will be very happy here for a couple of nights. 

Walk walk walk walk walk

Is what we did today. Started the day off going to mass at the Sagrada Familia in the crypt. It is not easy when the service is in Spanish but the head priest was such a happy bloke that he carried us along in the spirit. At the end of the service he called all the travellers out and came round and blessed us all for safe travels. An uplifting experience. 

From there we walked to Parc Guell. What we thought was about a forty minute walk ended up being a two hour walk uphill. Not good for a young man with a heart complaint. Gaudi's works are well displayed in this park and it also offered fantastic views over Barcelona. 

We had a short tour booked of the Palace of Catalan Music which we thoroughly enjoyed. This colourful and creative space is mind blowing. Will post some pictures next post. We have just got back from another two hour walk to pick up some things we need cause we pick up our car in the morning. We are gathering our strength to have one last delicious meal in Barcelona before heading to Peniscola tomorrow. 

The Palace of Catalan Music

The crypt at Sagrada Familia. 

Barcelona where the sun is shining

After a very hectic start to our holiday with John being diagnosed with a heart "problem" and a three hour visit to the cardiologist on the day before we left, we finally arrived in the relaxed and balmy city of Barcelona in Spain.  We did have a day in KL on the way over which we thoroughly enjoyed. Arrived here a bit worse for wear I am sorry to say and it has taken us a while to get over the dastardly flight from Australia. 

Barcelona has so much to offer and we have spent the last three days looking around its very different attractions. From the beach to the mountains, from the narrow alleys to the wide boulevards, we have walked our way around. The highlight was this morning and a visit to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's cathedral in the making. If it overwhelmed us on the outside, it gobsmacked us on the interior. An amazing light and colour filled sanctuary the like of which we have not seen. We both loved it.  

The food we have had so far has been pretty special, too.  As John is struggling a bit with his new meds, we often come home early and just have delicious bread and summer fruit.  But already we have had memorable food and drink. And cheap.

This beautiful city on the sea is a fun way to start our trip.  We have great digs with a lovely Cuban lady who can't speak a word of English but her home is in a great location with lots of good eating places around. That makes it great in our books.  

Just heard our princess is back in hospital but getting better every day so lots of love to her and you all.