Madrid and Segovia

Our arrival in Madrid was not without fanfare. There was a very large demonstration in the square outside our hotel by students and teachers. The police were out in force and all seemed well controlled. However when we returned from dinner last night at about 10pm the students were once again out in full force as were the riot police. I can happily say it was my first time seeing police in full riot gear including shields etc and I do hope not one to repeat anytime soon.  Luckily by morning all was quiet.

Yesterday we did a walking tour of Madrid with a definite highlight being a. Isit to the convent of cloistered nuns.  We went in to but some cookies from the turntable but our visit coincided with the arrival of a male expected by the mother superior,perhaps a doctor or other professional, and was the first time either of our guides had ever actually seen one of the nuns in all their years of going there.  Visited a great market where one could get almost any delicacy ready to eat along with drink of choice. Tried to go back at two which is lunchtime here but was full to the rafters.  Carried on to the Prado Museum where we had the most fantastic guide who brought the paintings of the Spanish Masters alive. Never have I got so much out of an art museum.  Spent the afternoon exploring more of the city, including a beautiful park,pedestrian streets,and stopping for a snack and cafe con leche.  Last night a group of us went out for paella.  Over rated from my point of view but was a fun evening.

Today we spent the day in Segovia and it was all and far more than I expected.  First we toured the roman agueduct, built 2000 years ago to supply water to the castle. The big difference from the Pont de Gar and this is that in Segovia the agueduct runs right through town.  Absolutely amazing. The old town of Segovia is the type of town I love with ancient narrow streets meandering amongst buildings that have stood for generations.  Wound our way through town to the castle on the hill where the views were panoramic and the history palpable. Climbed up the tower on a narrow circular staircase to be rewarded with even better views. The crowning glory of the day was our lunch where we were treated to the specialty of the region which is roast suckling pig.  The restaurant has been here for several generations and happened to Eric's and my delight to be a Chaine member.  After several delicious courses we were presented with the main event which was whole suckling pigs. They were so tender that they were cut with a ceramic plate. The meat was tender if not a bit fatty and the skin was the perfect crackling.  Accompanied by a great local wine it was the perfect meal.  Tonight we are going to head out for some cava and tapas.  Such is the life.

Buying cookies from the cloistered nuns that are never seen by the outside world. Is it any wonder that their numbers are dwindling.

They really like impatience here and the effect is beautiful

Wonderful food choices in the market

Amazing structure to last 2000 years

Even moat and drawbridge are intact

The main event

Fellow Chaine member

Segovia Cathedral

Last days in Barcelona

Perfect weather continues allowing our exploration of this magnificent city. Yesterday after a little shopping for some essentials that we needed like a pair of shoes we walked down to the waterfront and explored the aquarium. Though we are very familiar with marine life was interesting to see the different species that were represented here. Especially fond of the different seahorse aquariums.  After another great lunch we met with our tour group. There are only 20 in the group which makes for a nice number. After introductions and a n overview of the tour we set off for a tapas dinner in a small local establishment, passing on the way ,The 4 Cats, which was a favorite hangout of Picassos.  Dinner was an amazing assortment of tapas including foie gras and pulpo so I was very happy. I look forward to meals if this is any indication of quality.

This morning we had a walking tour of Gothic Barcelona by a local guide which was so interesting and informative. She had an in depth knowledge of history and a very easy way of imparting it.  The hours flew by.  We ended at the Sagrada Famillia which can look somewhat gaudy at first glance but with her detailed information regarding the meaning and building of this unique structure I fell in love with it.  I found it especially poignant that Gaudi designed the outside of this church to bring the bible to all the people, even those illiterate and those who did not enter into the church. It is predicted that the church will be finished in 2026 and I hope to see it at this time.  Eric and I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring some of the maze of side streets.  Tomorrow we are off to Madrid and more adventure.

Loved these cute little horses.

Love to see him snorkeling

These dragon fish look almost prehistoric

Barcelona Cathedral 

Impossible to capture the size of this immense church

First facade of the Famillia to be completed depicting the birth of Christ

One could stand and gaze upon this facade for hours and keep finding new details

Light and motion within is astounding

Unlike other churches visited Gaudi designed all the windows to be bright and bring in the colors of nature making for an ever changing interior as the outside light changes

Couloirs reflecting from the windows onto the white stone

Fun pieces of jewelry at a unique (and expensive) store in a little alley

Unique food items not on my shopping list!

Montserrat and the Beaches of Barcelona

The last two days have been distinctively different but both amazing.  On Friday we took a tour to Colonia Guell and Montserrat.  Colonia Guell is an old industrial town which was owned by Guell for all his factory workers to live in. By providing them with housing and all the amenities that hey needed he kept his employees happy and working.  As Guell was Gaudi's primary patron there are Gaudi touches through the town wih the outstanding one being the church and crypt that Guell commissioned him to build. This was the first church that Gaudi built and was fascinating. The whole structure is curvy with beautiful windows scattered around. Even the pews in the church have a Gaudi design. As the factory closed in 1973 much of the town is deserted but was a great stop on the tour.  From there we were off to Montserrat, a monastery and the oldest choir school in Spain for boys 8-14 in age. This was rebuilt in the 1800 s after being destroyed by Napoleon. The monastery is built on the most amazing rock face and the views are spectacular. We first took a rack railway up to the monastery. For an even better view we later took a funicular up to the very top. Loved it but not as good for those with a height problem. The basilica was beautiful with the unfortunate part being that it seemed that half the school children in Spain were there and had no respect for the silence within a church. We did get to hear the boys choir sing which was beautiful but was a long wait for two songs.  We were so lucky to have another beautiful day so we could enjoy all the vistas.

From history and religion we spent yesterday walking along the boardwalk and beaches of Barcelona. The beaches themselves are wonderful and along the way there are marinas, a multitude of restaurants the aquarium and on and on.  The wide expanses of beach are dotted with volleyball nets and childrens play apparatus. Breakwaters have been built so that there are calm beaches interspersed with surfing waves. Fun to sit in a beachside bar with a wine in hand watching a surfing lesson. Children played in the sand nearby while their parents also enjoyed a refreshment.  Very civilized.

Entrance to church

Exterior with very unusual windows

Beaches of Barcelona in October yet!

Street performers abound in this city

Comfy but hard chairs along the walkway

Some of the peaks of Montserrat 

View down from top of the funicular

Part of the cloisters with the mountan showing through

Certainly no expense was spared when building churches.

Having fun with one of the living statues along Las Ramblas. They all have to audition so are very good.

Puissilacon to Barcelona

The last few days have been incredible and definitely a sharp contrast to each other.  On Sunday we left Montpellier and travelled to Puissilacon where I was fortunate to spend a couple of days with Maggie's friends Ian and Jenny. They have an amazing home in the hilltop village of Puissilacon which they share with several other Australian friends.  It is set in this quiet town that is looked over by a centuries old castle. I loved walking the streets and was fun to contemplate what type of homes are hidden by the ancient exteriors.  We walked over to the next village, through the grape fields for beer, explored a couple of the most incredible cemeteries where the respect for past generations is so touching.  On Monday we travelled to first the locks at Bezier which we went up nine years ago in our rented canal boat Pigasse. Was really fun to watch another boat going up but not as much as doing it ourselves!  We the drove to the Etang which we had also crossed previously when on the canal trip. The Etang is covered with oyster and mussel farms so no better place to go to a seaside restaurant which served up a shellfish Buffett like I have never seen. There was an endless supply of oysters, mussels,crab,prawns,snails,clams and scallops washed down with a lovely Pinet..so relieved that I was with others who also made several trips to the buffet.  Had a lovely time for the two days and was wonderful to be in such a lovely spot.

Tuesday morning saw me hopping on the train to Barcelona for a much anticipated reunion with Eric. We have both had such remarkable experiences and have so much to share.  Barcelona has already far exceeded my expectations.  It is truly a city that has it all.  From the sprawling Gothic old town where one could wander the winding streets for days discovering new restaurants,stores, old churches and wonderful examples of architecture.  The influence of Gaudi is quite evident in many areas of the city and certainly adds a flair.  On the Hop on and Off tour we were treated to many different areas and sights from the palace to the Olympic Stadium and even the Barcelona Soccer Stadium.  The streets are alive with every type of vendor and street performer.  The large market on La Ramblas is a feast for the eyes selling every type of fresh food imaginable.  To add to the wonder of this city there is a long coastline with beautiful beaches, bustling restaurants, huge marinas, world trad center and on and on it goes.  So glad that we have a few more days to explore.  Spent a good part of today at Parc Guell which was designed by Gaudi in the early 1900's as an exclusive gated community but due to lack of sales was turned over to the city as a park.  It is a photographers delight and one we will not forget.  It is said that being dropped on by a bird is good luck and if this is so I should have good luck for the rest of my life as they have large birds here.  Do not think I need to elaborate.  Well must go and grab a wine!

Outside terrace at Ian and Jenny's. Rather lovely place for a meal.

Delightful street in the town

Seafood like I like it!

One example of a Gaudi design

Market made me wish I lived here

Eggs anyone?

Entrance to Parc Guell

Incredible stone work.

Beautiful mosaic work, gardens and stone work.

About Montpellier and Sete

The last couple of days have been fun exploring around Montpellier. We have used the tram system extensively to explore all different parts of the city. One can go from very old to very modern in a flash. Was hard to be away for Andy's birthday but had a nice chat. Yesterday we spent several hours at the zoo. It is a very large area where all the animals have big natural enclosures. Sometimes makes it harder to spot them but most of them were in very cooperative moods yesterday.  Great variety of animals and hardly any people. There is a large amazon forest greenhouse in which we were the only people. Very well done and made for an enjoyable day.

Today we took the train to Sete and spent the day exploring this delightful seaside city laced with canals. There are literally thousands of boats of all descriptions tied up along the walls of the canals and in the many marinas. Sete is a very big fishing port and the seafood is fresh, straight from the ocean to your plate. I enjoyed a wonderful lunch of oysters and mussels for a starter followed by cuttlefish for a main. This was my second time savoring this wonderful seafood which is more closely related to calamari than anything else I can think of but with more flavor. I will definitely be looking for it when I get home.  It was interesting how many more cars there were in Sete than Montpellier even though it is much smaller. Shows one what a very efficient public transport system can do. Never anywhere have I seen as many mopeds and motorcycles as in France. They are allowed in the pedestrian only areas so I can understand how the locals favor them.

Must say I certainly enjoy starting the morning with coffee and fresh croissants bought from the bakery just around the corner.  The French are so civilized!

These fellows are monstrous

This zebra appeared to have taken a lesson on posing

Lovely indoor rain forest

Love the food markets

Traditional boats in Sete

Boats absolutely everywhere

Another treat found in the street market. They smelled wonderful. So good that we are having one for dinner.

Montpellier

The trip to Montpellier from Santiago was a very long day with a less than pleasant train trip but was wonderful to arrive at the station to have Terry and Maggie waiting for me. After a glass or two of wine I felt much better. We are staying in a lovely condo right in the middle of the old town which is in walking distance of the whole inner circle. They also have the most fabulous tram system with four different lines going in all different locations so makes it easy to see the whole city. Each tram line has beautifully designed trams so makes it extremely easy to navigate and at 5euros for a family pass for the day you can hardly go wrong.

Such a treat to be back in France with wonderful patisseries and sidewalk cafés where one can just watch the world go by. The history never ceases to amaze me. One thing I do find is that France is much more expensive than Spain.  No more glasses of wine at cafés for just over one euro.

In my explorations today I walked into a beautiful Cathedral which unknown to me has been turned into what I found to be a very odd art exhibit by Chiharu Shiota.  Not to my taste but I am sure it has great artistic significance.  Also visited a Roman agueduct which still stand complete after all this time.

Old rock walls still remain inside our condo. I wonder how many generations have passed through here

This city is a maze of these wonderful streets

Colorful trams

Roman aqueduct

Exterior of Saint-Anne Cathedral

Inside of above Cathedral.  Art is in the eye of the beholder