Sept 1 Granada Spain

An early start as there is a 5 hour drive this today.
The drive along the coast was beautiful and then headed inland through some mountains with lots of forests. Most pine like trees. In this area many of the people used to live in caves. They will put a facade in the front. If they needed more space they just dug another room.

We had most of the afternoon to our selves.

A short walk into the older part of town. Walked by the cathedral and the chapel but did go into the Palace. Very confusing as in the 1300 this was built as a mosque. Then in 1492 the Christians came and changed to a church. The advantage here was they covered the carved walls which preserved the colours, something which did not happen at the Alhambra. The building was also a private home, palace and the town hall in its history. It is now run as a museum by the University of Granada.

Dinner provided tonight. Very good. Chicken with vegetable and potatoes.
After dinner we went for a walk around the block. Ended park close to the hotel They had a fountain which changed colours. Very nice.




August 31 Valencia Spain

First day on the bus. The bus is very comfortable and even has wifi! Luxury! It is only a 3 hour drive. In about 1 and 1/2 hours we arrived at Peniscola. A very nice little beach town. The beach is amazing, the sand is very fine fine and the beach has a gentle slope Also very busy. Lunch at a little place across the from the beach. Back on the bus and finish the drive.

A short stop on the old river bed in Valencia which has been converted to a park. Very nice as it runs for miles. In part of it they have build what they call the Artistic centre. There are beautiful building of interesting shapes housing the aquarium, museum and music hall. I do remember walking most of this when I was here 5 years ago.

We then headed to the old part of town for a short walking tour. Past the old bull fighting arena and 2 of the old city wall gates. A very nice city. We had about an hour to ourselves. We found a nice little cafe for coffee and drinks. A little bit of time left before we had to meet the bus, but it go used up getting lots! But we were not the only ones, ran into a few that were also turned around. All part the experience!
Paella tonight. But this was with chicken and not many vegetables. The people at the table that live in Ottawa but originally from Nicaragua said it was not paella as it should be made with shellfish. I agree!


August 30 Barcelona Spain

A bit of a sleep in but once again we skipped the optional tour and did our own thing. We bough tickets to Monseratt. It is an all inclusive ticket that covers the train ride, the cable car up, lunch, the funicular, and entry to the museum and the audio visual presentation.

We were a bit on the slow side getting moving show but after 1 hour of standing on the train, we arrived about 11.30 am. Nice as part was even above ground. Caught the cable car up to the monastery. Great views from the cable car.
THe monastery is huge!  Actually caught a little bit of the boys choir.