Spain: From Granada to Madrid – My Travel Notions

It took all day but we made it to Granada, Spain, from Tétouan-Tangier, Morocco. And, we had to get up at 4:00 in the morning to do it.

In order to catch the 8:30 am ferry to Algeciras, Spain, we needed to be at the Tangier MED Port by 6:30 am which meant leaving Tétouan at 5:00 am. It was all good. We made it onto the ferry with time to spare so the first part of our journey out of the African Continent and into the European Continent worked out smoothly.

But, there was no explanation as to why the tickets we purchased in advance for the train to Granada from Algeciras became the bus to Granada instead. And not even the bus driver could tell me why or when we might arrive in Granada so I could let our Airbnb host know. Of course I was speaking broken Spanish while he was speaking Spanish. But again, it all worked out.

We had to get up early in the morning to make the ferry from Tangier MED to Algeciras, Spain on the Africa Morocco ferry. Then from Algeciras we were scheduled, with tickets in hand, to take the train to Granada. But it turned out that the train was not running but a bus was there to get us to Granada. (April 30, 2019)

Sailing along the Strait of Gibraltar on the Africa Morocco ferry from Tangier MED to the Algeciras, Spain. (April 30, 2019)

Along the Strait of Gibraltar with the Rock of Gibraltar in sight as we make our way from Tangier MED to Algeciras, Spain, on the Africa Morocco ferry line. (April 30, 2019)

A night’s look at a small portion of the Alhambra, a former Roman fortress from around 889 AD was rebuilt in the mid-13th century to include the current palace and walls. This Moorish treasure, exhibiting stunning Islamic architecture along with being a UNESCO Heritage Site, is one of Spain’s top sights and we’ll be visiting this gem first thing in the morning. (April 30, 2019)

Granada

I made it to what I consider to be the essence of Granada, Spain…the Alhambra, the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel while mixing in a bit of contemporary Granada through a Street Art tour and some highlights.

I felt a connection to and with Granada the very first time I visited this Andalusian city in 2010 with it’s Moorish and even small bits of Roman ancestry. The year 1492 connects Granada with the Americas because during that year the Catholic Monarchs of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabel I of Castile after 10 years of warring, defeated and pushed out the Moors from Granada, their last stronghold. That was also the same year the Monarchs provided Christopher Columbus with the financing to make his voyage for a new route to India which turned out to be him running into the Americas instead. Of course the story of Columbus is that he discovered the Americas but indigenous people had been calling the Americas home long before Columbus ever existed.

Even though we packed in a lot during our three nights and two full days, it’s time to pack up and take the bus because our next stop is Seville, Spain. But for now, here are the gems of Granada.

The Alhambra was a former Moorish citadel, constructed by the Nasrids, included a complex of palaces, gardens and forts in Granada, Spain. This lovely garden is part of the Generalife palace used as the summer country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, now the city of Granada. The Nasrid dynasty was the longest ruling Muslim dynasty in the Iberian Peninsula of Spain, reigning for more than 250 years from 1230 to its annexation in 1492. (May 1, 2019)

This lovely garden is part of the Generalife palace used as the summer country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, now the city of Granada. (May 1, 2019)

The Generalife garden of the Alhambra was built between the 12th and 14th centuries in what was then Al-Andalus and what is now Granada, Spain. The palace was used by the Muslim royalty as a place of rest. (May 1, 2019)

Views of the Alhambra’s Generalife in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

The Paseo de las Adelfas or Promenade of the Oleanders is a breezy and lovely pathway covered with oleanders at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A Generalife garden in the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

The Water Tower and remains of the aqueduct of the Generalife of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

The Alcazaba or fortress, is the oldest part of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It was built in the mid-13th century by Sultan Alhambra, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty. (May 1, 2019)

The Alcazaba is the fortress, or the “red castle” remains inside the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The Alcazaba, considered the oldest part of the Alhambra complex, was first built as a small alcazaba (fortress) in the period of the Taifa kingdoms (11th century), in the Ziri period, and was preserved during the Nasrid period reforms (13th to 15th century). (May 1, 2019)

The Alcazaba is the fortress, or the “red castle” remains inside the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

Caught Alice and others strolling and admiring the masterpiece of Islamic workmanship at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

The Facade of Comareso palace at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, with a combination of geometric, epigraphic and floral ornamental detailed carvings in plaster was also originally painted in bright colours. (May 1, 2019)

The Courtyard of the Myrtles palace inside the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A masterpiece of Islamic woodwork and delicately carved plaster work at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

The Palace and Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of the 12 white marble lions, with water springing from their mouths, in the lion fountain at the Palace and Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of the beautiful and intricate arabesques and calligraphy plaster carvings at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Plaster was often carved into geometric and Islamic-influenced motifs. (May 1, 2019)

An archway covered with intricate carved geometric and Islamic-influenced motifs in the Hall of the Two Sisters at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, with a view into another beautiful garden. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of the intricate carved geometric and Islamic-influenced motifs with remnants of lapis lazuli at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

Me at the Palace and Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

John and Alice at the Palace and Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

These patterned stoned walkways inside the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, can also be seen throughout many areas of Granada. Supposedly the Romans began designing these rock art walkways and the Moors continued to utilize and perfect the designs. However, many of these stone art walkways have been restored in the Alhambra and throughout Granada, but they really are quite beautiful. (May 1, 2019)

My feet selfie at a patterned stoned walkway inside the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. This type of stoned walkway can also be seen throughout many areas of Granada. (May 1, 2019)

A patterned stoned walkway inside the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. This type of stoned walkway can also be seen throughout many areas of Granada. (May 1, 2019)

Inside the Alhambra’s Mexuar chamber, which was altered repeatedly over time, was the first throne room in the palace of Sultan Ismail I in Granada, Spain. When the palaces were extended, from the 1330s onwards, it became the reception and meeting hall of the Nasrid court. It was particularly suitable for this function because of its rich tile and stucco decoration. After the Christian conquest, a chapel was installed here. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of the motifs inside the Alhambra’s Mexuar chamber, which was altered repeatedly over time, was the first throne room in the palace of Sultan Ismail I in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

The carved pillars inside the Alhambra’s Mexuar chamber, which was altered repeatedly over time, was the first throne room in the palace of Sultan Ismail I in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of the carved arabesque columns Inside the Alhambra’s Mexuar chamber, which was altered repeatedly over time, was the first throne room in the palace of Sultan Ismail I in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A patterned stoned walkway by a garden inside the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. This type of stoned walkway can also be seen throughout many areas of Granada. (May 1, 2019)

The Charles V Palace at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, built a modern Renaissance palace for his official functions. (May 1, 2019)

The front door of the Charles V Palace at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, built a modern Renaissance palace for his official functions. (May 1, 2019)

The Wine Gate (Puerta del Vino) is one of the oldest constructions of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The gate was built by Muhammad III as a commemorative symbol of royal power and later on it was redecorated by Muhammad V. This door allowed access to the upper Alhambra and it is where the street Calle Real started, hub of the medina; it was also used as an intersection and border between the military and civil areas. (May 1, 2019)

A look down from the Alhambra to the Albayzín, Spain’s best old Moorish quarter in Granada. (May 1, 2019)

The construction for the Gate of the Pomegranates, connecting the Alhambra entrance to the city of Granada, Spain, was constructed in 1526 to commemorate the visit of Charles I of Spain to Granada after his wedding with Isabel of Portugal. The path starts in the city centre, Plaza Nueva, and continues up the Cuesta de Gomérez, before reaching the gate. (May 1, 2019)

The Moorish conquest of 711 brought Islamic rule to the Iberian Peninsula and Granada was quickly established as one of the main cities of Al-Andalus, the Muslim name for the region. This is just one of many Moorish/Spanish streets in Granada. (May 1, 2019)

The Iglesia de Santa Ana church built in 1501 in place of the Almanzra mosque and its bell tower incorporates the mosque’s minaret in Granada. (May 1, 2019)

Walking along the Carrera del Darro street, named after the river, along the narrow 17th century street in Granada. Damage, caused by an accidental ammunition explosion in 1509, demolished the fortified wall and changed the river’s direction. Only taxis, Ubers and the local small buses, along with hordes of pedestrians can pass through the street. (May 1, 2019)

Went on a Granada Street Art walking tour to get a different perspective of this historical city and began with this medieval graffiti tag, now protected by UNESCO as a cultural heritage, on the outside of the Granada Cathedral in Spain. So, even in ancient times, people have been leaving their mark or showing their resistance on public buildings and walls. (May 1, 2019)

And, this is a piece of contemporary tagging on a garage entrance wall in Granada, Spain. It is an example of how tagging became the base for the graffiti culture…and not just in Granada, but just about everywhere in the world. And, tagging is when a graffiti artist writes his or her name, nickname, symbol or mark on the surface of a wall usually at a public site. (May 1, 2019)

Our Granada Street Art tour guide, Hadrian, explaining this beautiful and colorful graffiti art in Granada, Spain, as a tribute to both a woman named Amelia and to the flamenco and Andalusian culture. Although flamenco originated with the Romani, colloquially known as Gypsies or Roma, it is believed to have arrived in Europe from northern India in the 1400s. What a great way to see another side of a city, with such ancient roots than to connect with its contemporary street artists who still carry on the essence of Granada through street art and resistance. (May 1, 2019)

Once we made our way into the Realejo quarter of Granada, Spain, it was the spray-painted graffiti art…which were more like colorfully mesmerizing pieces of free art for public consumption by Granda’s own Raúl Ruiz known as “El Niño de las Pinturas” or the child of the paintings. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of the spray-painted mural by Granada’s own Raúl Ruiz known as “El Niño de las Pinturas” or the child of the paintings in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

The Graffiti Wall of Fame in Granada, Spain, showcases the works of a variety of graffiti artists. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of the old man playing the violin at the Graffiti Wall of Fame in Granada, Spain, captured by local graffiti artist Raúl Ruiz known as “El Niño de las Pinturas.” (May 1, 2019)

A possible Hand of Fatima artistic rendering at the Graffiti Wall of Fame in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A portrait of American born
trumpeter, composer, vocalist and occasional actor, Louis Armstrong (1901-1971), also called Satch or Satchmo, featured with an artistic rendering o
the Graffiti Wall of Fame in Granada, Spain. Armstrong was one of the most influential figures in jazz.(May 1, 2019)

This dramatic mural also part of the Graffiti Wall of Fame in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

Home of the prolific graffiti artist Raúl Ruiz known as “El Niño de las Pinturas” in Granada, Spain, has elevated Granada’s street-art scene to a whole new level. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of the art adorning the home of graffiti artist Raúl Ruiz known as “El Niño de las Pinturas” in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

One of my favorites is this abandoned or squatter’s house that local graffiti artist Raúl Ruiz known as “El Niño de las Pinturas” covered in beautiful art near his home in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A close-up of one of my favorites is this abandoned or squatter’s house that local graffiti artist Raúl Ruiz known as “El Niño de las Pinturas” covered in beautiful art near his home in Granada, Spain. (May 1, 2019)

A street heading up the hill with shops and residences in Granada’s Albayzin neighborhood which is considered Spain’s best old Moorish neighborhood. (May 2, 2019)

The Church of San Gregorio in Granada’s Albayzín area is quaint annexed to a convent and home to cloistered nuns. The nuns take turns praying around the clock – and all the nuns pray together at noon. (May 2, 2019)

Inside the Church of San Gregorio in Granada, Spain’s oldest centers of Muslim culture. (May 2, 2019)

Inside the Church of San Gregorio in Granada, Spain’s oldest centers of Muslim culture. The nuns take turns praying around the clock – and all the nuns pray together at noon. (May 2, 2019)

This carmen, “Carmen de los Cipreses” is considered one of the most representative and oldest carmens still standing in the Albayzín of Granada, Spain. A carmen (from the Arab karm, vineyard) consists of a house, a garden and an orchard organized between terraces due. (May 2, 2019)

A tree-lined area in the Albayzin neighborhood with a viewpoint of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain’s former Muslim neighborhood. (May 2, 2019)

A great view of the Alhambra in the Albayzin neighborhood from the San Nicolas Viewpoint in Granada, Spain, a former Muslim neighborhood. (May 2, 2019)

A monument of Queen Isabella I of Castile and Christopher Columbus in the Plaza Isabel la Catolica in Granada, Spain, shows the Queen granting Columbus’ petition to obtain ships and supplies for his voyage to India in 1492. It was also the year Moors surrendered and retreated from Spain. (May 2, 2019)

A close up of the monument of Queen Isabella I of Castile and Christopher Columbus in Granada, Spain, sculpted in 1892. (May 2, 2019)

Crosses, decked in red flowers are being decorated at various places around Granada, Spain, in honor of the Day of the Cross on May 3. (May 2, 2019)

This Andalusian home is similar to the riads or homes in Morocco with a courtyard inside the two story home. But this home, in Granada, Spain’s old Moorish neighborhood call the Albayzin, is being decorated for the Day of the Cross celebrations on May 3. And, this Andalusian home is the current decoration champ. (May 1, 2019)

John’s beautiful photo photo of a decorated Day of the Cross celebrations on May 3 in Granada, Spain’s old Moorish neighborhood called the Albayzin inside the two story home. (May 2, 2019)

The Corral del Carbón is the oldest Andalusian monument in Granada, Spain, dating from 1336 or earlier. (May 2, 2019)

Inside the courtyard of the Corral del Carbon in Granada, Spain, is a caravan of the Silk Road fame. It was a protected place for merchants to rest their camels, spend the night, get a bit to eat and spin yard. (March 2, 2019)

The Capilla Real or Royal Chapel in Granada, Spain, was originally to be used as a market and the first floor was to be used as an annex. But Queen Isabel I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, dubbed Spain’s “Catholic Monarchs,”
Chose this location for their tombs in Granada because they saw its conquest of the Moors as the crowning achievement of their reign. The construction began in 1505 following a design by Enrique Egas and was completed in 1521. Unfortunately taking photos inside the chapel is not allowed. (May 1, 2019)

The line of people waiting to get into the Capilla Real or Royal Chapel in Granada, Spain. (May 2, 2019)

The first stone of the Granada Cathedral was laid in 1523 on the site of an ancient mosque. It was designed as a national church when Granada was considered Spain’s capital after the Moors were conquered in 1492. The Cathedral square is being set up and decorated in honor of the Day of the Cross on May 3. (May 2, 2019)

The Granada Cathedral was designed as a national church when Granada was considered Spain’s capital after the Moors were conquered in 1492. (May 2, 2019)

The huge interior of the Granada Cathedral considered to be the second largest in Spain, with the Seville Cathedral being the first, and the 4th largest in the world. (May 2, 2019)

Inside the Granada Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Granada, Spain. (May 2, 2019)

The cobble-stoned street of the Carrera del Darro is a river promenade on the left bank of the River Darro and is located adjacent to the Albayzín neighborhood of Granada, Spain. (May 2, 2019)

Seville

I love Granada. I love Seville. I believe I just love the Andalusian region of Spain. It calls to me. Although I feel just a bit more confident in my understanding and speaking Spanish, I’m still far from where I want to be. But the language is both music to my hears and joy to my heart.

Just a little info about the Andalucian region, it borders Spain’s southern coast and was under Moorish rule from the 8th to the 15th centuries. That legacy left a distinctive mark that can be seen in its architecture, including such landmarks as the Alhambra palace in Granada, the Alcázar castle in Seville and the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba.

For now, here’s Seville.

Our first night in Seville was all about getting settled into our Airbnb, eating tapas at a good restaurant and enjoying a stroll through the Barrio Santa Cruz area on our walk to catch a one hour flamenco performance at La Casa del Flamenco. It was an emotional, intense and quite powerful performance. These were the four performers, the man standing and the woman next to him are the spectacular flamenco dancers. And, the woman with the red skirt sang accompanied by the man with the guitar. (May 3, 2019)

Inside La Casa del Flamenco in the Santa Cruz neighborhood of Seville, Spain. (May 3, 2019)

The Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s once-thriving Jewish quarter. Santa Cruz was Seville’s old judería (Jewish quarter) when Ferdinand III of Castile conquered the city from Muslim rule, he concentrated the city’s Jewish population in this single neighborhood. After the Alhambra Decree of 1492 expelled the Jews from Spain, the neighborhood went downhill. In the 18th century, the neighborhood underwent a major process of urban renewal. (May 3, 2019)

The Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s once-thriving Jewish quarter. (May 3, 2019)

Me utterly enjoying my Oxtail dinner at the Catedral Cervezas, Vinos Y Tapas restaurant near our Airbnb in Seville, Spain. Along with a couple of glasses of Sangria, I enjoyed Oxtail in sauce and garlic prawns. It was delicious. (May 3, 2019)

A close-up of my delicious Oxtail dinner at the Catedral Cervezas, Vinos Y Tapas restaurant near our Airbnb in Seville, Spain. (May 3, 2019)

A close-up of my sizzling and delicious garlic shrimp dinner at the Catedral Cervezas, Vinos Y Tapas restaurant near our Airbnb in Seville, Spain. (May 3, 2019)

The view from our Airbnb balcony onto Calle Castelar in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The monument of Ferdinand III on his horse is stationed at Plaza Nueva, a public square, in the city center of Seville, Spain. He conquered Seville for the Christians in 1248, and later was declared a saint by the Catholic church in 1671. (May 4, 2019)

A close-up of the statue monument of Ferdinand III of Castile on horseback with a pigeon resting comfortably on his head in the Plaza Nueva in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The walls of the Royal Alcázar fortress in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The entryway gate is the Patio de la Montería to the the Royal Alcázar palace inside the fortress in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The palace of the Royal Alcázar in Seville is a marriage of Christian and Mudéjar architecture. Most of the beautiful rooms were built by Moorish workers for the Christian king, Pedro the Cruel of Castile, in the 1360s. The Alcazar is divided into sections dating from a succession of eras: Moorish (11th-12th century), Gothic (13th century), Mudejar (14th century), and Renaissance (15th-16th century). (May 4, 2019)

A close-up of the entrance into the King Peter of Castille’s royal palace at the Alcázar in Seville. It was built by Castilian Christians on the site of an Abbadid Muslim residential fortress destroyed after the Christian conquest of Seville. (May 4, 2019)

The Virgin of the Navigators is the central panel of an altarpiece for the chapel of the Casa de Contratación in the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. Painted sometime between 1531 and 1536, the painting shows the Virgin Mary protecting the faithful under the folds of her mantle. (May 4, 2019)

The highly decorated Hall of Ambassadors at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain, with its original decoration of plasterwork and wall tiles from 1366. (May 4, 2019)

The center piece of the highly decorated Hall of Ambassadors at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain, is this majestic dome of gilded wood. (May 4, 2019)

Me, with an earpiece on to hear our guide, at the Patio de las Doncellas courtyard at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

Inside the Sala de las Bóvedas, the Gothic Palace made between 1254-1578, at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

Inside the Sala de las Bóvedas, the Gothic Palace made between 1254-1578, along the colorful azulejos tiled wall at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

A close-up of the colorful azulejo tile designs inside the Sala de las Bóvedas at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

A colorful tiled floor in the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The gardens inside the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The Mercury Pond at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain, was an old swimming pool that collected the water coming from the Roman aqueduct, reused by the Muslims, known as the ‘Caños de Carmona.’ It watered the orchards and gardens of the Alcázar. (May 4, 2019)

The Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

Exiting the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The long columned and rock designed corridor exiting the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The Patio de Banderas is a 10th century courtyard with orange trees that I exited onto from the Alcázar fortress in Seville. (May 4, 2019)

The Patio de Banderas is a 10th century courtyard with orange trees that I exited onto from the Alcázar fortress in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The varied, colorful and beautiful architecture in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The former Jewish quarter, now called the Santa Cruz area of Seville is the distinctive color of yellow used to adorn the buildings came from the moors who made the color by using sand. (May 4, 2019)

The former Jewish quarter, now called the Santa Cruz area of Seville, Spain. The distinctive color of yellow used to adorn the exterior of the buildings came from the moors who made the color by using sand. (May 4, 2019)

The former Jewish quarter, now called the Santa Cruz area of Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

A busy and colorful shopping square in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

One of several shops in Seville, Spain, selling colorful flamenco-styled dresses. (May 4, 2019)

Metropol Parasol, better known as the Mushroom building, located in the old quarter of Seville, Spain, was designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer and completed in April 2011. (May 4, 2019)

The Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain, is the world’s largest wooden structure. It has become knowing as las setas (the mushrooms) to locals because of its resemblance to the tasty fungi. As it’s name suggests, the Metropol Parasol provides great shade for the Plaza de la Encarnación and as such turns this once sun drenched market square into a haven of cooling breezes during the hot months. (May 4, 2019)

It’s a wooden structure in the Plaza de la Incarnation with a market and Roman ruins beneath its structure plus it’s popularly known as the Mushroom building, in Seville, Spain…but its actual name is Metropol Parasol. (May 4, 2019)

The Metropol Parasol in Seville, Spain, is the world’s largest wooden structure. (May 4, 2019)

One of the many side of the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The former mosque entrance to the courtyard that now occupies the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The courtyard and entrance to the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The entrance to the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The Silver Altar inside the entrance door of the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

A close-up of the Silver Altar inside the entrance door of the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The Tomb of Christopher Columbus, where a small portion of his actual remains can be found in this elaborate burial monument inside the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. His tomb is held aloft by four allegorical figures representing the four kingdoms of Spain during Columbus’ life, Castille, Aragon, Navara, and Leon. Only a few facial bones of Columbus are buried her. (May 4, 2019)

The partial remains of Christopher Columbus buried in this , an Italian explorer and navigator, who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. (May 4, 2019)

This is the humongous masterpiece and main altarpiece of the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain, and is considered one of the finest altarpieces in the world. (May 4, 2019)

Inside the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The Giralda Bell Tower of the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

Climbing up the Giralda Bell Tower of the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. The climb up and down, for views across Seville, include 34 sloping ramps. (May 4, 2019)

At the top of the Giralda Bell Tower of the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. (May 4, 2019)

The views of Seville, Spain, from the top of the Giralda Bell Tower at the Seville Cathedral. (May 4, 2019)

John and Alice coming down the staircase from the rooftop of the Giralda Bell Tower of the Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain. The climb up and down, to views across Seville, are 34 sloping ramps. (May 4, 2019)

A crusades-looking holy water font at the Seville Cathedral bell tower entrance in Seville, Spain, that Catholics use to bless themselves when entering and exiting the church. (May 4, 2019)

A practice run of the annual carriage exhibition and competition near the Alcázar during the Feria de Abril in Seville, Spain. Numerous horses and carriages along with men and women dressed in the Andalusian costumes of the men in ‘de corto’ and the women in a ‘riding suit’ or ‘flamenca’ dress walking through the old town. (May 4, 2019)

We spent the day in Cordoba but we spent the night, our last night before heading to Toledo, in Seville, Spain. I was able to get this photo of the local women dressed in their colorful traje de flamenca (“flamenco outfit”) accompanied by a very dapperly dressed man as part of the Feria de Abril celebrations. (May 5, 2019)

Here’s John and Alice enjoying our last dinner in Seville, and second time, at the Catedral Cervezas, Vinos Y Tapas restaurant near our Airbnb in Seville, Spain. We shared Oxtail in sauce, garlic prawns, a goat cheese salad, sirloin with whisky sauce and the Mediterranean artichokes. (May 5, 2019)

Me, doling out the plates for my shared meal with John and Alice at the Catedral Cervezas, Vinos Y Tapas restaurant near our Airbnb in Seville, Spain. We shared Oxtail in sauce, garlic prawns, a goat cheese salad, sirloin with whisky sauce and the Mediterranean artichokes. Not shown is a shared pitcher of Sangria. For now, Adios Seville! (May 5, 2019)

Cordoba

I can’t see going to Seville without spending at least a day, with a 45 minute train ride to Córdoba. And, that’s exactly what we did on Sunday.

Córdoba served as the Moorish political center of Al-Andalus for many centuries, but initially it was a Roman settlement that was taken over by the Visigoths, followed by the Muslim Umayyad Caliphate in the eighth century. During its time as the Caliphate, Córdoba became a centre of education and learning, and by the 10th century had grown to be the largest city in Europe. Then in 1236, it was recaptured by Christian forces during the Reconquista.

The centerpiece of Córdoba’s old town, at least for me, is the Mezquita or Mosque, that’s actually a Catholic Church. Yes, that’s unusual, stunning and beautiful. I am as drawn to the Mezquita as I am to Córdoba…so let me show you why.

Inside the stunning Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Mezquita is the Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Córdoba dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Córdoba, Spain. From left, Anita, me, Alice, John and Tammy. (May 5, 2019)

The exterior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. Although the Mosque-Cathedral has undergone numerous changes, but began around 784 A.D. (May 5, 2019)

The entrance to the Oranges to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is the classic Islamic courtyard which preserves both its orange trees and fountains. (May 5, 2019)

The entrance to of the Oranges to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is the classic Islamic courtyard which preserves both its orange trees and fountains. (May 5, 2019)

The beautiful Patio de los Naranjos or Patio of the Oranges for the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. The main hall of the mosque served as a central Prayer hall for personal devotion, the five daily Muslim prayers, and the special Friday prayers. It also would have served as a hall for teaching and gatherings. (May 5, 2019)

The interior of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The Mihrab inside the great Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain, is considered a masterpiece of architectural art, with geometric and flowing designs of plants. The walls of the mosque had Quranic inscriptions written on them. Islam rejects pictorial representations of people or of God within religious contexts so all decorations are accomplished through tile work, calligraphy and architectural forms. (May 5, 2019)

The dome or ceiling of the Mihrab in the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption inside the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In 784 Abd al-Rahman I ordered construction of the Great Mosque, which was expanded by later Muslim rulers. Córdoba returned to Christian rule in 1236 during the Reconquista, and the Mezquita was converted to a Roman Catholic church, culminating in the insertion of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the 16th century. (May 5, 2019)

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption chapels inside the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The Capilla de Villaviciosa inside the great Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The choir of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption inside the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba noted for its double arches, has 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, granite and porphyry. A number of the columns were made from pieces of a former Roman temple. The double arches were an innovation, permitting higher ceilings with relatively low columns. The double arches consist of a lower and upper semi-circular horseshoe arch. (May 5, 2019)

From the exterior, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain, looks very large and unimpressive but inside is really where the magic happens and two religions come together almost seamlessly. (May 5, 2019)

The 20th Century exterior decoration of the West façade, along Calle Torrijos of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. (May 5, 2019)

The 16th century Puerta del Puente or Gate of the Bridge on the banks of the Guadalquivir river in Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The leftover decorations in Córdoba from the Festival of the Crosses, a May 3rd holiday celebrated throughout Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The wall of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos or Castle of the Christian Monarchs also known as, Alcázar of Córdoba. The Alcázar, within a short walking distance of the Mezquita, is a former military fortress that has been turned into a terraced garden with fish ponds, beautiful fountains and maintained lawns. From 1482 it was headquarters of the troops of the Catholic Monarchs. For ten years, from the Alcazar was where the strategy of conquest of the Kingdom of Granada, the last Arab stronghold in Spain, was planned. The Catholic Monarchs spent over 8 years in the Alcázar. The fortress served as one of the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. It forms part of the Historic Center of Córdoba that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (May 5, 2019)

The wall of the Alcázar of Córdoba a former military fortress turned into a terraced garden with fish ponds, beautiful fountains and maintained lawns. It forms part of the Historic Center of Córdoba that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (May 5, 2019)

The gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos in Córdoba, Spain, with its magnificent gardens of palm, cypress, orange and lemon trees that surround a number of elegant fountains and ponds. (May 5, 2019)

The ponds and water gardens inside the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos in Córdoba, Spain. The Alcázar, a former military fortress, has been turned into a terraced garden with fish ponds, beautiful fountains and maintained lawns. (May 5, 2019)

The ponds and water gardens inside the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos in Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

The Monument to the Lovers in Córdoba, Spain, between the poet Ibn Zaydun and the beautiful Moorish poet and princess Wallada bint al-Mustakfi (994-1091) who inherited her father’s properties, and used it to open a palace and literary hall in Córdoba. There she offered instruction in poetry and the arts of love to women of all classes, from those of noble birth to slaves purchased by Wallada herself. (May 5, 2019)

This is the statue of the Sephardic Jewish philosopher and astronomer Moshe ben Maimon, born in Cordoba, Spain, in 1135 or 1138, who became of the most prolific and influencial Torah scholars and phisicians of the middle ages. The statue is located in what remains of Córdoba’s Jewish quarter. (May 5, 2019)

The entrance to the remains of the Córdoba Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of Córdoba, Spain. Built in 1315, it was possibly the private synagogue of a wealthy man. It is also possible that Córdoba’s complex of buildings was a yeshivah, kollel, or study hall. Another possibility is that this was the synagogue of a trade guild, which converted a residence or one of the work rooms into the synagogue. The synagogue was decorated according to the best Mudejar tradition. After the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, the synagogue was seized. (May 5, 2019)

The Córdoba Synagogue, built in 1315 in Córdoba, Spain, was influenced by the Mudejar tradition of stucco panels, stylized geometric patterns, and floral patterns. Hebrew verses can also be found in the remains of the synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. (May 5, 2019)

Walking through the cool and breezy white-washed and colorful streets of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

One of the many beautiful streets of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

Walking along the beautiful streets of Córdoba, Spain, we came along a young girl getting professional photos taken for her communion. (May 5, 2019)

One of the many beautiful and colorful streets of Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

Alice getting in her olive oil fix at this “The World’s Best Olive Oil” store in Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

Hand-crafted colorful art fans in the window of Abanicos Disimusa a family run shop in Córdoba, Spain. (May 5, 2019)

This young woman, her mother and sister are the designers and artists turning the traditional Spanish fan into these colorful hand crafted and functional art piece fans at Abanicos Disimusa in Córdoba. I purchased both of these lovely fans. (May 5, 2019)

Toledo

There’s no better place to stay in Toledo, Spain, than in the heart of its ancient old town and that’s exactly what we did for three very magical days.

Toledo, once the capital of the Spanish empire until the mid-1500s when the royal court moved to Madrid, is perched beautifully on a hilltop as it shows off its more than 2000 years of history.

Come bask in the wonders of Toledo, Spain.

Me with a panoramic view of the medieval city of Toledo, Spain, at this classic viewpoint called the Mirador del Valle. (May 7, 2019)

A panoramic view of the medieval city of Toledo, Spain, at this classic viewpoint called the Mirador del Valle. (May 7, 2019)

The Campanario or Bell Tower of the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain, is considered to retain the largest bell of its kind. (May 6, 2019)

The main façade of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a Roman Catholic church begun in 1226 under the rule of Ferdinand III. Gothic contributions were made in 1493, when the vaults of the central nave were finished during the time of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. (May 6, 2019)

The main façade of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo from the Plaza del Ayuntamientois a Roman Catholic church that began construction in 1226. (May 6, 2019)

The Toledo Cathedral’s spectacular Main Altar, which shows the story of Jesus’ life, is made of real gold on wood, by Flemish, French, and local architects, painters and sculptors. Conveying the Christian message of salvation, work began on the Gothic altarpiece in 1497 and was completed in 1504. (May 6, 2019)

The roof over the Toledo Cathedral’s spectacular Main Altar in Toledo, Spain. (May 6, 2019)

She’s called the Virgin White and she stands at the entryway to the heavily carved Choir Stall of the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

The Virgin White, at the entryway to the Choir Stall of the Toledo Cathedral is a 16th century Gothic French sculpture shows a playful, loving Mother Mary. (May 7, 2019)

A close-up of the Virgin White, at the entryway to the Choir Stall of the Toledo Cathedral a 16th century Gothic French sculpture shows a playful, loving Mother Mary. (May 7, 2019)

A close-up of the choir stalls inside the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

This overwhelmingly huge Baroque altarpiece inside the Toledo Cathedral is called El Transparente. Its name refers to the unique illumination provided by a large skylight cut high into a thick wall and another into the rear of the altarpiece. (May 7, 2019)

This overwhelming huge Baroque altarpiece inside the Toledo Cathedral is called El Transparente. Its name refers to the unique illumination provided by a large skylight cut high up into a thick wall that allows sunlight to across the ambulatory behind the high altar, and another hole cut into the back of the altarpiece itself to allow shafts of sunlight to strike the tabernacle. (May 6, 2019)

A close-up of the El Transparent, a huge Baroque altarpiece, inside the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

A close-up of the El Transparent, a huge Baroque altarpiece, inside the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain. (May 6, 2019)

After the skylight holes were cut to shine light on the dazzling Baroque altarpiece, El Transparente, inside the Toledo Cathedral a company of angels and saints were sculpted to connect the altarpiece with skylight art. (May 7, 2019)

A closer look at the skylight art of the El Transparente inside the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain. (May 6, 2019)

Inside the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain. (May 6, 2019)

Inside the Toledo Cathedral is the Sacristy which exhibits treasures from the cathedral’s art collection, including the featured piece in this main hall of the Disrobing of Christ or El Expolio, a painting by El Greco and the barrel vault lavishly decorated with frescos by Luca Giordano. (May 6, 2019)

The barrel vault lavishly decorated with frescos by Luca Giordano inside the Sacristy of the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain.
(May 6, 2019)

The Disrobing of Christ or El Expolio painting by El Greco inside the Sacristy of the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain. El Greco began the painting in the summer of 1577 and completed in the spring of 1579. (May 7, 2019)

Another beautifully decorated place inside the Toledo Cathedral is this Chapter House commissioned by Cardinal Cisneros and built on the south side of the Cathedral in 1504. (May 6, 2019)

Inside the Chapter House that’s also inside the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain, is this portrait gallery of the Toledo archbishops along with scenes depicting the life of the Virgin and of the Passion of Christ. (May 6, 2019)

The Puerta del Reloj or Portal of the Clock is the oldest of the Gothic doors and opens on the North end of the Toledo Cathedral in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

Entrance to the Burial of the Count of Orgaz at the Iglesia de Santo Tomé in the historical center of Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2018)

The Burial of the Count of Orgaz at the Iglesia de Santo Tomé in the historical center of Toledo, Spain, is a 1586 painting by Doménikos Theotokópoulos, more commonly known as El Greco, a prominent Renaissance painter, sculptor, and architect of Greek origin. Widely considered among his finest works, this large painting is divided into two sections, heavenly above and terrestrial below. Photos are not allowed but I snuck in this one with my iPhone. (May 7, 2019)

A poster in the gift shop of the Burial of the Count of Orgaz at the Iglesia de Santo Tomé in the historical center of Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2018)

A tiled copy of El Greco’s “Burial of the Count of Orgaz” above an outdoor restaurant in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019

The Puerta de Bisagra Nueva gate entrance into the old town of Toledo, Spain, is of Moorish origin, but the main part was built in 1559 and carries the coat of arms of the emperor Charles V. (May 7, 2019)

A close-up of the Puerta de Bisagra Nueva gate entrance into the old town of Toledo, Spain, is of Moorish origin, but the main part was built in 1559 and carries the coat of arms of the emperor Charles V. (May 7, 2019)

The city walls of Toledo, Spain, began with the Romans, but were enlarged several times by the various civilizations that inhabited Toledo including the Visigoths and the Moors. (May 7, 2019)

The Puerta del Sol is a city gate of Toledo, Spain, built in the late 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller. The medallion above the arch of the gate depicts the ordination of the Visigothic Ildephonsus, Toledo’s patron saint. The name of the gate comes from the sun and the moon that were once painted on either side of this medallion. (May 7, 2019)

A view of Toledo, Spain, from the Puerta del Sol city gate. (May 7, 2019)

He was born in Greece but Doménikos Theotokópoulos, El Greco for short, moved to Toledo, Spain in 1577 where he lived and worked until his death. This park and monument, in the area where his home once stood, are in honor of the painter who found employment in Toledo where he developed his unique painting style. (May 7, 2019)

Alice and I sitting by the monument and surrounding gardens where the home of El Greco once stood in Toledo, Spain. He was born Doménikos Theotokópoulos around 1541 in Crete but lived and worked in Toledo from 1577 until his death in 1614. (May 7, 2019)

My selfie in front of a store window in Toledo, Spain, selling statues of Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza from the novel Don Quixote by Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. The story follows the adventures of Alonso Quixano fixated on reviving chivalry and becoming a knight under the name of Don Quixote de la Mancha. He recruits a simple farmer, Sancho Panza, as his squire, who uses wit to deal with Don Quixote. Toledo is in the Castile-La Mancha province so Don Quixote souvenirs are prevalent in this area. (May 7, 2019)

A statue honoring Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) can be seen just outside of Plaza de Zocodover in Toledo, Spain, for his widely known novel of Don Quixote. (May 7, 2019)

The Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca or Synagogue of Saint Mary the White, originally known as the Ibn Shushan Synagogue, is a museum and former synagogue in Toledo, Spain, surrounded by a courtyard where people could congregate before and after prayer services. (May 7, 2019)

The center of the eastern wall inside the Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca or Synagogue of Saint Mary the White, in Toledo, Spain. The synagogue created by Moorish architects for non-Islamic purposes was constructed sometime in the late 12th or early 13th centuries and turned into a church in 1405 or 1411 but without any major renovations. (May 7, 2019)

A close-up of a column carving at the Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca or Synagogue of Saint Mary the White in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

The Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca or Synagogue of Saint Mary the White in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

The scallop motif inside the Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca or Synagogue of Saint Mary the White, now a museum in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

The up and down cobblestone streets of Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

An outdoor eatery in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

A decorative street in Toledo, Spain. (May 7, 2019)

A street view from our Airbnb balcony in Toledo, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

A decorative street in Toledo, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

The Alcázar on the hilltop in Toledo, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

The Puente de Alcántara is a Roman arch bridge in Toledo, Spain, spanning the Tagus River with a view of the Castle of San Servando, a medieval castle to the left that began as a monastery but was later occupied by the Knights Templar. (May 8, 2019)

The Puente de Alcántara Roman arch bridge in Toledo, Spain, spanning the Tagus River. (May 8, 2019)

The 10th century Puerta de Alcántara gate and wall is in front of the Puente de Alcántara bridge that crosses the Tagus River in Toledo, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

The Alcázar high on the hilltop to the left with the Puente de Alcántara Roman arch bridge spanning the Tagus River to the right in Toledo, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

Madrid

Madrid is the final stop on our mostly Southern Spain 10-day extravaganza tour. And, today was our last full day together as a group before going our separate ways tomorrow, all heading home but me. I head to Skopje, Macedonia, for an 11-day Intrepid Tour of five Western Balkan countries…but more on that later.

We arrived on Wednesday in time to do a tapa’s crawl then on Thursday we spent the entire day in the hands of our entertaining and knowledgeable guide, Federico Garcia Barroso and today, though some of us went our separate ways to check out more of Madrid, I, for the most part, took it easy.

Here’s the food, food, food of Madrid with some art, history and beautiful architecture thrown in. Adios España!

We arrived in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday afternoon by Maxi-taxi that held the five of us plus our luggage, took about an hour and cost each of us less than the cost of a high speed train while providing door to door service. After checking into our Airbnb, our evening entertainment and dinner consisted of a tapas tour…The Original Madrid Tapas Crawl. Here we are, on our arrival day in what was the windy and rather cool city of Madrid standing outside of our third tapas bar, El Doble in Madrid’s Chamberi neighborhood. Tapas are a small portion of any kind of Spanish cuisine that can be served hot or cold. From left: me, Tammy, Anita, Alice and John. (May 8, 2019)

Sardines in olive oil with olives and potato chip the offering at the El Doble, our third tapas bar during our Original Madrid Tapas Crawl, in Madrid’s Chamberi neighborhood. I fell in love with olives during my Morocco tour and was hopeful about the olives in Spain, since there are millions of olive trees in this country, but alas, the two are quite different. But the pairing of the sardines with the olives was actually quite tasty. (May 8, 2019)

Our Original Madrid Tapas Crawl guide, Camilo, demonstrating how to eat the sardines, olives and potato chip combo at El Doble bar in Madrid. Basically you use a toothpick and put the olive in the middle of the folded over sardine using the potato chip as a base and shovel into your mouth. This stop was also about the beer, una caña, or a small draft beer, which I wasn’t so fond of but the sardines and olives were delicious. (May 8, 2019)

Our 4th bar during our Original Madrid Tapas Crawl was Los Arcos de Ponzano with its roasted pepper and chorizo on bread and potatoes aioli with garlic and olive oil washed down with a glass of Menelao red wine. (May 8, 2019)

The winner of the five bar hop tapas during our Original Madrid Tapas Crawl was this gorgeous marinated pork belly at Claxon Bar in the Chamberi neighborhood of Madrid. (May 8, 2019)

We washed down these delicious bits of juicy, crispy pork belly nuggets, cracker toppings, with a glass of Zarro Vermut Reserva at Claxon Bar in the Chamberi neighborhood of Madrid, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

We did more than just eat our way through Madrid, Spain. On Thursday, we had a private day tour with Federico Garcia Barroso through the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, a hearty lunch and a Madrid city walking tour. Salvador Dali, a prominent Spanish surrealist painter, is the creator of this painting at home in the Reina Sofia Museum along with Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” painting. (May 8, 2019)

“Guernica” is a painting by Pablo Picasso at the Reina Sophia Museum in Madrid, Spain. Since photos are not allowed, this on-line photo came from Wahoo Art. Picasso created the 11 ft 5 inch gray, black, and white painting in response to the bombing of Guernica, a Basque village in northern Spain by German and Italian warplanes on April 26, 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. An estimated 250 people were killed and the village was mostly destroyed. (May 8, 2019)

We began our lunch, after the museum hopping, at the neighborhood restaurant of La Nieta on Calle Libertad in Madrid, Spain, with this delicious salad of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, boiled eggs, olives and topped with tuna and a light olive oil dressing. (May 8, 2019)

One of our main meat attractions during our lunch break at La Nieta Calle Libertad in Madrid, Spain, was this very juicy, tender and deliciously seasoned suckling pig. All vegetarians please look away because a suckling pig is a piglet fed on its mother’s milk and is slaughtered between the ages of two and six weeks. It is traditionally roasted plus cooked and served whole however our kind host made sure to cut it up so we could just dig in. (May 8, 2019)

Food and Sangria overflowing as we enjoyed our lunch break at the neighborhood restaurant of La Nieta on Calle Libertad in Madrid, Spain. The big bowl of meat on this end of the table was lamb, but the suckling port is my favorite. From left: Tammy, Anita and Alice. (May 8, 2019)

Talking and eating, here I am sitting by our wonderful Madrid guide Federico Garcia Barroso after our walk through the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum enjoying a hearty lunch at the neighborhood restaurant of La Nieta before our Madrid city walking tour. (May 8, 2019)

There I am, sitting next to John, still digging in and enjoying that juicy and delicious suckling pig meal at the neighborhood restaurant of La Nieta on Calle Libertad in Madrid, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

Our very satisfied full-bellied group after our lunch at the the neighborhood restaurant of La Nieta on Calle Libertad in Madrid, Spain, ready to walk off this gargantuan meal by checking out the city. From left: Jimmy, Eva, Tammy, Anita, Alice, John, me and our Madrid guide, Federico Garcia Barroso. (May 8, 2019)

Getting a needed Madrid walking tour after the amazing lunch and just checking out Madrid’s architecture along the way. (May 8, 2019)

A rare sighting of an old bookshop in Madrid, Spain, with some not so rare gorgeous men walking by. (May 8, 2019)

Gay friendly traffic lights in Madrid, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

Peering down the street of the Gran Via in Madrid, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

This mural of four women is the work of street artist Spok Brillor paying homage to women who struggle every day to create a more just and egalitarian society. Bravo Madrid! (May 8, 2019)

Strolling down Calle de Preciados in Madrid, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

Checking out the Ópera Metro stop in Madrid, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

The Teatro Real, Madrid’s opera house, celebrating 100 years with a variety of operas here at the Plaza de Isabel II square. (May 8, 2019)

Madrid has all kinds of statues and beautiful fountains but we got the chance to run into this statue of Isabel II at her square, the Plaza de Isabel II, by the Teatro Real, Madrid’s opera house. Isabel was Queen of Spain from 1833 until 1868. (May 8, 2019)

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of Spain’s Royal Family even though the King of Spain, Felipe Vi, doesn’t actually live here. It was completed in 1764 and has some 3,000 rooms. (May 8, 2019)

Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena or just simply Almudena Cathedral is a Catholic Church across from the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, began construction in 1879. (May 8, 2019)

The peaceful looking statue of the angel San Azrael on the exterior of the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, Spain, welcomes people to enter the Cathedral. (May 8, 2019)

The Casa de la Villa is the old Town Hall of Madrid in the historic Plaza de la Villa and was once the focal point of medieval Madrid. (May 8, 2019)

A nice, relaxed place between residential buildings in Madrid, Spain, to enjoy a nice aperitif. (May 8, 2019)

The San Miguel Market Circa-1916 covered market offering local food, delicacies & events in an elegant ambiance. The Market of San Miguel is a covered market located in Madrid, Spain. Originally built in 1916, it was purchased by private investors in 2003 who renovated the iron structure and reopened it in 2009. Contents. (May 8, 2019)

The very crowded and active Plaza Mayor was once the center of old town Madrid and was first built between 1580 to 1619. (May 8, 2019)

The Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain getting ready for an event. (May 8, 2019)

Strolling and admiring the architecture of Madrid, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

Probably the busiest and most crowded public square in Madrid is the Puerta del Sol. (May 8, 2019)

One of the many colorful hand painted on tile street signs in Madrid, Spain. (May 8, 2019)

Came upon this interesting question during our Madrid walking tour on Cuesta de Santa Domingo and thought it was appropriate for all of us seekers to take that step, reach that goal, conquer that fear or take that dream trip. Are you ready? Good-bye Spain, I’ve truly enjoyed taking in your captivating cities of Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid. Next stop for me, Skopje, Macedonia. (May 8, 2019)

2Comments

Add yours

1

Rezeille on March 7, 2020 at 3:32 am

Thank you for your blog. It has surely helped me a lot for my trip to Spain this year.
- 2
  
  Diana Petterson on March 22, 2020 at 9:31 pm
  
  You are so welcomed. Spain is one of my favorite countries. And, thank you so much for checking out my blog.