Returning to Southern Spain

Headed to another country, across the Straits of Gibraltar – Morocco

Before leaving Jerez, we enjoyed touring the home of the famous Andalucian horses.

Our last stop around Jerez was the mountain top village of Arcos.

After visiting our seaside neighborhood we headed to El Puerto de Santa Maria, the town we visited for shopping and eating.

Then we tracked down the prison where Christopher Columbus got his men for his discovery trip in 1492.  As it turns out, being in this part of Spain around Columbus Day was a real treat as you will see later.

Next on the agenda was a trip to Arcos, one of the typically mountain top villages in the area.

Leaving Seville and headed to Jerez, the area where we spent 2 years while in the Navy and the birthplace of Cory.  First on our list was to explore Fuentbravia and find our first house.

Cory and Danny took to the beach just below the house and stuck their toes in the Bay of Cadiz.

From this vantage point I took a picture looking back to the base at Rota where I was stationed.

This is our last day in Seville and we are going to tour the Cathedral and the Alcazar.  But first I took a picture of an orange tree.  Why you wonder? Seville has to be called the city of oranges.  Everywhere we went there were orange trees and things made from oranges including fresh as in very fresh as in just squeezed OJ.  Obviously I was in heaven.

We toured the Cathedral and the Alcazar which is the only active palace in Spain – both impressive. 

The next morning we began our tour of Seville.  Here we are walking to catch a hop on hop off sightseeing tour. Thanks to Danny’s excellent skills we are able to navigate the labyrinth of streets in the old city.

At the end of the hop on hop off we hung out around the Plaza de Espana.

Since Flamenco was originated in this area we decided to take in a show and it was well worth it.

We arrived in Seville late afternoon on Thursday.  After finding a parking space in front of the hotel – which according to the front desk – was very unusual – we walked around before our 9pm dinner reservations.

And we encountered a professional dance group being filmed.

After a great breakfast, featuring fresh orange juice, and a great selection of both hot and cold choices, it was off to the Mezquita de Cordoba – a truly breathtaking mosque/cathedral. It covers 6 acres with 856 columns.

After touring the Cathedral we took in a couple of other sites including the bridge and gate to the city.

On to Seville…

Upon arriving in Cordoba in the early evening we ventured out for supper.  In Spain restaurants typically don’t open until 8:30 – rather late for us Americano’s. But when in Spain…

I, Kurt, have been on the hunt for gazpacho.  They had sold out of gazpacho and salmorejo a creamy version was the next best choice.  Not my favorite but Cory’s.

After our lunch, we left for Cordoba to spend our first night  On the way we were astonished by the number of olive groves.  As far as the eye could see on both sides of the road, the trees seemed to stretch forever.