Cordoba

Off to Cordoba shortly, via the Alhambra palace. Weather is lovely in the South of Spain, which is a nice change from other parts of the country. Sounds like all airports are gradually opening in this pat of the world, so I won´t be stranded in Spain (bummer).

Seville - city of shoe shopping!

Real Alcaza - Royal Palace

Buenos dias :)
I've just arrived in Seville (Se-vee-ya) after 6 hours on the road. Our tour leader has told us that this is the city to buy leather shoes and hand bags, so now I'm unsure if I should leave the hotel at all! My luggage is heavy enough. Tonight we are off to a small Andalusian palace for an authentic dinner. However, now I've seen how they prepare their pork I'm not sure I'll want any. Went into a grocery store yesterday and hanging from every inch of the ceiling were pigs legs...eww.

Yesterday we were in Salamanca, which was a very busy student city. Lots happening in the town square and thousands of people out enjoying the sun. The Cathedral there, built in the 13th century, has an intriguing carving among other religious carvings on it's facade, and we were set a challenge to find it. The carving is of an astronaut...which unless they had time machine in the 1200's seems a little odd. Managed to find it after circumnavigating the cathedral twice...THEN the heavens opened and everyone got saturated on the way back to the hotel.

Lost in a maze of streets

Today we drove from Burgos (don't bother visiting it) to Salamanca. On the way we made two stops, firstly to Sergovia and then in Avila.
Sergovia has an amazing roman aquaduct which dates back to the second century; thought dad would be amazed by the construction. Unfortunately I will remember this city for different reasons...getting lost! I made one wrong turn and it was a wee while before I realised my mistake. I couldn't find anyone who spoke English to help me, must have asked 8 different strangers. Finally I came upon the Church of Saint Estoban and anyone who knows Jim Batty will know he has a special connection with this name. So a quick prayer here and 20 minutes of running got me back to the bus! Everyone else was on board and had been waiting a good ten minutes. However when they saw my frantic exhausted face all was forgiven. Phew!
Avila city is completely enclosed by a medieval wall. I walked part of the wall, although sadly it was raining and this time returned to the bus early.
Tomorrow we head to Seville for two nights - but I'd certainly like to come back to Salamanca once day, it's beautiful.

Barcelona

I thought there were no internet cafes in this city but turns out I´d just walked past it three times! Barcelona has been a blast. Today I walked up La Ramblas and went to view the incredible architecture of Antoni Gaudi: Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila and Casa Balto. Unfortunately no time to download photos tonight as free time flies by over here.
I´ve figured out why so many spaniards smoke... to prevent them from smelling the city gutters. Saw a funny sign yesterday which I still haven´t figured out. It said ¨Catholic Fluid" with an arrow pointing down a street. Any ideas?
Tomorrow we drive to Pamplona which means many hours on the bus. PS I forgot to mention that we got flashed by a dirty old bum tonight...unfortunately/fortunately I wasn´t wearing my glasses so I didn´t see much.
Anyway Adios for now. Jess

Spain

All going well here in Spain. Currently in Valencia (Baa-len-thea). Climbed the church tower this morning and had tapas for lunch. Will write more later but don´t have lots of free time. So much to see and do. Bye for now.

Goodbye London town

Last 24 hours in London...spent the day at Covent Gardens market. Thanks to Amanda's careful instructions I managed to catch the right buses and tubes today without getting lost once. Also had to post ANOTHER parcel home as I feel the need for a half full/half empty suitcase as I head off to Spain.
Drunken dinner out with Amanda tonight but am still able to type this...still finishing off a bottle of spanish wine and reminiscing about old times. Lucky baby was with us and could guide us home from pub! Leaving for Madrid at 11am tomorrow.
Farewell London town - it's been a pleasure ;)

Catching up with Friends

Luke and Leonarda enjoying a cuddle at the Lighthouse pub. We had a lovely meal here and did lots of catching up.
Lele is unsure how she's going to finish the whole glass.

Me with Ed and Cass (and Lily the dog). Dinner and drinks at the Fox and Hounds. Great food, wine, port, atmosphere and of course - company!

Fresh out of the Van Gogh exhibition at the Royal Academy. This spring sunshine has been glorious.