The Rock

Monday, April 11, 2011

Gibraltar

Monday morning we drove to the small British colony of Gibraltar.  Gibraltar is approximately 4 miles square. In order to enter Gibraltar by foot or by car you get an opportunity that most people don't get - you get to cross an active airport runway/landing strip.  

Runway & Highway

Gibraltar

The first stop on our whirlwind tour of Gibraltar was a 100 ton gun which was used for protection in the late 1800's.  

100 Ton Gun

Gibraltar

From there we ventured up the rock of Gibraltar to St. Michaels cave.  While St. Michaels cave was originally used as a hospital it currently is being used as a concert hall.  As we were leaving the caves and heading toward our car we saw the infamous tailless monkeys of Gibraltar.  Legend has it that the British will retain control of Gibraltar as long as the monkeys remain on the rock.  Does that remind anyone of certain crows at the Tower of London?  

Saint Michaels Cave

Gibraltar

We then took a leisurely stroll through some of the siege tunnels built in the rock of Gibraltar itself.  The windows in the bunkers gave a wonderful view of the entire (and rather small) country. 

View from The Siege Tunnels

Gibraltar

 Making our way back down the rock we stopped by a Moorish castle dating from 711 A.D where we came in contact with more of the special monkeys. 

Tailless Monkey
Gibraltar

Our meal for the day was at The Theater Royale, a small pub run by a british fellow and a south African lady who met up in London.  The rock burger is the house specialty which Dan indulged in featuring a fried egg and bacon on top of a rather large burger.

Alex, Jenny, & Dan

Gibraltar

A Basch in Seville

Sunday April 10th


An early departure was scheduled for Sunday as we had a commitment to meet Dan, a family member, at the train station in Seville by 3:30pm.  Along our way we passed many more orange trees and an even greater amount of olive trees.

"Are we there yet?"

Southeastern Spain

We arrived at the train station with plenty of time to spare thanks to Mark's excellent driving.  We met Dan who was right on time and traded signs. Jen wanted to take a Porters Hat along so she could play the part but Mark wouldn't approve. From there we went into the middle of the city where we ate a leisurely lunch in a courtyard under orange trees. 

Seville Cathedral

Seville, Spain

After that, we walked into the heart of the city where we saw the Seville Cathedral which happens to be the largest gothic structure in the world and is also where Christopher Columbus is buried.  We climbed up all 34 floors in the corner bell tower to get a breath taking view of the city of Seville.  

Tomb of Christopher Columbus

Seville, Spain

View of the City

Seville, Spain

After that we wandered around the city park and came across the Plaza de Espana. The plaza was constructed for the 1929 worlds fair and was fun to wander around and take pictures in.

Plaza de Espana

Seville, Spain

Something About Oranges

Saturday April 9th


We drove from Barcelona to Valencia through many tunnels along the Mediterranean coast.  Along the way we saw millions of orange trees along with the token lemon tree.  We had lunch of Valencia Paella in the city center at an outdoor cafe overlooking the Cathedral.  On our way out of town we happened upon the Center For The Arts, which consists of 3-5 modern geometric buildings.  We continued on to Cartagena for the evening.  An interesting garlic soup, bull steak, and pork was on tap for dinner at a restaurant in town.

Valencia Cathedral

Valencia, Spain

Alex

Valencia, Spain

Jenny'n'Mark

Valencia, Spain

Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias

Valencia, Spain

Alex

Valencia, Spain

Jen

Valencia, Spain

Alex being Alex

Valencia, Spain

Our Spanish Steps

Friday April 8

We woke up early on Friday morning and caught the train from our hotel in Castelldefels into Barcelona for the day.  The trip was about 1/2 hour long and left us off in the center of Barcelona.  Our first stop was the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi's unfinished Church.   

  

Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Família

Barcelona, Spain

After a 20 minute wait to purchase tickets and admire the exterior we were quite impressed with the pristine interior. The construction of the church was started in 1883 and has continued with the donations of individuals according to Gaudi's plans.

Inside Sagrada Familia

Barcelona, Spain

Back of Sagrada Familia

Barcelona, Spain

Casa Milà by Antoni Gaudi

Barcelona, Spain

Jen in Jardines De La Ciudadela Park

Barcelona, Spain

From there we walked around, we stopped in a chocolate shop that had scenes (buildings and characters) made out of chocolate.  We saw the historical museum of Barcelona and saw Roman ruins of a fabric dying shop, fish processing and wine making from the 4th century.

Chocolate Designs for Sale
Barcelona, Spain

We walked through the interior of the Barcelona cathedral which some would say is gaudy in a different way.   While looking for a fountain (that ended up dry) we came across the Arc del Triomf.  Dinner for the evening was tapas, paella and sangria while people watching on Las Ramblas.

Las Ramblas 

(and we didn't get pick-pocketed)

Barcelona, Spain