Today was a day trip on the train. First stop was Jerez de la Fronterra which is the home of sherry production. We had hoped to be able to stop in 3 bodegas to taste but as is often true in southern Europe, what they tell you are the hours often do not turn out to be reality!. The first place near the train station was not open yet so we headed to the one farthest away and next to the cathedral. The cathedral was large but not that impressive compared to many I have seen and needed some TLC. Roof was leaking and such.
We then headed to a 2nd bodega but again not open though it was listed as hours if operation. But thank goodness the best one was nearby and so we bought our ticket.
It turned into a great surprise. In the ticket line we met an hysterical British couple abd ended up making friends. The tour was fantastic so many barrels of sherry and beautiful property. Then had tasting of 2 which we thought was odd as we had bought the tasting of 4 premiums and tapas. We of course drank them. One was dry the other sweet. Then they offered us a surprise of a brief but beautiful horse show. Jerez has the Spanish Andalucia riding school. Then tour ended but we had not received tastings they promised- there were 6 of us...rest of people all got on a tour bus and left. Well there had been a private tour that the 6 of us accidentally joined! Lol so they made it right and we went back for our 4 tastings and tapas!! Yum. And we sat with British couple talking for mote than an hour and laughing our heads off about everything.
After that we tried to stop at first place but it had already closed again! So hurried to last llace and tho had few minutes sti thery were tired and closing. Well pooh! We said fine and headed to train syation to head on to Cadiz.
I forgot to mention that it has been raining off and on constantly since we arrived. And the train ticket machines dont like me here so have go to live person.
Arrived down in Cadiz which is where Columbus and others sailed from. We could see the ocean from train station and headed out on the peninsula. We found the magnificent Gothic cathedral. We then tried to hoof it to the very cool camera obscura but arrived after last tour, but they let us climb stairs up to top of tower. What a view out over the gray rainy ocean. But i loved imagining the ships sailing in and out to the New World. We walked along ocean front befored heading back to train station. And of course stopping for pastries to hold us over.
Arrived back in Seville about 930pm and had lovely sit down dinner. And they made my mixed drink at the table. We were very tired after walking over 8 miles today and more than 6 day before.
Tomorrow we stay in Seville and finish seeing the city and finding convents where nuns sell baked goodies. It will be relaxed. And we are going back to our fave little shop and buying a bottle of the sweet vermouth to drink at night in our hotels rest of trip. Fun fun so far!
