Barcelona

The city of Barcelona is beautiful and shows its wealth but also more of the poor. The streets remind me of Paris with wide boulevards and gorgeous architecture.  We lucked into a fabulous location next to the cathedral and in heart of old city. We can walk to almost all we want to see and our hotel provides a free walking tour of this area.

We rode the gondola up to Montjuic and the funicular down.  We also walked along the beach, along the fabulous La Rambla street and the lovely tiny old main Synogogue in the city which is really just 2 small rooms.

The city is bustling with people of aall types and has wealthy shopping districts but many more homeless and beggars than Seville.

We ate at a great little tapas place night and met a group of young Germans who were on holiday together; they are childhood friends. We had fun watching them try a variety of dishes. We had show them how to peel prawns. Also talked briefly with little old couple from Wales also on holiday.  So much fun meeting new people.

Cordoba

Cordoba was beautiful and a great day trip from Seville.  It was also our last day on this part of the journey before we head north.  We were lucky as the rain held off all day and we saw a little sunshine though it was quite cool. Our adventure began at the train station as we has hoped to use the public city bus service to take us to the Mezquita but the bus was very late and then the driver said his bus was not going anywhere near there. So we jumped into a taxi and we were there in a jiffy and for only 4.5 euros - very well worth it.  The outside of the Mezquita is not impressive and it sits just 15 feet or so from neighboring buildings but you enter the courtyard and realize you have entered a different world.  We decided to go up the bell tower first while we were fresh and it was a climb!  All stairs and narrow so we were breathing heavy;  I much prefer the ramps of the Giralda in Seville.  We made it and were rewarded with a spectacular view of the city. 

We then entered the hall of the Mezquita and it was splendid. After all of the photos I was still amazed to stand among the famous arches. It is immense inside and again the outside gives no hint as to the interior.  You progress from the oldest section to the newest is a relative term.      Now they continue to do archeological digs and think there might have been a very early Christian church on the site even before the mosque,  but it was the construction of the mosque that made the site.  The wondrous columns and spaces are fantastic.  Then you can see the Gothic church added on.  The Christians also closed off most of the exterior arches that would have opened into the courtyard and provided light; they built chapels in all these spaces.  While they are beautiful they enclose what was meant to be an open space and realky darken the space.  The interior gothic church section is quite beautiful but the Mosque areas are more intriguing.  I have seen so many churches that they begin to share common traits and here in Spain it is gilding in gold and silver from the New World.  The Muslim arches, time work, and geometric patterns are different, simple but exquisite and rely more on form and color  than gilding. 

We spent several hours walking the entire space and took so many photos!  It can be almost overwhelming but also humbling.  Here 2 magnificent faiths and styles reside side by side in terms of architecture.    This was my favorite site so far and the most impressive even over the Alhambra which was a beautiful site and bigger but not as delicate.  I cannot wait to add photos to my class sites.  And the crowds were not large so I could take some photos without people in them, and it was easy to move about and no waiting.

Our last dinner in Seville was at a great Italian/Spanish restaurant that was yummy.  The cold damp days however have given me a little congestion and cough...along with the ancient mold and dust lol.

Our foray into southern  Spain cones to and end as we head north on the fast AVE train to Barcelona.   Hopefully no rain will follow us.

Granada abd Alhambra

Words asre not sufficient to describe the magnificent Alhambra that we visited today in Grenada. We took a day tour ftom Seville and it was perfect way to do this as we did not have to drive or wait in line. The palaces are amazing with the beautiful Moorish decor. We had a small group and a small bus which is better. I took so many pictures!!

I also think this would be a great place to bring students and discuss how remembered and societies as well as religions. I was very impressed with tour guides who were very impartial and cosmopolitan in sharing how at one time all lived together peacefully.

It did begin to rain heavily near end of tour. We did not sign up for Albycin tour but it was cancelled anyway. Instead I had wanted to see the cathedral and burial place of Isabella and Ferdinand!  And I saw both. The cathedral was huge. We did have to wait until 3pm to see it and that meant only time for coffee break but was worth it.

Back to Seville on the bus and then dinner with a big drink and sherry after!  Love those fortified wines are especially on cold rainy days like today.
Tomorrow day trip to Cordoba...

Today in Seville

Today was a nice stroll around Seville!  Again rain first part of the day but then mostly dry until this evening as another downpour.  Blogger not letting me upload photos right now which is a bummer.

We took a walk up to the Macarena district to see the Basilica of the Virgin of Macarena. The gorgeous silver alter and image of Mary is truly stunning but I think of all that silver that was plundered from the new world.  There was a wedding just ending as we arrived so filled with parishioners amne tourists. The Mary statue is paraded thru the streets during the religious festivals in spring.  From there we trekked to the stunning Church of the Divine which is heavily decorated in gold and silver and the Baroque style... beautiful but a bit over the top.

The rest of the day was a relaxed stroll around the old quarter. Lunch was a wonderful meal of tapas and good wine while watching so many of the locals.  Seville is packed with people this weekend and many are tourists.   You just cannot believe how many people and many groups of young people often doing stupid games and things as part of a group.  It's as if there is a conference or such.

I bought some lovely sweet orange wine to bring home and a bottle of sweet vermouth to drink while in Spain. This morning in the pouring rain we found a little convent down the street that sells wonderful baked goods to raise money. It was a fun and interesting transaction as the nuns are cloistered.

Easy dinner out and now to bed early as head to Granada on a day trip/tour off the Alhambra!

Jerez & Cadiz

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!

Spain and it's Seville

Hello  from beautiful southern Spain!  I am at the beginning of a wonderful trip to Spain ans we have started in the south in the city of Seville.  We are stayinig in the old quarter of Santa Cruz.  While itis usually dry and warm here we are set for rain each day but will not stop me from seeing it all.  We arrived by train from Madrid and our first night we went on a tapas,, wine and flameco tour that was so much fun. It was 9 people and our guide who herself is a flamenco dancer.  the food was good and I loved the sweet vermouth and sweet sherry.

The next day we went to see the beautiful Alcazar which means palace and its immense gardens and then the huge cathedral which is the 3rd largest Christian church and has part of the remains of Christopher Columbus.  We also walked all the way up the Giralta Tower which has a 17% incline but is done all in ramps as it was part of the mosque that origially sat on the spot.  the ramp allowed them to ride a horse to the top to call believers to prayer five times a day.  i was proud I was not winded at the top!!  Both places are stunning and have so much to see that it can stagger the mind.  it is a great example of the Moorish influence in Spain.  the tilework is unbelievable and the patterns marvel the eye.  i love architecture and this city is loaded.  The great tiny streets in in our area were once the Jewish quarter and you can easily get lost. 
we also walked through the university of Seville and the Plaza de Espana which was built as part of worlds fair and shows off the wonders of Spain.  Our dinner was fabulous at a local place and then a nice end of the day with more sherry!

Tomorrow headed to sherry tasting in the wineries at Jerez de la Fronterra and then on to Cadiz on the coast ...this will be a day trip via the train.

Leaving

Another great trip! The CIEE Group site visit was very informative as allowed me to learn more about study abroad possibilities for our students and connect with key supplier as well as learn from other schools. Ine if the members from University of South Alabama is going provide me info about how they work with 2 year schools. And I took opportinity to let others know my interest in someday maybe teaching abroad.  I also was able to scout out travel paths to take my own students and kearned the lay of the land in places like Heathrow. So great trip all thecway and my head is buzzing with folks I want to talk with when I return. 

Paris back to London

I had a good 3 days in Paris with the CIEE Group Site visit!  The center in Paris is not real large but housed in a wonderful neighborhood and a great old Parisian building.  The director gave us several good tours of the neighborhood as well as those where students are housed in dormitories and in house stays with families. We toured one of the home stay family residences and they shared wine with us.

We also learned how to be a Parisian lol.  No talking or smiling on the Metro and such.  We learned quite a bit about the CIEE study abroad program as well as the faculty led custom side.  And of course we ate and ate as the French do! Such good food.  We had no real time for sightseeing on our own which was fine since I have been to Paris before.  I did enjoy our dinner cruise on the Seine.

Today we returned to London on the same train on which I had traveller to Paris on my own.  Easy trip but an early morning.  We arrived to a cold hard rain.  We checked into the same hotel I had stayed in prior to heading to Paris and then spent all afternoon at the CIEE London  center.  Wow...it is housed in a Georgian Era building owned by the Duke of Bedford and has a great classical/Contemporary decor that I am sure students love.  The whole neighborhood is quite nice.

As we sat in our presentation we were interrupted with news of the attack in London near Parliament which is not near us. The director had to go deal with sending out the CIEE notification to students studying in London and check on all of their status.  We all then sent notices to our loved ones.  We are all safe and  other effected in the least except for possibly our walking tour in the West minster section of city tomorrow.  We are not scared or deterred at being here and it was at a location that I visited just last week. 

Scotland more

Second day in Edinburgh was also very cold and rainy but hey its Scotland!!  Toured the Royal Yacht Brittania which is quite a ship. Full if history and photos and had lots fun. Would be nice be queen if have own boat with crew lol. Then took bus to Holyrood Palace for more history. Quite a neat old palace that is still used. Took in the quarters of Mary Queen of Scots. Claudia likes her but I prefer Elizabeth I who knew how to rule! Mary was beautiful but kept picking qrong men and bad choices but she was dramatic. Ive also been reading biography of Elizabeth which is fun when visiting all these sites.  We walked back up the Royal Mile and shopped a little. I found some beautiful purple tartan scarf and gloves and cute xmas ornament. Then we headed back to our fave little pub for some drinks for St Patricks Day!! Lots of folks celebrating...reasons for a good Scotsman to drink more lol. Fun day no matter the Scottish weather.

We head back to London Saturday which is now today. Claudia heads home Sunday morning and I head to Paris to start my CIEE Group Site visit.

Scotland!!

Arrived to dreary weather but we are cheery! Gorgeous train ride up the coast to Edinburgh. As got off train a cold rain began and high winds. But we were not to be deterred.  Iur hotel is excellent and just may 40 yards from the Royal Mile...right in the middle. We walked up to Edinburgh Castle despite the weather and rewarded with beautiful views of the city and Firth of Forth. Visited Scottish crown jewels and Royal Dragoons Museum. In way back down stopped for a tasting of whiskey and some fish and chips for me and haggis for Claudia..Then the sun broke out and so we climbed up Catalon Hill for a look at national monuments and even more spectacular views at sunset! Well worth the walk. On way back we came across a very old cemetery too!  Ended the evening in another bar with a drink which is perfect on a very cold damp evening.

Last full day in London for now

As I sit on tbe train to Edinburgh, I wanted to write about yesterday in London. We wrapped the major sites starting with beautiful Kensington Palace and Hyde Park.  George II and his queen turned this into a sumptuous home and I laughed that they bickered ovet where to hang paintings. During his long absences she also took over his wardrobe lol. Currently there is also a temporary exhibit of some of Diana's dresses which was nice tho some folks only wanted to see that. Unfortunately the,exhibit on Victoria with many of her personal items was closed. Boo!  We talked to a lovely assistant who clearly adored Victoria who also told us she learned 3 Indian dialects so that she could more easily converse with her Indian subject as their Empress. Upon leaving we watched the royal helicopter lift off of yhe gtounds carrying someone somewhere!

We then tourex Westminster Palace which is rife with memorials and tombs including the British Unknown Soldier but alas again no photos! So unfair!! It is dark and somber and where kings are crowned and buried and much unlike St Pauls. We also had tea and cakes at the Abbey cafe...yummy!

We walked by the newest location of Scotland Yard and the Ministry of Defense with memorials to the Korean War and Afghanistan/Iraq too. We ended our day at the Churchill War Rooms! The underground bunker was pacjed with info and stood mainly as it was left in 1945. It also houses a museum on Churchill that was a little much lol. It has no sitting areas so a long time on ones feet on concrete but it was fascinating to this historian. And interesting to see that despite severe rationing in wartime Britain he ate well! 

Now on the way to Scotland for couple of days. Weather forecast shows cold rain with high winds..typical. 

Day of Remembrance

So Tuesday was a special personal day. We travelled by train to Cambridge where I rented a car for the day. Yes I drove in England on the other side of the road lol. I actually did great and stayed on correct side all day!! First was to downtown where I had to get into a car park which was tricky. We came here to first see the beautiful Kings College Chapel with its baroque fan vaulted ceiling. It was exquisite. The Cambridge University setting is so serenevand would surely inspire higher thoughts.  We stopped for some excellent fudge and the ckerk told us of the Eagle RAF Bar around the corner that is a memorial to pilots from WWII who used candles to burn their names into its ceilings. I wondered how many of those young men did not return to the bar after their missions. It was loaded with mementos.
We then drove to the Cambridge-American Military Cemetery. It is mainly dedicated to those who died in the fighting in Europe and especially those who have no known resting place including sailors and airman.
Our next stop was the Imperial WaR Museum at Duxford which focuses on tbe air wars in Europe. There is a fairly new American Air Museum which we hoped would have info on Operations Anvil and Aphrodite in which Claudia 's dad participated during the war. Alas they had nothing on these highly classified operations to create radio controlled airplanes. One of these attempts resulted in the death of Joe Kennedy Jr. We did talk to some British radiomen tho who were impressed with Claudia's dads story.

But our real goal for today was the remnants of the airfield at Fersfield where he had been stationed. It is only a tiny village east of Thetford. We found our way into the British countryside and tho not much remained beyond a few quonset huts, we did find the remnants of the concrete airstrip. We drove our Ford Galaxy diesel hybrid miniSUV out onto it. What a moment as Claudia was able to see where her father had once worked during such a pivotal and formative time in his life 70+ years ago!! It was a magical and moving moment!

We returned the car in little Thetford at a repurposed community center and caught the train back to Cambridge and London. We ended with a great Italian dinner and a fun Portuguese waiter.

Fabulous!!

Monday has been a glorious day! It began with a journey to the Tower of London..a place of history and childhood dreams. The Crown Jewels are magnificent in all their splendour and the Brits show them off well. Lots of Americans here ogling lol. The ravens are huge and ugly but legend says if they leave the Tower will crumble. The site of royal executions and prisoners reminds one of the fears of authoritarianism! Walking the ramparts provided beautiful views of the Thames and the Tower Bridge as well as HMS Belfast the WWII destroyer.

Next was a visit to Christopher Wren's gorgeous,St Paul Cathedral. The mosaics on the ceilings sparkled in the sunlight and the plethora of memorials paid tribute to a proud nation's history. Unfortunately I could not photograph any of them!! The most moving was the needlepoint altar cloth created by wounded WWI soldiers as part of their healing. It was a splendid tribute and so touching; the stories of the indivual men who created it were also included.  The crypt was the British version of the Invalides in Paris with both Nelso and Wellington interned. Hundreds of plaques commemarated British heroes.

We then began our long walk that would finally conclude at Victoria Station. Along the way we found treasures from the small church, St Clement  Danes  damaged in WWII bombing that was rebuilt as a tribute to the RAF! I was photographing the statues out front of the Air Marshalls when we're decided to venture inside.  Every inch held plaques and reminders including a ten volume book honor roll of names of those who served to the embroidered individual kneeling pads in each pew.  The small church is a living memorial as when we visited a couple was planning their wedding service.  We then proceeded past the church dedicated to the WWII WRENS or Womens royal naval service members. We continued to Trafalgar Square which for a lon time in history was the center of the world for the British Empire. Admiral Nelson looks out from his column over a vast array of people from all over and the languages one can hear are marvelous.

We then meandered diwn Whitehall to the heart of British government. The Admiralty reflected the height of British power in the past and the statues to British generaks of WWII symbolized the pluck of the empire while the Cenotaph reflected the sorrow and devestation of WWI.  We lucked into arriving at the Horse Guards as they were changing guards at the evening hour! We were able to video and photograph this moment among a small crowd. The British can out on a spectacle with such easy aplomb lol. As we walked by 10 Downing Street we saw cars unloading dignitaries and then going into buildings for an evening gathering of members of the Commonwealth. We finally completed our walkabout at Buckingham Palace again with small numbers of folks present and then a car pulled into the Palace!   What a day!! Of course the feet took a beating but the history obaerved was truly magnificent!

Greenwich

Sunday was great even tho it was cloudy and rainy all day...normal British weather. First stop: Imperial War Museum and wow. I particularly wanted to see the re- done WWI exhibit and it was fabulous! They have done a fabulous job of combining content such as historical artifacts and personal items with modern interactive elenents. And everything is woven seamlessly together. They have created a true treasure that covers the realities of the First World War. The WWII exhibits are more traditional but include fabulous artifacts as well including the recovered wreckage of the,secret two person sub that attacked the Tirpitz.

Next stop for the day was Greenwich south of England. Originally a palace built by Henry VII and residence of Henry VIII and Elizabeth, it now houses the famous clipper shop, Cutty Sark that has been wonderfully restored. This is also the home of the National Maritime Museum where I was able to see the coat and pants,worn by Admiral Nelson at his last battle, the victory at Trafalgar. We then walked up to the Royal Observatory to see the Prime Meridian site and where I photographed the memorial to General Wolfe which interestingly was donated in part by the descendent of General Montcalm who Wolfe defeated at the Battle of Quebec! This was quite a steep hike to the top but we made it. After making it back to sea level we took in the,beautiful chapel at the Royal Naval College. The journey ended with sunday roast at a local pub. History across time and place. A great day!