Cadiz, Spain

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Leaving Barcelona, out through the Balearic Sea into the Mediterranean Sea, into the Alboran Sea, we head west-south-west to the Gibraltar Strait, then we leave the Mediterranean Sea and into the Atlantic Ocean. This puts us onto a northerly course to Cadiz.

Cadiz is Spain's gateway to the Atlantic and has been a commercial port for 3,000 years.  It is also considered the gateway to Seville, the capital of Spain.  Seville is about a 2 hour trip inland.  You can also travel from Cadiz to Jerez, Spain's renowned "Sherry Triangle" and also visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to watch the horses.

But oh what a surprise the beautiful city of Cadiz and it's 18th and 19th century architecture turned out to be!  Cadiz is one of Europe's oldest inhabited cities, dating from 1100 B.C.  Just a short 15 minute walk puts you into the city center and from there you can head in all directions.

One of the first things you see is the Town Hall or Ayuntamiento, built in two stages, 1779 and 1861, the facade is decorated with garlands, round moldings with Phoencian coins and the roof with stone vases.

As expected, around every corner there is a new plaza to explore, exquisite old churches and cathedral's, the typical European sidewalk cafes, narrow passageways, and Mercado Central.  It was also time for a haircut for Curt.  We found a cute little barber shop, quite inexpensive and good.  We decided that as slow as they were, they would not survive in the U.S!

We can say that this is a lovely place, Cadiz, and we will look forward to another visit.  At 6:45 PM, we dropped the gangway and began our trek to Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.

Barcelona, Spain

Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Traveling away from Nice, through the Gulf of Lion, which is a wide embayment of the Mediterranean coastline in France, reaching from the border with Catalonia to Toulon and very beautiful.  Also the area is known for cold and blustery winds, some of which helped blow us to Barcelona.

Barcelona is an overnight stop on the itinerary allowing more time for passengers and crew to enjoy the many wonders available.  The city is the capital of Catalonia, Spain, full of rich culture, art and architecture.  Art lovers probably should not miss seeing the Picasso Museum to view the famed artist's work but be prepared for long lines to get inside!  One of the most famous architectural works of art, by Antonio Gaudi, is the La Sagrada Familia, the 19th-century church which remains unfinished to this day.

Food and wine are always a highlight while in Barcelona.  We have a favorite restaurant, Les Quinze Nits, that we always visit.  But others find that they enjoy the tapas, small plates of food like olives, cured meats and cheese, or chopitos, tiny fried squid - maybe just some paella will do for us!

One way to spend your day is touring the Barri Gothic, the old part of Barcelona, walking through the narrow, winding ancient streets, you can see buildings and sites dating back 2,000 years.  Then head to Las Ramblas which connects to the Barri Gothic district.  A famed poet once said, "Las Ramblas is the only street in the world which I wish would never end."  It features flower carts, street markets, sidewalk cafes, opera houses and MIMES!

After a day and a half of glorious weather and time in Barcelona, we sadly said goodbye at 8PM and began our sail towards Cadiz, Spain scheduled for arrival in 2 days.