On the evening of October 21st there was a religious celebration in Alicante called “the Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento” . It is a procession which is held in Santa Cruz locate in the heart of the old quarter of Alicante.
We went to a friend’s home to watch the procession. They live in the barrio of Santa Cruz along the route of the procession. We had a balcony which overlooked the procession along one of the smallest spots in the route.
View from the balcony of the route for the Salida
The Salida extraordinria del Descendimiento has a wooden platform which is carried through the barrio of Santa Cruz. On the wooden float is a wooden carving of Jesus and other religious figures. They are all carried on a large wooden platform. The weight of the statues and the platform is approximately 25,000 lbs (1135 kg).
Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento platform being carried through the barrio of Santa Cruz
People gather throughout the route to pray, sing and clap as the platform is carried. There are approximately 30 people who carry the heavy platform and they stop along the route for prayers and songs. There is a band which follows the procession and plays unique music for the event.
Band marching and playing music behind the Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento.
We had an excellent location to watch the entire Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento. The balcony was located so close to the route that Shelley was able to reach out and touch the cross and the carving of Jesus as it went by.
Shelley on the balcony waving after the procession passed
We had a very enjoyable time, visiting with some of our friends and experiencing a Catholic Spanish tradition. We made a short video of the Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento for you to enjoy. The music in the video is from the Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento and was played during the procession.
The Volvo Ocean race takes place every three years. This year is the start of the race is in Alicante.
We took in some of the pre-race activities during the time the Volvo Ocean Race was in Alicante. We went down to the pier and walked through the different pavilions.
Pavillions for the Volvo Ocean Race
They had interactive activities for the children.
Computer simulation for sailing which children used to practice their sailing skills.
There was even a full size replica of the sail boat which was cut through the middle to provide a view of the interior of the racing boat.
Interior of race boat design used in Volvo raceInterior of racing boat design where children could explore the boat
We walked along the pavilions checking out the displays and activities. It was an interesting day looking at the different aspects of the Volvo Ocean Race.
The following day we went out on the Mediterranean to watch a trial race by the Volvo Ocean teams. We went out on our friends sailboat and enjoyed the view from the sea.
Shelley and Mike on the Sailboat
There were many other boats on the water also watching the race.
Volvo Ocean Race Sailboats during preliminary race in Alicante
We followed along the race route enjoying the spectacular views of the sailboats.
It was a very enjoyable way to see the sailboats racing. We even managed to get very close to the Volvo ocean sailboats.
Close view of the crew of the Volvo Ocean sailboat Brunel
It was a great day of sailing along with the Volvo Ocean Race sailboats.
The official race day was October 22nd and we went to watch the race at a friends apartment. The apartment is located on the 20th floor and the view was spectacular. We could see the entire race from a different vantage point.
View of the Volvo Ocean Race start at Alicante Spain
We enjoyed watching the race live on the tv as well.
We were fortunate to see the Volvo Ocean Race sailboats in different ways, from the sea, high above and in close proximity to the boats.
We went to the beautiful city of Segovia, located north of Madrid. The historic town of Segovia was established around 75 B.C. and is known for its Roman aqueduct.
Bev, Shelley, and Ray in Segovia near the Roman Aqueduct.
The aqueduct is a central focus of the city and was an amazing site to see. The architectural and ingenuity of the design was impressive.
Segovia Roman Aqueduct
The aqueduct was built during the first century AD and there is no mortar of any kind in the structure. It has endured the test of time delivering water until 1922 when the city blocked the flow of water through the aqueduct.
Segovia aqueduct constructed with no mortar in 1st-century A.D.View of the two tiers of the aqueduct in Segovia
The line of arches is organized into two levels, the top pillars are both shorter and narrower than those on the lower level. On the upper level, of the aqueduct, the arches are 5.1 meters (16.1 ft) wide. The top of the structure contains a channel through which the water traveled. The overall length of the raised aqueduct section is 813 meters and is 28 meters high ( 92 feet).
One of the arches in the Segovia aqueduct.
After exploring the aqueduct, we explored the main area of Segovia and saw some of the historic sites.
Cathedral of SegoviaCity hall in Segovia Spain.View of the old quarter in central SegoviaStatue near church of San Martin in SegoviaChurch of San Martin in Segovia
Segovia is also on the main route of the Camino de Santiago de Madrid. We walked along the streets of Segovia admiring the beautiful buildings. The city is rich with history and we could see it almost everywhere in the old quarter. It is truly a beautiful city.
The Alcázar of Segovia is a world heritage site in beautiful Segovia Spain. This castle is unique and is recognizable by its unique style. It is claimed that Walt Disney Castle was inspired by a variety of  Castles including the Segovia Castle.
Peaked style roof at Alcázar Castle in Segovia, Spain
Note the similar style of roofs between the Disney Castle and the Alicázar Castle.
Walt Disney Cinderella Castle
The Alcázar Castle was built high above the point of two rivers on cliffs between two rivers.  The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress but over the centuries it has also been used as a royal palace, a prison, and a military garrison.
Inside the castle, there were numerous rooms with assorted artifacts. We walked through the different rooms looking at the architecture and displays.
Ray and Bev “guarding the Door” in the Alicázar castlemedieval armory on display in the castle.Displays in the Alicázar castle
All of the ceilings were ornately decorated and painted.
One of the ceilings in the Segovia castle.
In the center of the castle, there was a large courtyard with a central fountain.
Bev and Shelley in central courtyard of the Castle in Segovia
The castle had some unique features that definitely resembled the Disney castle.
We enjoyed walking through the rooms and exploring the 12-century castle.
I decided to take an early morning walk from my hotel to one of the biggest parks in Madrid called “Parque del Buen Retiro”. I started out walking along some of the back streets of Madrid towards the park. It was a fairly quiet walk and I was able to enjoy the serenity of being fairy alone in this large city of 3 million people. What was enjoyable was seeing things at a slower pace and noticing the beauty of the city. I walked along a quiet street and noticed some inlaid writing on the road. Normally the street would be too busy to read it.
I came across some unique bronze statues or city workers that appeared to be randomly placed in areas of the city.
A statue of a street sweeper in Bronze in MadridA bronze statue of a worker who would light the street lamps in Madrid
I arrived early at the Parque del Buen Retiro which literally means – park of the pleasant retreat. The gate that I entered into the park was stunning and was very welcoming.
One of the gates to the Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid
The park itself has some very beautiful vistas and paths. I began to walk the paths with no set direction in mind. I was simply enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the park.
Each path would join other paths that could lead you in many directions. I walked along some of the secluded areas of the park admiring the beauty of the trees.
I eventually found my way to an area called the Crystal Palace. The palace was constructed of ornate glass and was visually stunning to see.
Crystal Palace in MadridA section of the crystal palace in Buen Retiro park in Madrid
The palace which was built-in 1887 to exhibit flora and fauna.
Section of the Crystal Place in Madrid
The palace was almost completely made with glass and was an impressive building. I walked around the building and came across a pond at the front of the Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace in the Buen Retiro Park in Madrid
I walked around for approximately three hours enjoying the sights and sounds of the park. There were people gathering in the park as the day progressed. I could see people jogging, kids playing, couples holding hands and people on tour bikes.
People enjoying the Buen Retiro Park in Madrid
There were some interesting groups in the park as well. One group was doing synchronized moves using Spanish hand fans called “Abanico”
Another group was playing music for money as people walked by.
Musicians playing music in the park for donations.
The Buen Retiro Park is a beautiful and a large nature area in the heart of Madrid.
Below are some of the pictures that I took of the Buen Retiro Park.
One of the gates into Retiro Park
Bird in Retiro Park
Path in Retiro Park
Unique tree in Retiro Park
One of the many birds in Retiro Park
Crystal Palace in Retiro Park
Flower in Retiro Park
One of the many statues in Retiro Park
It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day. I recommend to anyone who goes to Madrid to take a relaxing day and walk through the park.
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