Category Archives: Spain

Spain

Driver’s License Success

We finally, completed our Spain driver’s process including the final practical exam. The procedure of acquiring a Spanish driver’s license is a major undertaking for people who live in Canada and the USA. The Spanish government does not recognize the equivalency of a Canadian or USA driver’s license. You are required to complete the entire driver license process regardless of your past experience identical to that of a new Spanish driver.

We began the process back in fall with completing the written exam. The written exam was an experience and adventure on its own. If you haven’t followed the post on our progress follow the links below.

http://wp.me/p6PTzi-11N             http://wp.me/p6PTzi-12T

We have been taking the practical driving lessons which are a requirement in order to complete the driver exam process. Although we are both experienced drivers and have held a Canadian driver license for years the lessons were of value.

The driving techniques in Spain and Europe are somewhat different from Canada. We do drive on the same side of the road however, there are some notable differences.

Yield signs are common and stop signs are minimal in Alicante. There are numerous roundabouts in Spain and some roundabouts are complex with three or more lanes wide.

Typical roundabout in Spain

Traffic signs are also slightly different, there are multiple signs for the same intersection which can be confusing at times.

After completing numerous practical driving lessons, we finally had our driving test days. Ray’s test was first and it was done during a torrential downpour. The examiner only speaks Spanish and no translator is permitted for the exam.  The exam took approximately 20 minutes and when completed I was informed to wait outside the car. The examiner and the driving instructor remained in the car for a few minutes to discuss the exam.  Ray was then allowed back in the vehicle and he was dropped off at the apartment. The results of the exam would not be available for 24 hours.

Shelley’s Driving exam was held on the Wednesday before the Easter long weekend. Traffic was congested and there were three other students in the car when the exam took place. The examiner asks each student a question about the car prior to the practical exam. Shelley’s question was on the colour of the reverse lights on the car when in reverse. Shelley completed the exam and was also asked to wait outside the car with the other students.

The final result is that we both have passed our driver exams and now have a Spanish driver’s license.

Ray and Shelley in front of the Pausa driving school holding their Driver Licence L

In the first year after obtaining your driver’s license in Spain, you are required to have an “L” on your rear window of your car. We received our “L” from our driving school and will display it proudly when we drive.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

The Basilica of the Sagrada Família

We went the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona with friends from Canada. The construction of the basilica began in 1882 and after the architect resigned in 1883,  Antoni Gaudí took charge of the project. The Basilica still remains unfinished and construction continues with approximately 70 percent completed. The art nouveau design makes the basilica an impressive and amazing architectural building.

We walked towards the entrance admiring the massive and ornate design.

Looking at the main entrance area of the Basilica

We entered the basilica through a large and ornate entrance. The design was very busy with many different features. We took our time to look at the various designs finding unique features throughout it.

Front entrance of the Basilica

 

Looking up in the arch to the entrance of the basilica

Inside the basilica, we were overwhelmed by the massive structure and unique design.

Stained glass windows in basilica
pillars and stained glass windows inside the basilica
View of the pillars and ceiling in section of the basilica
The design of the ceiling and stained glass made the lighting inside the basilica look almost supernatural
Ray, Sarah, and Steve in the basilica
Stained glass throughout the height of the basilica walls

We walked through the main floor area of the basilica admiring the design. The view of the main altar area was incredible. The massive pillars and use of lighting made it quite impressive.

View of the altar area of the basilica

The lighting that entered at the top of the ceiling was reflected by what appeared as gold or copper metal.

Light from the ceiling above the altar reflecting on a copper or gold metal.

The altar also contained a statue of Jesus hanging from the cross.

Jesus on cross hanging above the altar in Basilica

We then walked through a passageway to an exterior section of the basilica. There we admired the outside designs taking our time to see the details. Some of the statues and designs were strange and intriguing.

Design on outside of the Basilica
Design on the door entrance area of the basilica
Roman killing infants while person trying to stop him
Turtle at the base of the pillar on outside of basilica
details on outside of the basilica
intricate details on the outside of the basilica
Three wise men depicted on basilica

We went through another passageway and down stairs to a lower section of the basilica. This section contained some of the original drawings and plaster models for the design of the basilica. This was also the area where work continues on the completion of the basilica.

Model of section of the basilica
Work area for the completion of parts of the basilica

We then headed to the crypt area to see where Antoni Gaudí was entombed.

The tomb of Antoni Gaudí in the basilica

It was a very interesting and unique basilica. Well worth seeing and recommend if you get a chance to see it.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

The City of Cartagena

We went to Cartagena and explored this wonderful city. Located on the coast of the mediterranean sea, it has a long and rich history. We walked through the streets in the old quarter of Cartagena and admired some of the unique architecture.

Architecture in the old quarter in Cartagena

What was very different was the walkway itself which was covered in beautiful marble and was polished smooth.

the polished marble on the walkways in the old quarter of Cartagena

We walked along the streets and came across city hall which had nice architectural features.

City hall in Cartagena Spain

We went into city hall and checked out the lobby area. There was security at the door and we were not able to explore the remainder of city hall.

Shelley and Ray at the base of the main stairway in city hall in Cartagena

The ceiling had beautiful features and was stunning to see.

Ceiling above the main staircase in city hall in Cartagena

The outside features of city hall were also impressive.

above the main entrance of city hall in Cartagena
A section of city hall in Cartagena

The building was attacked repeatedly over the centuries and there are remnants of damage from cannon balls hitting the building.

Damage caused by a cannon ball visible on the wall at city hall

We then walked down towards the waterfront and admired the views from the boardwalk.

Boardwalk area near the waterfront in Cartagena, Spain

We came across a sailor and decided to get our picture taken with him.

Ray and Shelley with statue of sailor near the waterfront in Cartagena, Spain

The views from the waterfront were great and we walked the full length of the boardwalk.

The marina area in Cartagena, Spain

We saw many beautiful boats and the view of the mountains was spectacular. Overall a very enjoyable day in Cartagena.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

 

Spain

The Roman Theatre in Cartagena

One of our favorite sites in Cartagena was the Roman theater. When we first walked to the top of the hill and saw the theater for the first time it was spectacular. It was located on the hillside which made it quite large and impressive.

View from the top of the Roman theater in Cartagena, Spain

The theater was much larger than we expected and it could hold up to 7000 spectators. The theater was in use between 5 and 1 BC and it was in excellent condition considering how ancient the structure was.

Ray and Shelley with Roman Theater in the background.
section of the Roman theater

We were able to freely walk throughout the majority of the theater admiring the architecture. The design of the theater was similar to a modern theater with exit aisles and divided into sections to accommodate the spectators.

Aisles divide the theater into sections for the spectators

We walked to the lower section of the theater and could see some of the marble columns which held up the wooden sections of the structure.

Columns in Roman theater in Cartagena
Columns at the outer wall of the theater.

The entire theater was well designed and had spectacular features. The stone stairs were even cut out and designed.

Stairs carved out of stone in theater

We walked throughout the theater for almost an hour enjoying the beautiful historic site.

Section at the base of the theater
Corridor to the section behind the seating area
Ray in section at base of the theater

It is truly hard to imagine the amount of history that occurred in the theater since 5 BC. It was a great experience and a very enjoyable time

Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Cartagena Medieval wall and Crypt

We went to check out the Cartagena Punic Wall Interpretation known as “El Centro de interpretacion de la murall Punica”. The Punic wall interpretation center was built to the same dimensions as of the wall height and width of the original wall. The center highlights the recovery of remains from the ancient Carthaginian wall which was used as a defensive wall system in Cartagena.

The design of the wall is known as the Hellenistic model. It has two parallel walls constructed with large sandstone blocks. The walls were 10 meters high (33 feet) and inside the walls, there was space divided into different sections. Each section was used for a specific purpose, horse stable, weapons storage and living quarters etc.

View from above of the ancient wall

We walked through the center looking at the remains of the wall. It was hard to imagine that the walls were built around 200 BC.

Punic wall build approximately 200 BC

We then came to the stairs which led to an area that was discovered to contain a funeral crypt. The crypt belonged to the hermitage of Saint Joseph and was built during the XVI and XVII centuries.

Stairs to Roman catacombs

We went down the stairs and saw the crypt which contained actual remains from that time period. At the base of the stairs, the crypt was opened on one side and it was sealed on the other side.

Funeral crypt built during the XVI and XVII centuries

Inside the open crypts, there were remains from that time period.

Crypts dated from 16th and 17th centuries

The one side of the crypt was intact and was not opened. The original wall along with a painted image which was slightly visible.

Painted image visible on the crypt wall
The original sealed crypt section

The wall and crypt were very interesting and something we enjoyed seeing. There is an amazing history of Cartagena and it was an enjoyable visit.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”