We went to the city of Cartagena which is located in the region of Murcia approximately 120 kilometers from Alicante. The city with a population of 218,000 is located on the coast of the Mediterranean sea. Cartagena is a very old city which has a history as far back at 228 BC. The city’s defensive location surrounded by five mountains made it an excellent port with fortifications. Throughout the centuries the city has been conquered by different groups.
Our first stop in Cartagena was the Castillo de la Concepcion, a medieval castle. The walkway up to the castle was beautiful with great views of the city and the sea.
Part of the walkway to the Castillo de la Concepcion
Along the walk to the castle, we came across some peacocks. They were quite tame and did not move far off the trail as we went by.
Peacock leading the way up the trail to the castle
We admired the features along the way to the castle including the tiled walls which depicted historical events.
Tiles with image of historic aspect of Cartagena on trail to the Castillo de la Concepcion
We came across some beautiful trees, one of them had their roots exposed.
Flowering tree along the trail to the castle
When we were almost to the castle there was a large flat area which contained a large chimney. This was used in ancient times similar to a lighthouse. They would put a large fire at the base and pull out selected stones to allow light to shine through.
Felipe and Ray in front of the ancient chimney at Castillo de la Concepcion
As we got higher up on the trail there were some beautiful views of the city.
View along the way to the Castle
When we reached the castle, we stopped to enjoy the view. We could see the old Roman Theater and other features within the city of Cartagena.
View near the Castillo de la Concepcion in Cartagena.View of Cartagena from the Castillo de la Concepcion
We then went and explored the Castillo de la Concepcion. There were several rooms which were designed as cisterns. There was limited access to water at the castle so they captured rainwater. We were able to walk through the cisterns and look at its design.
Inside the cisterns on Castillo de la ConcepcionA lookout inside the castle
There were several rooms with displays of different artifacts. We saw a “Strongbox” which was used for currency control and to hold important documents from the 16th century.
16th-century “Strongbox” at Castillo de la Concepcion
16th-century book with important historic information.
16th-century historic book
We saw many interesting artifacts in the Castle, but what was extremely impressive was the outside section of the Castle. The views from the top of the castle were breathtaking. We could see the entire city and the mountains in the background.
Shelley on the top of the Castillo de la ConcepcionRay overlooking the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Castillo de la Concepcion was very interesting. We enjoyed walking up the trail, seeing the vistas and exploring the rich history of the Castle.
The city of Alicante has a very long and diverse history. Throughout the years there have been numerous battles and wars fought on the shores of Alicante. In 1936 there was a civil war and Alicante became a vital stronghold for the republican government. The Seneca Air Raid Shelter was part of a network of approximately 100 underground bomb shelters located throughout the City of Alicante. They were built by the republican Authorities during the Spanish civil war (1936 to 1939). Alicante was heavily bombed over 70 times during the civil war.
Map with locations of bomb shelters in Alicante during the civil war 1936-1939
These shelters were intended to protect the civilian population from air attacks by the German and Italian aircraft. Alicante was bombed more than 70 times between 1936 and 1939.
Image of one of the bombing runs over Alicante during the civil war of 1936-1939
The Plaza Seneca was renovated uncovering the entrances to the bomb shelter, which has now been opened up to the public. We went to check out the bomb shelter and learn about the network of shelters in Alicante.
Ray at the entrance of the Bomb Shelter R31 which is located in Seneca plaza
We began our tour in a small area with photos and documentation of the bomb shelters. Our guide spoke only Spanish and it was a challenge to understand some of the commentaries.
Our guide explaining the civil war and the creation of the Bomb shelters in Alicante
We had an opportunity to see some of the original documentation outlining the locations and designs of the various bomb shelters in Alicante.
We then saw a short video on the history of the creation of the shelters and the outcome of the civil war which ended with a dictatorship in Spain by Francisco Franco Bahamonde (4 December 1892 – 20 November 1975). He was a Spanish general who ruled over Spain as a dictator for 36 years from 1939 until his death in 1975.
After the video, we headed to see the bomb shelter. The door to the shelter provided access to a set of stairs which went down 21 feet underground. We headed down the stairs into the bomb shelter which has basically remained intact since its construction in 1936.
Stairway into the bomb shelter
At the base of the stairs, the shelter corridor turns to the left. The design of the shelter reduces the blast zone through separated small cubicle rooms throughout.
Model of the Seneca bomb shelter showing the layout of the divided rooms along the corridor.
The walls of the shelter were constructed with stone and the floor was a dirt floor.
Shelley in bomb shelter
There were different messages painted on the walls providing some instructions to people in the bomb shelter.
A message, “Keep silent for the duration of the alarm” painted in Spanish on the wall of the shelter.“Respect the shelter is belongs to everyone” written in Spanish“The center is the best of the shelter” In Spanish encouraging people to go to the center for safety.“Give seats to children and the elderly” in Spanish on Bomb shelter wall
Along one end of the shelter, there was a small medical section for people who may be injured.
Medical station at the end of the corridor in bomb shelter
The main corridor of the bomb shelter was 51 meters long and adjacent to the corridor were 38 cubicles. Each cubicle was intended to protect the people from the bombings.
Ray walking along the corridor of the bomb shelter51-meter long corridor of bomb shelter with 38 cubiclesCubicle in bomb shelter
The entire bomb shelter was able to hold 1200 people. There were no washrooms and very limited space and seating. The intent was simple to protect people for the duration of the bombings. We walked along the corridor and imagined the horror children and parents would have endured waiting in the bomb shelter while their homes were being bombed.
It was an interesting day but somewhat sad thinking about how people had to live during those years.
We went to the amazing Museo Arqueologico de Alicante to explore the Viking exhibition. The museum is excellent and has won the European Museum of the Year award in 2004.
Museo Arqueologico De Alicante
We began our visit by entering into a small theater where we watched a video on the history of the Vikings.
Theater area in the museum
The video, which was in Spanish, explained the long history of the Vikings.
We were amazed at how large an impact the Vikings had on the world. The Vikings at their peak in the 8th and 9th centuries either controlled or were located in half the world. They traveled as far as Newfoundland Canada and had a strong influence on various regions of the world.
The Viking exhibit was separated into three different areas, the first was the Viking ships, warriors, and merchants. We were amazed at the various designs of ships built by the Vikings. They were excellent ship builders and created unique ships based on the usage. The long narrow ships associated with the Vikings were warships and could travel fast and required limited water. This allowed them to travel up rivers to conduct raids on villages near the shores.
They also had a unique control with a side rudder which was located on the right side and provided excellent maneuverability.
Side rudder used to control the shipActual side rudder of Viking Ship dated 8th century
The right side rudder was called “Steor” meaning rudder or steering paddle, and the word “bord” referred to the ship’s side. The term “starboard” originated from the combination of these words meaning the right side of the ship.
The museum demonstrated the size of the largest Viking ship discovered in the world. The museum had a line showing the length of the ship.
Description of the length of the longest Viking ship
To demonstrate the length of the ship, I took a photo of Shelley at the far end of the ship.
Shelley at the far end of the Ship length 37.2 meters long
We continued through the museum looking and reading about the history of the Vikings. There were some interesting facts that we discovered. The Vikings used silver as a means of currency and would cut coins needed to achieve a certain weight.
Viking silver pieces with cut coins.
They made everyday items out of bones and there were bonesmiths which were very common in Viking communities.
Bone tools made by Vikings, including combs, door handles etc.
The Viking King “Harald Bluetooth” who reigned between 958 and 970 was famous for uniting Viking tribes in parts of Denmark and Norway into one nation and converting the Danes to Christianity. That is where the name “Bluetooth” is derived from in technology.
King Bluetooth converted the Vikings towards Christianity and embedded Christianity into their symbols and culture.
The Aby Crucifix with image of king on cross with eyes open
The Aby crucifix is the oldest crucifix in Denmark and comes from Aby Church. The crucifix is dated from 1050 -1100 and made of gilded copper on a base of wood.
(Copy) JELLING Stone with Christian symbols intertwined
The Jelling Stone was created in 965 by King Bluetooth. A copy of the stone was produced for the museum exhibit. The jelling stone has three sides, one side has images of Danes, the other side has a mystical beast and the third side has an image of crucified Christ.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Viking exhibit, it was very interesting and informative.
Muro is a quaint little town of 9000 people in the foothills of Sierra Mariola mountain. We took a small tour group to Muro to explore the unique little town. Our first stop in Muro was at a local family company called “Pericana de Muro”. The family business which is dedicated to the enhancement and elaboration of “home canning” has been established for generations. We were greeted by the owner and his brother and provided multiple samples to try.
Group at the Pericana with Owner Miguel
The owner “Miguel” is pictured in the original image of the business when he was a small child.
Family business logo and the photo of the original family Miguel is the small child in the photo.
Miguel treated us to a very warm and enjoyable experience at the Pericana. We sampled many different canned products with only locally grown organic produce. The different samples were extremely tasty. Miguel also made sure everyone was treated to a sampling of local wine. There is a tradition of sharing wine using a neat wine decanter with a large spout. Miguel demonstrated how the decanter worked.
Miguel demonstrating the use of the wine decanter.
Some of the people enjoyed the wine using the decanter while others drank the wine in a glass.
One of the people in our tour group enjoying the wine using the decanter method.
We sampled about six different types of canned items.
Some of the samples at the Pericana business
We tried all the samples, using bread and enjoyed them immensely. There were different products such as tomato jam, cod, and peppers even aromatic herbs with virgin oil and tomatoes. All of the products were locally grown and without any preservatives. Miguel was very proud of the products and was a very gracious host to the group.
Miguel and Ray at the Pericana.
After tasting the different products Miguel insisted that he take us for a tour of his hometown of Muro. We headed out for a walk of the downtown area of Muro.
Muro was celebrating their annual medieval festival and the entire downtown area was converted to a medieval theme.
Main Plaza area of Muro, Spain
We walked through the narrow streets looking at the various merchandise on display.
Vendors at Medieval Festival in Muro
We walked along the streets and we came across a group of people playing music.
Musicians warming up in preparation for the parade
They were part of the parade which was going to start shortly. We were greeted by a counselor who was part of the group leading the parade. We were invited to participate and walk with her in the lead of the parade. We walked with her to the main square as part of the head of the parade. It was considered an honor to be in the lead of the parade.
After the parade, we headed to a very old Bodega in town, called “Celler La Muntanya”. We toured part of the Bodega and went into the original cellar of the Bodega.
Stairway down to the original Bodega La Muntanya Cellar in MuroCellar of the Bodega La MuntanyaCellar hallway to different area in cellar
It was very interesting walking through the Cellar of a Bodega which was established for centuries. We then headed back to the courtyard of the Bodega for a rest before heading out to see the remainder of the town.
Liz, Shelley, and Barbara taking a break in the courtyard of the Bodega.
We then continued our walk into the center of town. There were numerous displays and shops along the way. One which we stopped at was very unique. The shop contained some great antiques and the owners were celebrating the festival and providing free drinks and snacks.
Antique store in Moro, Spain
Some of the interesting antiques included a Roman scale, old phone, tools and other old household items.
Scale from the Roman timesAntique phoneOld guy with an old mirrorFilipe and the owner of the antique store
The owner was very friendly and welcomed us into the back of the store to show us his favorite antique. In the back of the store, he had an antique street music box which played music when you crank the handle.
Antique Street Music box
He gave us a demonstration of the music box which played a traditional Spanish tune.
We had a great time with lots of laughs at the store. He treated us like a family guest which was very humbling. We then headed to the main square and checked out the Medieval festival.
Ray looking at the pastries in the MarketFresh dates being sold at the market
The entire town of Muro seemed to be very pleased to have us visiting their town. In fact, the local television station came and did an interview. I was trying to stay out of the media spotlight but they asked me and after only one year in Spain, I was on television again.
Ray being interviewed by the local Spanish television crew.
Muro is a very beautiful town and we enjoyed our visit immensely. It felt like we had a nice visit with close friends.
When we arrived in Spain we were exposed to new foods, dishes and Spanish customs related to eating. Over the months that followed we have tried different dishes and foods. Some were very tasty while others were not to our liking.
What was important, was to keep an open mind and be willing to at least try the food or dish. We have had an amazing adventure by trying the different foods. Some of the taste and textures are difficult to explain but a photo can help. Here are a few of the adventurous dishes we have tried.
Olives are very popular here and you see them in almost every meal in one form or another. Spain is the largest producer and exporter of olives and olive oil in the world, so it is not a surprise to see olives regularly incorporated into food.
Different olives, some pickled, some stuffed with fish, meat, cheese or other fruits. There are numerous ways to eat olives.
We have explored the world of olives and tried numerous varieties and styles of olives. Stuffed with sardines, stuffed with cheese and garlic to name a few.
We are on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and there are many types of sea creatures in the Spanish diet. We have come across numerous fish or crustacean meals that we would not normally eat, however, we are committed to trying them at least once.
Deep fried complete fish with head and tail attachedRay eating a complete deep-fried fish
There are many dishes which use fish as a main ingredient.
Potato chips with an olive sprinkle and a small spiced fish
We enjoyed the potato chips with small spiced fish. It was very tasty and was similar to potatoes and salsa. This is a very popular dish at local bars and pubs.
Salads with fish is a popular dish, sardines are normally one of the preferred fish on salad.
Sardines on fresh salad
We have tried numerous types of different shellfish over the past year. There was the normal type of shrimp which are normally served with the heads still on them.
Shrimp with heads are popular in Spain
We also had different types of shellfish, some which looked more like crayfish.
Type of shellfish which looked similar to crayfish
There are numerous types of squid and octopus in Alicante. They are used in many different dishes. We have tried different ones and have found them to be good depending on how they are cooked.
Seafood Paella popular dish in Spain
Paella is a popular dish here in Spain. There are many tourist restaurants that sell paella, although they may not be a traditional paella. The true Valencia Paella is made with rabbit and chicken.
Spanish Paella with chicken and rabbit
There is black ink squid paella which we tried but it was not to our liking.
Black squid ink seafood paella.
There were numerous other different types of dishes we tried and enjoyed over the year.
Roasted Piglet headArtichoke roasted in olive oil
There is a weed called “Cyperus Esculentus” or “Chufa” and it can be found in the wild. In Spain, it is also cultivated for its edible root bulb. The root bulb is used to create a non-alcoholic beverage called “Horchata de Chufa”, which is very refreshing in the summer.
horchata de chufa is a sweet, milk-like beverage in Spain.
Chocolate and Churros is a very popular treat in Spain. The pastry is dipped in hot chocolate which is very tasty.
Chocolate with Churros, a popular Spanish treat.
We have learned a tremendous amount about the Spanish cuisine and culture. The Spaniards celebrate eating and make it part of their social activities. They will take hours to enjoy a meal which will include staying at the table long after the meal is finished socializing for hours.
Tapas are an important part of the culture and part of the social fabric of Spain. When a beer is served at a pub or restaurant normally a tapa is also served. The tapas can range from simple peanuts to very complex tapas.
Tapa of mixed nuts
The food and culture in Spain are certainly different from North America. They tend to eat healthier, enjoy the social aspect of “breaking bread with friends” and celebrate the activity of eating.
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